Psychedelic

M Trail: I am not telepathic!

2012-01-27T20:20:00.002+05:30

I so wish people would say what is on their mind,

rather than try to be polite and nice ...

and deceptive...

I am not telepathic!

M Trail: Smiles and Tears

2012-01-22T19:35:00.002+05:30

Smiles are so contagious; and so are tears.

They define moments happy and those of fear;
They are oxymoron-ic and still coexist.
They are cathartic and help us understand the gist.
They provide the closure we often yearn...
They define every silent desire unborn.
Smiles are so contagious and so are tears.

Love.interpreted

2012-01-17T22:24:00.003+05:30

Review of The Breakup by Vijayendra Haryal

Love, explored and interpreted through 21 short stories and 7 poems.

The title with a negative connotation unveils a world filled with
optimism. Love is seen as a symbolism, a matter of chance, and even
destiny unfolding. While the pathos is a common factor in many
stories, with its leading protagonist going through a phase of pain,
the stories do give us hope. Hope that love enriches life, it has a
practical essence, loving life is reciprocal and rationality is beyond
just the four letters. Some of the stories also touch upon societal
concerns where people forget to count their blessings;forget how each
individual with their love can enrich another life; how love is beyond
situations, defined relations and boundaries. Some of the stories that
I personally liked has to be The Break up, highlighting the essence of
'accept me as Iam'; the story about faith seen through the eyes of a
visually challenged person; how we can choose to remember someone,
even through a simple 'roast chicken' ritual. The author has chosen to
close the short stories with a story that explores the expression of
love through a parent, through faith and through a re-discovered
relationship.

The collection of short poems again looks at various phases of a love
story and closest with the best one, that sketches a canvas of love
filled with dreams.

As a reader, I do wish that most of the protagonists did not resort to
alcohol in despair, seemed a tad bit cliche. While the stories had a
nice flow and the writing is simple and lucid; it is essential that
the writings do not appear way too simple. For a first attempt, it is
commendable. While the author has drawn inspiration from real
incidents, I really hope he did not have to see so much of pain that
is depicted in some of the stories.

**I thank Vijayendra for even considering me worthwhile to review his book. It was no mean task, especially because you know it is a friend who has worked on the book and lived this from idea to reality over 5 years. Have to admit that I read it as any lay reader would; experienced the pain of the protagonists at times and at times, found them incomprehensible. Kudos to VH for taking this huge leap of faith to make his dream a reality. Hope many of us who also nurture the dreams of being an author ...like him can do so...

'M' Trail: Gyaan @ 2300

2012-01-16T23:01:00.000+05:30

"Why ponder over what could have been and feel sad;
Wonder about what can be and feel glad!!"

With love, from Delhi

2012-01-12T19:48:00.003+05:30

Dear Sneher!

You just made my day!
Brought a smile to my face,
Made me forget the stress race...
You sure have a way...
Despite being in Delhi and far away...
Through little things there is so much you say..
Full happiness, thanks to you...
Is here to stay!

I wonder what the shopkeeper thought seeing you pick 5 m&bs:). You should have just said, "Gharwali ke liye"!

MTrails Friendship!

2011-12-28T13:18:00.000+05:30

When a conversation is not bound by time, space, the mode,the topic or the no. of words.. you know it is a friendship to stay!

2011 Learnings!- MTrail

2011-12-27T13:58:00.002+05:30

The best things in life are priceless;

the best experiences intangible

and the best blessings unexplainable!

Wishes

2011-12-23T18:33:00.000+05:30

Happiness and hope,
Aspirations and awesomeness,
Dreams and darings,
Festive fervor is here.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2012!

An Ode to the Ditch!

2011-12-19T09:09:00.006+05:30

In the midst of the wind,
the dreams take a running lap.

The mistaken train and cute station,
the user history and endless passion.

The blossom of mindless gupshup,
are a reminder of happiness galore.

The giggly shrieks are a call
to memories of girly moments.

The endless 'ahem' gyaan batofying
snippets of WWF and missed calls.**

Snapping fingers, blink of the eyes;
tangent of thoughts, gusty waterfall.

The camera clicks, chai and beer;
the happy heart, smiles sans fear.

In the Ditch, the trail began,
To Ditchness, we raise a toast!

Till the next, a tale is written;
Sunshine and Wind, the budding flowers.

9th Dec 2011, 4.28pm

Bengaluru rocks!

2011-12-14T09:36:00.004+05:30

Dialed 080-22660000 this morning at 8.08am!

My first ever call to the BBMP helpline to report a dead dog on my road, requesting them to take action.
Have to admit it was a pleasant surprise to see an operator attend the call within seconds and be very patient with our query and register the grievance. They have given me my GR no.-79873 and assured me of action immediately.
The funny part though was that they ask us to dial a specific no. for a specific language. I dialed 2 for English and the operator spoke in Kannada.I honestly didn't mind as she was patient with my broken Kannada and handled the call well. I received a thank you message too:)

For all the times we crib about our city and throw brickbats, this effort of the BBMP is a small yet heartening step!

Bengaluru rocks!

Secret recipe

2011-11-25T16:27:00.002+05:30

Life has a secret recipe to make you strong.

A concoction of wild things and unexpected turns,
Many a smiles; flowers and thorns.
Garnished with hope, filled with anticipation,
Rocks become building blocks,
Narrow passages become enlightening pathways,
Sprinkled goodwill and blessings count.

Life sure has a secret recipe to make you strong.

popcorn jelly bean!

2011-11-12T14:32:00.004+05:30

There are moments many,
when the child in you plays symphony.

Just to see it makes ur eyes glitter,
the sound of it is music to the ears,
the choices galore is like a colorful folklore.
the flavors many, ensure heart and mind in harmony.

jelly bean is here to stay!
popcorn is my fave,
what is yours?I say...

#Happy Children's Day 2011#

Le MTrail

2011-11-11T13:49:00.001+05:30

No one has the right to make you feel miserable!

No one is worth so much of your emotional bandwidth!

Top 5 Sixth Year Researcher Syndrome:

2011-11-04T14:00:00.001+05:30

1. Writer's block, Researcher's block and Thinker's block are common friends
2. Your average rate of posts on social networking sites increase, you like almost everything posted
3. You get addicted to movies or TV series
... 4. You get immune to Qs like, "So, when do you finish?"
5. You see the humor in statements like, "PhD is a lonely journey".

बारिश की बूँदें

2011-11-02T17:34:00.002+05:30

बारिश की बूंदे

कमसिन यादें

लैब का माहोल

खिड़की से दिखे बादल।

बारिश की बूंदे

हलकी मुस्कूंराहट

कविता का संगीत

मिलन का सार।

बारिश की बूंदे

कहानी अनोखी

दूजा हैं दुनिया

एहसास सुहानी।

बारिश की बूंदे

चाय की प्यास

पकोड़े की आस

गप्पे का लुफ्त।

बारिश की बूंदे

झिलमिलाती सोच

लैब में ना लगे मनन

उढ़जाऊ बनके पंची तन्मय।

Dear 'Life'

2011-10-18T08:53:00.001+05:30

Dear 'Life',

Do not hand yourself to me on a platter,
let me embrace you moment by moment;
let me discover the minute details;
let me revel in this fabulous journey;
let me learn from my mistakes;
let me take things in my stride...
let me discover you and all your worth...

Love you,
M

M trails ...across the street

2011-10-04T08:29:00.000+05:30

Happiness, Inspiration, Hope, Opportunity

... don't reside across the street.

They are within you,

just stop and look!

Psychedelic

2011-09-30T18:45:00.002+05:30

The fire has found the sky
the autumn leaves rustle
colors draw a vibrant tale

मन- मल्हार

2011-09-23T15:07:00.004+05:30

ना जाने क्या सोचे यह मन
उलझी सोच और सुलझा जीवन
पतंग की डोर हाथ में थामे
आसमान में नयी बुलंदियां छूने

बादल के बीच लुकाछुपी का खेल
सूरज की किरणों में नाचता शब्द - रेल
वाद विवाद में छुपा सन्नाटा
शांत माहोल में सुलगती भावनाए।

ना जाने क्या जाने यह मन
क्या हैं हर्ज़ अगर कुछ ना जाने
ना कोई डर अगर कुछ ना समझे
ना कोई सीमा अगर कुछ ना सोचे
मन- मल्हार अपना गीत पिरोये।

...ahoy!

2011-09-22T10:41:00.002+05:30

Let the thorns prick

Let the letters fade

Let the memories hurt

Let the music haunt

Let the sand slip

Let the sun set

Let the dreams drown

Let the love free

Let the flowers bloom

Let the story yarn

Let the reminisces rewind

Let the dance spring

Let the time stop

Let the sun rise

Let the hopes fly

Let the life live

It is neither black nor white,

optimism is not always bright;

but it is here to stay-

To let you know

tomorrow is another day...

For every moment low,

there is a high...

Life is on a continuum..

Enjoy the ride...ahoy!

ख्वाब

2011-09-17T09:20:00.001+05:30

ख्वाबो के पालने में कुछ खट्टी मीठी यादें...
ना जाने उन्हें कैसे पता, किन पालो को साथ पिरोये...
गुज़रते समय की यह छवि सुन्हैरी,
आज की यादें बने कल के ख्वाब.

pensioner-researcher syndrome?

2011-08-30T16:17:00.002+05:30

The education loan SMSes that I now receive do not irritate me that much!

is this a 'pensioner-researcher' syndrome?:)

Thank you!

2011-08-26T10:16:00.004+05:30

There are moments when you want to thank all the people who have made a difference to your life.

I take this moment to thank all of you who read my blog;
I thank all of you who comment, your thoughts help me understand even better what I pen;
I thank all of you who are yet to comment, because I hope some day I will touch a chord within you with my words...

This thank you could have waited another opportune moment? Nahh... say it when you feel it, the psychedelic of life keeps evolving... don't lose a moment that was meant to be...

Thank you for reading my psychedelic thoughts...

lots of sunshine,
M

M trails...the stat line

2011-08-25T12:28:00.001+05:30

Just when u think,

this was the end of the road;

a new trail emerges

and fills you with hope!

OMG! statistical issues of my thesis are making me philosophical:)

Miki...Eki?

2011-08-20T19:25:00.004+05:30

Dear Seal Kaku,

Heavy is the heart
the tears do roll down
but will keep them in check
bcos Kaku, you would then frown...

you always smiled...
brought laughter whereever you went
made us laugh till our cheeks hurt
enjoyed life in its every moment.

you were a big awsum package
made us kids feel loved
the child in you gave many guest appearances
your "miki...eki..." is just one instance

wherever you are Kaku...
want you to know
you will always be in our hearts
your vibrancy is here to stay

love you and miss you...

your Eki... (miki)

Keep it simple silly!

2011-08-16T20:24:00.004+05:30

BasicHalli has got this concept at its core. About 80kms from Bangalore central (Read M.G Road), off Kanakpura town, located in the village of Sundagatta is this perfect weekend getaway. No plush rooms, no fancy service, no jacuzzis, no champagne and cheese cake; yet, so soulful! A large land that had a soiree of opportunities, now houses 11 thatched huts, shaped like tents; a mini farm and a functional kitchen.

I have always planned what I do, how I will do it…when I shall do it..I basically plan. Back from my summer school course, Prashant planned this surprise weekend holiday. I was asked to pack minimal; carry water, torch and lighter. Having little clue where we going, I anticipated every turn on the road, craned my neck to read every board and signage. Imagine my surprise when I land into this basic village, named basically basicHalli!

A coconut tree by every hut and a rock bench in front of it; a large hammock over a water tank and vegetables grown in the garden used for cooking absolutely sumptuous vegetarian food. Not to forget the hot piping chai and heavenly ‘mensinkai’ bhajjis. We also had a barbeque and grilled chicken was made. The experience of eating all meals in huge steel plates and washing your own plates made perfect sense. The restrooms are common and about 25mts away from the huts. They are a no-nonsense utility restrooms, which could do with an extra rack to keep the toiletries. There are various activities that are possible. We could choose from a range of boardgames like housie, business, ludo and snake n ladder; or even play football or volleyball. I did try my hand at some of them and Prashant hosted housie for the group of people that were staying. There is a lake closeby where we did take a walk and felt one with nature. There is also a temple up the hill, where we were taken by a tempo early morning. The inhabitants of the tempo included some early risers and some cycles for the brave hearts who wanted to cycle 10kms downhill on an almost non-existent road stretch of 6kms. While Prashant cycled, for me it was a time to explore the hills and valleys through the lens.

Two of the founders, Anand and Lobo were there and made us feel so at home. Their exuberance, conversations and participative nature makes the holiday at basicHalli all the more interesting.

So, here is my Rating (../5) for this haven away from the chaos of the city.

Concept:4.5
Food: 4.5(extra pat for the garden grown veggies; one of the crunchiest beans I have had in a long time)
Hut:4
Restrooms: 4
Overall experience: 4.25

Do I recommend this place to you: Of course. Why else would I blog about it!

Disclaimer: Not for the fainthearted and luxury seeking holidaygoers. If you want to enjoy nature, like your hut and ‘chape’ (mat) experience; want to sleep below the stars and eat simple yum food, then knock on the doors of basicHalli!

Read about BasicHalli here:)

5 years and counting!

2011-08-01T13:40:00.005+05:30

It seems like just yesterday,
I walked through the gates of the Institute...
A little dreamy eyed,
Lot of apprehensions,
Cartloads of hopes...
I admit, wanting to change the world!

Five years now,
Experiences galore, onstage and behind the screens,
Papers, presentations, exams...
Challenging self,
Finding a new meaning in every Voice.
Finding permeating boundaries...
Wanting to still break new grounds...
Debates, dynamics and some daring thoughts
A little disillussioned...yet very hopeful;
A new spring in my step,
Countless 'e's in the enthusiasm...
Many friends for life...

Guess it has been good five years...
Five years and counting,
Need to giftwrap it soon!

UKUS Part 4: U

2011-07-29T05:22:00.001+05:30

Find the 'U' in the unique
find the calling of your heart
let every fibre of your being
value life's every new start.
let no doubt shadow ur thoughts
find the ground you will break
write ur own story ur way..
ink ur life, have ur say!

UKUS Part 3: The Sojourn

2011-07-25T13:53:00.003+05:30

Time does fly,
moments do go by...
new people, a couldron of cultures,
stimulating thoughts,
inspiring discussions.
Politics, art, history, system of education;
tea, coffee, some similar passions.

long winding walks,
walk amidst the clouds,
sunrays play hide and seek,
walk to hilltop ...
casting glances of poetry
and thoughtful smiles...

novel ways of knowing...
newness finds a new meaning..
like the sojourn so far...
Time does fly,
moments do go by...

UKUS Part 2: passtaaa

2011-07-15T14:13:00.007+05:30

I love pasta...absolutely, like it the Italian way; like it even when it is Indianised with jeera and other spices, like it anyway anytime...anyhow:)

Aarti and I cooked dinner yesterday ( she let me cut the veggies and saute a little, being the perfect host)- stuffed pasta with bel peppers, mushroom, baby corn n broccoli...n green chillies...in pesto sauce! the gates of heaven just opened... teamed it with peppered mushrooms and garlic bread! had my 1st Pimm's & lemonade:) and have to admit very refreshing it is!

The highlight of the dinner was the stuffed pasta with cheese in it ...yumm!

This will surely find a place with me on my return journey:)

UK unbound Series Part 1: Walk through Borough Street

2011-07-14T22:49:00.003+05:30

There is no better way to know a place than to walk through its lanes. My first evening walk at London was through Borough street.

Busy, colorful and so many stories of its own ... little sneaks that I took at lines written, smiles that crossed my face on seeing some ads; just awed by the women who strode down the footpath in their stilletoes and matching stockings; buses and taxis with movie and daily show hoardings, promising great entertainment and happiness; lot of cyclists and cycles parked for public use; London evening standard on a stool to just be picked and read, a look at the Guardian ...naah, an admiring glance. This was like a mosaic that emerged in front of me. Even while I sat at Starbucks and pondered over the overhyped coffee, I couldn't help but feel excited like a child looking at the telephone booths and the low emission zone sign boards.The street was filled with restaurants of all cuisines and had a restaurant named The Blue eyed maid and another called the Truly Indian. A pub quoted, "In heaven there is no beer, that is why we drink it here!"; a London college offered american degrees and a place called Slug and Lettuce had a war memorial plaque.

This was 45mins well spent and as i walked into Swan street and entered Skylark court, my abode for the next few days...I just felt happy to know that now there will be words unbound!

p.s: Photos of all the things/places mentioned will be up on FB:)

UK unbound Series

2011-07-14T22:17:00.002+05:30

I like the idea of travelling, watch a lot of travel shows, always wanted to write travellogues but never really had the opportunity. While I do one of my first long travels in the next few days, i want to chronicle my UK visit as I see it.
Reading classics set in London, having friends staying here, seeing it on travel channels and now, finding myself here... 10 hours over ocean and land worth every moment!

Let me call this the UK unbound Series.

Beyond reason!

2011-06-06T16:39:00.003+05:30

We don't need a reason to be happy
we don't need a reason to smile
we don't need a reason to dream
we don't need a reason to clap our hands
we don't need a reason to do a jig
we don't need a reason to love someone
we don't need a reason to live life!

Just be happy, smile, dream, clap your hands, do a jig, love someone and live life!

let all of this be beyond reason!

Urghhhh....

2011-05-24T13:55:00.003+05:30

We always list what we love, what makes us happy, top this and top that...
Today, am in a mood to list the Top things that supremely irritate me, often pushing me to the edge of anger. People who know me will vouch for the fact that it takes a lot for me to lose my patience, get angry and shout at someone!!

When people blatantly lie
When people pretend
When the so called social status become a parameter of judgment
When people fake 'nicety'
When people take credit for work they have not done
When people do not give credit to people who have done the work
When people for the life of them can't praise someone
When people think they are the best, smartest...whatever est...
When people make politically incorrect statements(caste/ community/gender based)
and finally,
When people think they know everything...(for heavens or hells sake, grow up!)

am sure there are more...and i know these are personal thoughts...
some of the above may be well accepted or OK for some people...

All these instances make me feel, say and think...Urghhhhh!!!

M trail

2011-05-10T08:25:00.001+05:30

one moment things seem super complicated and the next, the answers just appear!

i like the next moment very much!!:)

बारिश की बूंदों ने ....

2011-04-20T11:16:00.000+05:30

बारिश की बूंदों नें क्या कुछ कर डाला...

कहीं कहानी लिख डाली,

कहीं मोहब्बत का समा बना दिया,

कहीं कविता की कशिश खिलाई,

कहीं निगाहों से बातें कह डाली, ...

कहीं कमसिन मनन ने अन्ग्रयीय ले ली,

कहीं चाय-पकोड़े की अआस बुझाई,

कहीं हर अधूरे प्यास की याद दिलाई,

इन् बूंदों ने ना जाने क्या कुछ कर डाला!

What type am I

2011-03-28T15:31:00.003+05:30

Typealyzer dissects my writing and tells this about me...:) agree with some of it, except the last line! where did that come from? or are there latent talents to be discovered?:)

ISTP - The Mechanics

The independent and problem-solving type. They are especially attuned to the demands of the moment and are highly skilled at seeing and fixing what needs to be fixed. They generally prefer to think things out for themselves and often avoid inter-personal conflicts.

The Mechanics enjoy working together with other independent and highly skilled people and often like seek fun and action both in their work and personal life. They enjoy adventure and risk such as in driving race cars or working as policemen and firefighters.

*

2011-03-24T21:05:00.001+05:30

Marriage is fun*.

*Conditions apply!

In Sociology classes, I remember studying about the institution of marriage, the various marriage laws and acts and the meaning of the rituals. It is ten years since then and the way marriage is explained, experienced and exalted is no more the same. It is a status aspect (single/married), a parameter of financial standing and social life. It is giving fodder to a whole new wedding planner industry and making big fat weddings with band bajaa, the norm of the day. While legal debates on the importance of marriage continue; society is changing its outlook. A live-in relation is becoming an acceptable practice and marriage is often seen as being overrated. Not being married at 30 is absolutely fine and men are looking at the option of surrogacy to have kids, while women are happy with the evolving scheme of frozen eggs and sperm banks.

Despite social and cultural changes that this institution has seen, it is remarkable how newspapers and magazines find strange meaning in having agony aunt columns dole out courtship and marriage advices. Be it about how to spice up your life; entice your husband all over again; keeping the sex good and mind you, even predicting whether the spouse is having an affair. They have answers for everything; the closet secrets, the perfect kinky drama and the lacy lingerie…not to forget the aroma candles and the light music. They give you scales and they give you scores; they make marriage a rating dependent existence. Do we really need it? Are we fighting the perils of being an overachieving society… we not only want to be the super partners but expect our spouses to be uber-spouses…a perfect 10. We want the marriage to be perfect! What an oxymoron…because someone tell me how do I define perfection.

A recent article said that weight gain, snoring, low ‘together’ time, lack of sexual drive are some of the prominent reasons why the itch that should have come in seven years is a glitch we face in three. My husband brought that article to my notice and thanks to that gallant act; we have had many a humorous conversations. Notwithstanding the fact that I find these articles supremely irritating, I wonder what results would these surveys show in India, considering most of them are based on US or UK sample. After all, our focus on marriage and family has always been more grounded than in many other societies.

Marriage is fun as long as we do not take it too seriously and create a wall of self imposed rules and expectations. Let us not fret and the glitch will stay away. Too much stress and who knows, next they will begin talking about the ten month scratch…ouch!

They make me feel special on days, odd and even

2011-03-08T18:31:00.002+05:30

The day for Women is today...

celebrations, moments of accolade;

tales of courage narrated,

ideal women awards given,

the perfect idol is enumerated,

every little success of hers is celebrated,

all setbacks are spoken of as stepping stones.

The celebrity lot talk of the underprivledged,

violence becomes a topic of concern.

Women guest editors, woman columnists,

they all have an extra say.

For today officially is our day.

But i feel this is an overhaul

The lines too sweet,

a forced celebration for some.

I have a humble thing to say

let us feel special about ourselves,

not just today, but everyday.

I take this moment, to tell the tale

of the three wonderful men

who make me feel special on days, odd and even!

Baba

He has been my idol ever since I remember,

I wanted to be everything he is...

his temperament, his commitment

his ideals, his principles...

have all marked my path...

he let me be me...

from being called junior Das to now

has been a journey so 'wow'..

I owe it to him,

for letting me live my every dream.

Bhai

He is the one

who made sure i had a lot of fun...

always listens to me, yes he does

we fight, we crib, we love to make fuss...

but brother to friend is the transition he took;

beside me, i find him,whenever I look.

To me, he shall remain..

my little brother for ever...

love his possessiveness,

to him, I can never say never...

Sneher

He is my 'anti-me'..

over chai and chat, discovered the 'we',

he spoils me with all might,

makes every worry i carry seem so light.

He lives with my 'to do lists' and my 'remember that?' tales

Loves me with my kirriks,

Renders some amazing culinary tricks:)

He listens, never judges...

lets me take my own flight...

He is the silent wind beneath my wings.

Childhood chuckle

2011-02-23T15:35:00.001+05:30

Little dreams,

Dancing toes,

Snapping fingers,

Twinkling eyes.

Giggly laughter,

Naughty thoughts,

Hidden mischief,

Merry heart.

Tender worries,

Jubilant hopes,

Petition prayers,

Good behaviours.

Childhood chuckle

Never forgotten.

मैं और मेरी auto

2010-12-19T13:21:00.002+05:30

मैं और मेरी auto
अक्सर यह बातें करते हैं
"सालों के हमसफ़र हैं हम
सफ़र सुहाना यह साथ करते हैं"

एक धूलि शाम कियेह कहानी हैं
बारिश के बूंदों ने रहो पे चादर बिछाई
pothole ke झील बने
पर्दों के पीछे सच्चाई थी

auto का right tyre pothole में अटका
left tyre तोह बिचारा हवा में लटका
पचार हमे auto ke आँगन में
दिमाग घुमा, planets और तारे दिखे

मैं और मेरी auto
अक्सर यह बातें करते हैं
वही रास्ते, वही भागदौड़... और एक auto...नयी कहानी
हर सुबह शाम की अलग ही रवानी!

रंगीन पंक्तिया

2010-12-18T10:27:00.003+05:30

रंगीन सपने,रंगीन समा
इस मौसम में रंग जमा
रंगभरे आसमान तले
रंगीन ख्वाइशो की डोली चले
रंग ना दे अपनी सोच
रंगों की हैं गुजारिश
हर पल में रंग जाना हैं अनोखी खोज।

color...colors...colored...

2010-12-16T17:54:00.002+05:30

Green on my nail...my mind is on a crazy trail.

what is it with color and me?
ride on a rainbow is all i see.
love them in all shades
all hues, even when they fade..
colors for all seasons
colors without a reason.

how we color our canvas
thoughts that are colored
colored skin drawing attention
language that is colored
color is beyond the grasp of vision
it is the frame of reference on a niche mission!

Be it any color on my nail, my mind is always on a crazy trail...

"M"ind Trails 3a,b,c,.....n

2010-10-27T15:21:00.004+05:30

Some times... we just let the mind trail...

Some of my recent status messages on a social networking site!

· I cannot afford to have a bad mood! it is so not worth it.....:)

· 'happiness' n 'smiles' are on my priority list! 'sadness' n 'frowns' can take a walk...

· Wonder why we think so much about what the other person is thinking!

· Love definitely makes ur world spin! :)

· Life is good with al d tensions, stress n apprehensions; bcos hope floats :)

· Racing against time n hoping i had a time turner!

· A green salad works wonders for the confused, researching mind! u enjoy even the salt n pepper!

· Is monday morng laziness infectious? then i better stay @ home. dont want2 infect all @ lab!

· ‎"The whole is greater than the sum of its' parts"- The Gestalt principle applies perfectly to India- diverse people, diverse cultures and diverse thoughts.When we come together, we are a love story that unfolds! While the verdict comes in, let us come together (w)holistically and maintain peace.

· Troubled by allergens, allergies n asthma! but i can't stop loving bangalore!

· There is something comforting about uneventful sundays :)

· There is so much on my mind right now that even my 'working memory' is vng a cognitive overload!!

· Lot of thought, lot of noise; clearing fog, brimming clarity; d mind is talking, listening 2 d heart's advice. PhD is so worth it 4 unexplainable moments like these!

· What’s cooking?! d best of both worlds:) dantin soppu in kannada/ daata shaag in bengali ! 2 dishes: soppin saar ( toor dal wid the leaves) and daata chochori ( a bhaji with d stem in kalo/black jeera) ! even cooking can be so symbiotic. mighty thrilled with myself:)

· I love 'love stories'- victorian, modern, m&b; bollywood, hollywood; mushy, naughty, tragic, comic, dramatic, sci-fi... all of them!

Let it be complete...

2010-10-01T17:24:00.003+05:30

Let the threads connect
In silence, in symphony
Let us see ourselves in dark
Amidst the shadows
Let us find our soul in the ruins
In complete harmony

Let us look beyond the bits and pieces
And see the complete picture
Let us understand what we are
Not crib about why we are that way
Let us foresee the tomorrow that comes
In hope that yarns a story

The tale of what is and what could be
A memory shortlived, a reality sown

when silence speaks...

2010-09-03T14:54:00.003+05:30

the silence i read

the thought i view
the picture i see
the hope i feel
often unsaid, we yet know beyond!

"M"ind trails 2.

2010-09-01T16:01:00.000+05:30

Don't yarn a thread
that loses it's girth
by the end of the tale!

i know we will have another date

2010-08-27T12:58:00.004+05:30

Some days just go by
Cupid plays hide n seek
Acts pricey to get pen & paper together...

Words remain in thought
convert to short term memory
get refined infinite times
with hopes of a porous boundary!

It is freedom i seek
a world i find comfort in..
some love stories are meant
to happen again and again..

i know we will have another date
so till next time
when pen & paper meet...

Confessions come shopping:)

2010-07-01T15:40:00.004+05:30

Do I like shopping?
Ofcourse I do.

Do I shop till I drop?
Not really. I like to do it quick.I usually know exactly what I want.

My quickest shopping?
10mins.Helped a fried buy salwar kameezes to attend a wedding.

What is it that I shop the most?
Books, Junk jewellery, random home stuff...lots of stationary...(have atleast 20 pens and 6different color erasers in my lab)...and yeah, like handbags too and handmade paper stuff-books, albums and scented candles!

My craziest shopping kirrrik!?
I buy stoles and then hunt for matching kurtas, buy nailpolish and then look for dresses; buy books that i will read only after many many months bcos I still have a bundle to finish.I also buy fancy and aromatic stationary for no reason at all....

Do I binge?Am I an impulsive shopper?
Yes to both....

Do I believe in Retail therapy?
Yaaaa.... but that is so lame a term, almost like wanting to find an excuse...it's just pure happiness at times...

Am I shoppoholic?
Nopes! Rationality knocks my door after a while...

A look at the windows
the arrays of color
nascent aspirations
greed with no satiation
happiness happens
just thinking about shopping!!

P.S: This post is dedicated to my karmic friend who is the partner in crime, and to those people who tolerate this madness! Love U!!

I feel the presence of love

2010-06-30T19:40:00.000+05:30

A twinkle in the eye,

people walking by,

everything around goes into oblivion,

i feel the presence of love.

The dewdrops reflect the expression

the heart soaks in the happy moment

the mind conjures words to write a befitting tale

the drops of rain form an artistic silhouette

the erudite stranger gives me a glance.

unaware, unaffected... I smile...

wanting to pen a poem,

leave a lovenote,

sing a song and do a dance...

An ode to the perfect weather...

The blank canvas...

2010-06-23T14:34:00.003+05:30

I looked at the palette
whipped the brush in air
opened the bottle of paint
and dipped my finger there
the smooth texture of the color
had a feeling of homecoming
the white canvas in question
was perfection in waiting
dabbing colors primary
letting the symbiosis show
the palette ran shy
looking at the paints
on the canvas go by
fervently the fingers moved
a dash of orange
splash of yellow
streaks of red
touch of glitter...

the blank canvas now embraced
sunshine of hope
sunshine of love
sunshine in lasting eternity!

2010-06-23T11:43:00.002+05:30

I sit stunned
images are a haze
commotion in calamity
fire of courage reigns
the pathos of loss
the gift of survival
the blessed gushing prayers
the near ones bidding farewell
mosaic of pain
symphony of faith
travails of humanity
I see and I believe
life is a timeless gift
intangible in sense
eternity in perception
every moment counts
live it while it lasts...

Wrote this in May but just couldnt get myself to post it. Heart went out to the victims of the Mangalore crash.

like a catalyst with my thoughts....

2010-05-20T16:48:00.004+05:30

The musical chatter
the rustling leaves
the reflecting raindrops
the shy sky
the bold lightning
the tender twigs
the wet path
the been there footprints
the marked lanes
the dripping water
the calm face
the wide smile
the rustic feel
the rhythmic rain!

I absolutely love rains and it so acts like a catalyst with my thoughts....

I Run for ILP; Make your mark with your contribution

2010-05-20T09:14:00.003+05:30

Dear Friends,

As you all have read about me participating in the Sunfeast 10k!Here is your chance to support a cause while I run. I am running for India Literacy Project.

About sixty of us have signed up to run for India Literacy Project (ILP) at the Sunfeast

2010 run happening this Sunday (May 23). This also includes about 6 scholarship students who have benefited from the ILP Scholarship Programme. While ILP needs funds for the scholarship and library projects, we are focussing on fund raising for the scholarship program through the run:

Our overall target through our collective run is Rs.3,50,000 for the scholarship program for 100 high school students (8th to 10th standard)

Whether you have registered or not, you could play a role in ensuring that children have a chance to complete their education. Education is the best gift and the best investment for a nation.

All you have to do is make a donation to ILP in support of our run. No amount is small. As every km counts in a 10K race, so does every Rupee make a difference to the lives of these children.

The cost per child works out to Rs 3500 per child per annum. The scholarships are based on the needs of each child. It covers: Uniforms, school fees, Note books and text books, coaching classes, shoes, geometry box, bags, examination fees, workshops, monitoring & documentation.

Donations can be made by Cash / Cheque / Bank Transfer / Credit Card. Kindly inform us by email reply of all donations that you or your friends have made in order for us to promptly receipt the same.

Please make cheques payable to India Literacy Project and post to:

27, Narayani Apartments, 3^rd Floor, 2^nd Cross Ramakrishnappa Layout, Geddalahalli, Sanjaynagar, Bangalore 560094

For the online transfer, details are as follows:

Bank Name: HDFC bank
Branch Name: Kasturba Road Branch
A/c No: 00091000059611
A/c name: India Literacy Project
A/c Type: Savings

IFSC Code: HDFC0000009

For payment through credit cards, please visit the link.

All contributions to ILP are tax deductible under section 80G of the income tax act. For further information on ILP please call 080-23519693 or 99454 75744 and visit our website at http://www.ilpnet.org, Email: ilpindia@gmail.com

Thank you.

When an 'auto' person says, "BUS karo!"

2010-05-05T11:41:00.004+05:30

Bus travel has always formed a part of life, though always as a second option. My 'ditch' gang at MCC has witnessed several occasions when I would just say, "Are, auto karke chalte hain naa!". I travel mostly by auto...and rarely do the distances or the auto fares deter me. Honestly, it's just a matter of convenience. Being spoilt at school where I had a school van to commute and on days when I had play practice, ma just said,take an auto...:)
When i stepped into MCC, the travel from Rajajinagar to MCC was so adventurous, have stood on the footboard also...and the travel with Lena and Divya and will always be cherished! DC is afterall my best bus friend:) In college, on those degree days, when I didnt travel on Vidyas' scooty, it was auto and seldom bus...The walk to R C College for the buses during PUC are still cherished but more so for the fact that Suchi, Sush, Lekha, Ana and I walked up the distance together- boiled groundnuts, boiled corn or even chats at Gangotree on some occasions.
MSc days were solely University bus travel as jnanabharati was the other end of town. The auto got a chance on 3 days of the two years, when the scheduled bus skipped its' route:). While now at IISc, my significant other takes care of my travel; on days otherwise...i have the auto to depend on. So much so, that even long distance data collection has been successfully completed travelling by auto. My reason, i reduce travel time by 45 odd minutes...and time so matters at times...
I am not advocating auto travel, just stating this is how it has been with me... This is also not my First Travel mode story- though on a different tangent, i once spoke about Ratna .

Now why all this about me and my auto travel habit? Just that of late have realised, the many changes that transportation in Bangalore is going through...newer buses, greater focus on public transport to reduce congestion and pollution! I like the cause and agree with the vision. While I may not be supporting it everyday, doing this once a month is possible- simply put, travelling by bus atleast once on Bus Day. Yesterday was 4th May, the Bus Day ! At the behest of Prashant, I did manage to do my bit for the vision...travel from Cunningham Road to Byatarayanapura by bus:) Am right now motivated to do this every Bus Day... so, I guess a time when even I say, "BUS karo!"

I am participating in the Sunfeast 10K!

2010-05-04T10:22:00.002+05:30

Heya!

You are still here?...sure!

I mean you may stop blinking your eyes; pick yourself up if you have fallen off the chair; massage the hurting cheeks from continuous laughing...

I am participating in the Sunfeast 10K!( http://sunfeastworld10k.indiatimes.com/) and specifically in the Open 10K category! Will let my brethren run while i match their steps with hopefully long strides.

The reason why I am taking this 'giant leap' in my life is due to Prashant (my significant other) who participated last year along with a bunch of friends from Chrysallis. From cheering them last year to deciding to put on my sport shoes, I have come a long way and he has been instrumental in telling me I can do it each time more comments of surprise and disbelief come my way. The waking up at 5.30am to practice seems nice and have begun to feel motivated to be able to finish the run/walk in good time:)

What makes this run even more special is that we are doing it for ILP:). (Read more about ILP at http://www.ilpnet.org/) Thanks to Sudhira! When I first helped him sell the ILP T-Shirts on campus, little did I think that I would someday run for them.Maneesh, Shyam, Vasanta and Nag are also running in the 10K:). The little difference is that they are seasoned runners, having just run at the S&T Run at IISc... and am a novice! (Do not miss maneesh's account on the path to the run- http://did-i-miss-the-big-briefing.blogspot.com/2010/05/run-forrest-run.html)

While Vijayanth agrees that it takes a non-agile person a lot to do this, understanding that we fall in the same category; Rupesh lets me know that I should not let what S & M say deter my confidence...

The laces are tied
The thoughts are sewn
The morning sessions in place
The distance is drawn
No lethargy, no yawn
Full motivated...
Sunfeast 10K...
Here I come!

Blog sense

2010-05-04T09:53:00.003+05:30

The most popular blog in IISc - iisc life:) developed a comprehensive rank list for the IISc Bloggers.
Here it is...
http://iisc.wordpress.com/2010/04/30/iisc-bloggers-ranked/

Wonder how Rupesh does this time and again...Planet IISc- an aggregator of all the known IISc blogs
http://www.ncsi.iisc.ernet.in/planet/

Happy blogging! Happy reading!

Once upon a time

2010-03-08T16:06:00.004+05:30

Lot of thoughts,
scribbled notes...
rhyming lines...
strange how words take flight
in the most unusual moments...
early morning...resounding silence
summer noon...wooden bench...
time to post them all...
word by word
line by line.
Once upon a time....

From the 'skeptic' in me to the 'thinking' me...

2010-03-08T12:51:00.004+05:30

I choose the other path...
Liberal, Radical, Non-conformist, Non-religious, A-political, Agnostic
All the 'alternate' paths.
A friend of mine terms it the easier route. After all, to follow and to confirm takes guts and gumption.

The alternate paths are always relative. They move on a continuum with graded milestones. Who defines these alternate paths? Do the ones following them mark the distance and set the benchmark? Or does the outsider looking through his tinted glasses judge the perimeter?

To me, being Liberal is to be able to have friends of the opposite gender and care two hoots about campus gossip? It is about WE being able to decide when 'we' want to have a baby and not have the world make our timetable.To me, being Radical is to not follow hierarchy and not treat a senior like 'GOD', just because they deem it necessary.To me, being a Non-conformist is to be able to do much more than my research, expanding boundaries and merging horizons; to explore my potential, be an active student on campus and to be able to say that the lab is after all not my favorite place on campus. To me, being Non- religious is to let people pray, believe and have faith of any manner and let people understand that i do not necessarily have to follow the prescribed faith. Is there anything termed the 'global faith'?To me, being Apolitical is to understand that each political agenda has something good in store but not be blinded by the shiny curtains that rise. And being politically correct is very simple- not to say anything or do anything that hurts anybody's sentiments, targeting a sensitive aspect of their life; refusing to smile at crass jokes that bend the rules of gender, community and individual cpompetence. To me, being Agnostic is to know that when good comes out of what I do or when the little I can do, makes someone happy; my prayers are answered. Rituals, ceremonies, mores, traditions do little to my understanding of my personal faith; though I admit, am yet to completely dis-entangle myself from them. But yes, I have chosen the alternate path..

Why this multitude of thoughts on International Woman's Day! Am I not supposed to enjoy the attention, the special treatment, the scores of newspaper supplements talking of successful women, awards for the great women achievers, the jewellery ads proimising us infionite happiness through a metal or stone. Screaming news about a Kathryn Bigelow winning the Oscar for best director on Woman's Day!So, does the day make her award special or the award make the day special!??!
I somehow am not enjoying all this. We fight for equality and then wqant reservations; claim we are intelligent and yet crosscheck our every decision with an esteemed opinion. We gloat in the success of one successful woman and then bury in self pity looking at the scores of them who are at mercy of nature for survival. We want to save the girl child, stop female foeticide, work on marital laws, check violence against women, continue ranting about the glass ceiling. Let us do all this but standing as EQUALS:) At school quizzes, teams never have a reservation for girls, then why later in life we want a special place, a reserved seat, a chivalrous gentleman!

Being special is a right reserved within us and demands chivalry from our end to accept it.
Didn't I reascertain that I chose the other path!

HAPPY WOMAN'S DAY
for whatever it may be ...

P.S: Wrote this while invigilating the HRM mid term exam, 1015 hrs

Poetic trance

2010-01-25T20:25:00.001+05:30

Fallen leaves
scattered dreams
colorful visage
thoughtful words
poetic trance

मोहब्बत

2010-01-25T19:47:00.004+05:30

शाम का समा हैं,
मुस्कान से वफ़ा हैं,
इतराती इन् नज़रों में,
बस उनकी ही छवि हैं।

बहकती निगाहों से पूछों,
दिल में संगीत हैं,
पैरों को रखना संभल ,
खोया यह रास्ता हैं।

न किसी मौके का इंतज़ार,
ना इस इंतज़ार की शिकायत,
गिले शिक्वेह हम क्या करे,
मोहब्बत का पैमाना हैं।

साँसों की हलचल में,
अपनी ही दुनिया हैं,
ख्वाबों की मंजिल हैं,
सच्चाई आप हमारी हैं।

हमने उनसे जब की मोहब्बत,
यह ना था हमे मालूम;
दिल के हम गुलाम बनेंगे,
हर शब्दों में उनको ढालेंगे।

n^infinity!!

2010-01-19T15:01:00.003+05:30

This is an estimator of my capabilities
Facilitator of my dreams
Try not to compute the infinite boundaries
All bandwidth of words will fall short in harmony
Graph the expectations, plot the baby steps
This is risk management at best
Derive the meaning and rest
Optimise your portfolio and ensure consistency
Parameter in bag, variance in nature kaleidoscopic
This is a poetic-statistical summary
Of my mind stocks and logs;
integrated n ^infinity!!

Written on 11th Jan, 2010 at 1605 hrs:), while attending a statistics talk

...and how??

2010-01-06T12:27:00.003+05:30

You run against time,
You redefine punctuality,
You eagerly wait,
All attentive,
No blinking,
You crane your neck,
You push through a crowd,
You gape at slides,
You do not understand,
You pretend diligence,
You pride yourself ,
on this opportune moment.
After all, not many can say like you
You sat through a talk
by a Nobel Laureate.
You are intrigued by
their simplicity;
& awed by the dimensions
of their complex mind.
You know, like them are few.
You always wonder-
Been there, done there and how??

http://www.iisc.ernet.in/news/vr_cent.jpg?riisc=96620a70e9953dba3eb88d53346e6956

Ramblings of the miffed mind!!

2009-12-23T11:09:00.003+05:30

Life is strange.
We want to be able to decide the rules and yet let the set stage to become our home.
We want to be independent and yet we have issues with too much of it.
We want to assert our thoughts and yet become speechless, when told that the assertive thoughts are a show of selfishness and ego.
What we think is pretentious behavior becomes a mode of adjustment.
We are asked to build bridges, seal relationships and yet asked to wonder if we have managed to cement the relationships really well?
Being unique is no more a problem, but being normal is still better.
A mind with critical inquiry is labeled adamant.
If compromise is the key to happiness, then why are we even asked to dream.
It is to disagree, good to let the steam off as long as in the end we adhere to the same beaten path.
A new choice, a calculated risk, an unheard ambition, a personal drive are still moments of insanity and still self-efficacy is harped upon.
We talk about entrepreneurial beginnings, yet forget that nascent dreams walk on a tight rope.
Life is so much about contradictions that i sometimes wonder if choice is a blessing, skepticism a mild tonic and sarcasm a light humor.
These random ramblings begin to help my mind organize my incoherent thoughts and yet after the desired journey, I am still where i began from. This is an illusive search...

Conversation with my Variables...my puddings!

2009-11-24T15:10:00.003+05:30

My study variables seek attention...
I read, re-learn and work on retention.

I dwell, I stare, I re-look, I flare...
they stare back- a cold, calm unnerving stare...
almost like they know their positions
but I am unclear..

They correlate even in ambiguity
partial, multiple, sporadic are the relations
Some Structure, some Equation, some Modeling
is all they ask for.

I love my variables...they are my 'puddings'
hate to drive some home, love to invite new ones
i create this mess...and still wanna talk

See my emotions in gestalt,
fragmented bits are statistically suicidal..
I vary my variables, play a game of hide n seek
I keep counting
and they smile with some cheek!

What do YOU think?

2009-11-20T12:35:00.002+05:30

Groundnuts & Ground breaking research
...what is the commonality?

I love the rains...

2009-11-18T21:25:00.002+05:30

I love the rains...
as innocent as the entwined fingers
as soothing as the warm hug
as everlasting as the first kiss
I love the rains...

WLB indeed!

2009-11-18T15:43:00.004+05:30

Working with WLB,
I have many things to observe and see.

A recent b'day of a little boy i know
Found me interacting with all the moms on the go.
The kids chirped, the moms conversed-
Intro sessions to sharing kid woes.
What they did? where they worked?
In conversation, the thought was forked.
Some did 'nothing'; were moms full time.
Some chartered accounts, working part time.
Some had a con-call to attend-
Various careers and dreams latent.
Discussed they did how kids are important.
Career and kids don't go hand in hand, they say.
Let the husband work long hours, the wife needs to care.
This was a simple understanding and uncomplicated fare.
Guilt driven they felt when time was taken for self.
They had packed chores and moments in life's shelf.
But what after they grow up? asked one.
What will we do then with no career, the thought run.

I sat a silent apectator
wondering a little-
No theories can explain this
No models can delineate the intricacies.

What makes moms like this, I wonder.
Before them, they put the world without a ponder!

Random words @ Meeting moments!

2009-11-18T14:34:00.001+05:30

Meetings
Questions raised
Spells of rain
Status quo!

My
It is my domain
Springs of thought
Quote my say

We
Let us branch
Summer of shine
Talent bespoke

Beauty
Bangles color
Autumn music
Fairy tales

Sponsor
Money money everywhere
Winter snow binds
Confusion reigns

visits?

2009-11-16T16:24:00.000+05:30

just added the counter...let the counting begin!

It is another new story....

2009-11-06T19:24:00.000+05:30

Began work on my Work-Life Blog... :)

Let us evangelize our dreams

2009-10-29T08:52:00.002+05:30

Let us evangelize our dreams
Take the curve leap
Go beyond the been there and done that
It may be our little crappy story
And we may suck at story telling
Let us product it with reality, let the bozos sleep
And let the whiff of realization pass
This is the moment to entrepreneur our thoughts
Come, stand, speak...take a bow
This is the moment to evangelize our dreams!

P.S: 2 days at NASSCOM Product Conclave, 2009 and two heady sessions by Guy Kawasaki, oodles of inspiration:)

without....

2009-10-21T19:08:00.002+05:30

Laugh without a reason
sprint without a cause
pose without a mirror
choose without a pause
dance without a rhythm
sing without a tune
write without a rhyme
paint without a palette
love without a prospect
live without a fear
you without a sham!

Shackles

2009-10-21T17:46:00.003+05:30

I want to break away
from these shackles of bondage.

Flesh on my wrists cut,
ankles swollen in trial.

Eyes blinker at the stray light,
accustomed to the engulfing darkness.

The array of ants in motion
contrast the cacophony of the mind.

Thoughts hinged to reality
fight for a space
make a corner its own;
still delusions seem comforting...
even the blunt swords cut through.

Despair shrouds the heart,
chasm of unexplained moments.

We are but a victim of self-
treacherous games to maintain the image,
that exists in imaginary silhouette.

We live in a world we create
wanting to control what is beyond us.

And in this chaos of desire,
we create these shackles that bind us.

Tweet twitter...heart takes a flutter...aye aye!

2009-10-20T12:11:00.005+05:30

Tale of a tall order
Was resisting this trail
Toying with my mind
Desires run a train
Takes flight all of town
Time it right
Let the heart triumph
Twitter! said the world
Do i tweet? asked i
Aye...aye..

1st tweet on the 20th of October, around 11.45am:)

"M"ind trails 1.

2009-10-16T16:54:00.001+05:30

Each time I lose wind,
I gather momentum.

- An optimist asthmatic

2009-10-16T16:47:00.002+05:30

Some couplets get famous, some quotes of a speech, some random thoughts that spring to mind will now find their place here.They have to fulfill just one condition, they should epitomize a moment of the day:)...sheer madness...

"M"ind trails... is what they are gonna be called...

So, as you set on this journey, just remember...think "MAD"

I 'scream...'

2009-10-08T19:34:00.005+05:30

I am a self declared Ice-cream queen
With a palette that can digest several flavors in all sheen
But there are days when the sky is gleam
No hope in any beam
Now...now this was not a dream...
Do not ask me which flavor was so mean...
I will stick to my 'rum n raisin' stream:)

P.S: Thanks Rimi for capturing this lone moment...

As i turn the pages...

2009-10-08T09:57:00.005+05:30

yippee yippee yaay yaay...
hummms my mind alone...

I picked the book from the shelf
stole some glances mere
and then went on to sniff the pages
to lose myself in the fragrance there.
the olfactory knows no better route
be the book new or old in soot
it tells a story of its' own
on these fairy tales, i have grown.

yippee yippee yaay yaay...
hummms my mind alone...

Mirrored moments...sweet sorrow

2009-09-29T18:35:00.003+05:30

Look at me and....

you will see hope
you will see despair
you will see triumph
you will see loss
you will see sacrifice
you will see self indulgence
you will see humility
you will see arrogance
you will see knowledge
you will see ignorance
you will see altruism
you will see jealousy
you will see reality
you will see delusions
you will see truth
you will see hypocrisy
you will see love
you will see hate
you will see similar
you will see oxymoron

reflect, introspect and
you will see me...

look...just...like

2009-09-29T18:01:00.002+05:30

love the abstractness of life...gives me hope that the lines and circles will form a new contour...

look not beyond
look not beside
look not far
look not aside
look not blinkered
look not prejudiced
just look within
just see hope
just hope happiness
just live life
like no other
like not never...

....

2009-09-29T13:13:00.002+05:30

Abstract words
Random thoughts
Fluttering dreams
Incessant temptations
Eternal love
none to all
now to forever
times when you just know...

...know not I

2009-09-24T11:30:00.004+05:30

Where the road takes us
know not we
the rain has had its' dance
it's water at every glance
little islands of tall buildings
mini puddles as ripples
reflected glory
washed out sprints
splashes of hope
muddy footmarks
seizing our dreams
colorful umbrellas
dripping raincoats
bhuna bhuttas
melting icecreams
romantic glances
shy smiles
picturesque nature
where the road takes me
know not I!

Midnight mayhem

2009-09-11T00:22:00.004+05:30

Midnight mayhem

silent chaos

rendered messages

facebook quizzes

collective chats

chocolate cravings

winter chills

mindless thrills

meandered discussions

crystal visions

sombre plans

cheerful moods

dancing alphabets

rhyming sonnets!

Bless my life for these blogging moments, gives me hope that creativity is not on sabbatical. Not expecting eureka moments, just simple psychedelic words ..... remember it is Midnight mayhem :)

Art it..

2009-09-09T19:04:00.003+05:30

Life is so abstract
wonder what the canvas will say...

The palette holds the colors
brushes simplicity out of the way

Let us not water the emotions
or let the oil of instinct dry

The texture will give away
the little truths and bitter says

In this panoramic feel
life comes a full circle

While we think, we learnt the art
The sense & sensibility is at bay

Let us paint moments all kinds
They complete the picture we find.

...खो दिया

2009-09-09T15:03:00.003+05:30

पथ हारा
रेत हांथों में सिमत्त्थी गई
टिमटिमाती तारे भी ओझल हो गए

सपने खोये
ख्वाब बेरंग बन्न गए
कलाकार की छवि अधूरी रह गई

कविता बेसुर बन्न गए
शब्दों में खिलखिलाती हँसी खो गई
ज़िन्दगी का साज़ गुल हो गया

सोचा समय का बदलाव हें
ज़िन्दगी की यह ठहराव हें
खुदी को ढूँढ़ते अपने आप को खो दिया।

Little...

2009-09-03T14:43:00.003+05:30

Little crumbled piece of paper
Little scribbles of wisdom
Little yearned hopes
Little nurtured dreams
Little 'happiness' moments...redefines life!

So??

2009-09-03T12:05:00.004+05:30

The mind did fiddle
The thumb did twiddle
The path is seen
My heart is keen
Average is passe; Memorable it be!!!

Hide & Seek

2009-09-03T11:23:00.002+05:30

life plays hide n seek...

just when you step out in the rays, the raindrops begin to fall
just when u wander behind the breeze, the wind stands still
just when you collect the dew from the leaves, it shakes in vigor
just when you wait for that phone call, the beeps low
just when you want that cheesy burger, mail on obesity arrives
just when you wait for the coveted bus, every auto asks you where to go
just when you wait to read the climax, a friend tells you the sordid end
just when you think your mind is playing a trick, reality strikes hard
just when you relish the salt sweet biscuit, recession hits the packet there
just when you see the nice moments in store, memories fade in oblivion
just when you think you found the answer, questions trigger the faith
just when you look at the horizon, the chasm finds you
just when you tell urself to dream more, sleep engulfs the desire
just when you think it is not that vague, incompleteness stares in your face
just when you think you have forgotten the feel of the keyboard, words take a rigorous sweep
just when you think it is hard to smile, every face around you seems happy

life plays hide and seek...
am still counting the countdown...

In memory

2009-08-18T18:26:00.004+05:30

In memory of memories...
In memory of those smiles
In memory of those stolen glances
In memory of those batting eyelids
In memory of those crimson cheeks
In memory of those cream laced coffees
In memory of those yellowed pages
In memory of those tissue notes
In memory of those uninhibited revelations
In memory of those incessant jabbers
In memory of those giggle fits
In memory of those long drives
In memory of those chilly nights
In memory of those mid night ice creams
In memory of those 'bajrang bali' moments
In memory of those poems written
In memory of those email sms-es
In memory of those all night trails
In memory of those 'airtel' silences
In memory of those anti-me moments
In memory of those salad lunches
In memory of those chocolate mousse ummmm...s
In memory of those balanced walks
In memory of those moments, madness personified
In memory of those capital 'love letters'
In memory of those dawned realizations
In memory of memories...

Cheers to...

2009-08-15T10:16:00.002+05:30

Cheers to...
Freedom of Thought
Freedom of Choice
Freedom of Individuality
Freedom of Belief
Freedom of Action
Freedom of Self

Freedom from superstitions
Freedom from expectations
Freedom from hypocrisy
Freedom from cliches
Freedom from mind sets
Freedom from prejudices

Happy 62nd Independence Day!!

Thought for the Day...

2009-08-10T09:55:00.001+05:30

For days bygone and days to come,
Live for thee, have dreams some.
Today is still unwritten,
Unfold the thought...
Let the realization come!

Voices Speech- Orientation- Aug 7th 2009

2009-08-10T09:52:00.000+05:30

Good Evening!

You like to dabble in writing, you have keen listening skills, your antennas get a whiff of the unwritten story, you have an investigative mind, you can slog your backside off, you believe passion and drama make sense; you do not deter from calling a spade by its’ name, yet refrain from the use of a blunt sword- then Voices is your arena.

We are the IISc newsletter on campus and exist, working mutually with the student’s council.The first issue of Voices was published on Feb 10, 2003. Today, we are a monthly and every IISc-ian is welcome to be a part of Voices.

Some of our humble feats in the last academic year include:

Arranging interactive session with Mr Ratan Tata on May 27, 2009.
Helping Archives and Publications Cell to setup the Valedictory Exhibition.
Benchmarking surveys of IISc services in 2008, 2009.
Students’ Council Election coverage in 2008, 2009.
Daily bulletins during the Centenary Conference in Dec 2008.
Centenary Special Magazine in 2008

We welcome you to IISc by dedicating our August issue to you- The Voices Freshers’ Special Issue. Each leaf will give you a glimpse of the world beyond academics, your opportunity to hone your skills and build your nest. The Voices team members are in the aisles will be distributing the copies to you. Happy Reading!

For those of you who want to make more noise with us, mail us at voices.iisc@gmail.com. Also, visit us at http://www.iisc.ernet.in/voices.

Welcome Home!

Editorial August 2009

2009-08-10T09:51:00.000+05:30

This month of August, the campus witnesses a gamut of new faces, new courses, new ambitions and new dreams. While a whole bunch has graduated and packed their bags and their experiences here, a fresh batch walks in, anticipating those experiences. There will be moments of exhilaration, ideation; moments of doubt and disillusionment; moments of triumph and hardship; moments of sheer wanderings and revelations. The lab, the hostel room, the mess will encapsulate your life even before you have taken in the first whiff. You will soon discover your favorite corner in this 440 odd acres; your path to your musings.

Pep talks from peers, guidance from faculty will help you carve your niche; yet, this is a journey of self discovery. A journey in which we ourselves are responsible for the destination.

We wish every new comer lots of luck as you embark on this remarkable and enlightening journey at the Indian Institute of Science. It is lots more than just an MTech/MSc degree or a PhD thesis. The years here will change the course of your life.

Voices presents the Freshers' Special Issue, a glimpse into the world beyond the courses here. Let the moment of chrysalis arrive and let talent take center stage. Let the curtains rise. Ahoy!

Love yourself for what you are...a whole lot of bull shit...

2009-08-06T20:39:00.003+05:30

I recount the innumerable times when we are taught since childhood that we should be happy the way we are; accept ourselves and others the way they are...a whole lot of bull shit this is...

Whoever says that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder is fooling the self and the world. There is this standard of beauty that every normal human being wants to attain and envies if it is in others' than them.

Often intangible qualities don't matter, beauty and talent is often what appeals to the damn eyes. a person singing or dancing is talented , thank god for them they have visible talents...Does anyone remember the incident of the China Olympics and how the prettier kid lip synched!Spare the kids for god sake!

If some one tells you, you should have a heart of gold, please do not believe...the world still appreciates the one with the bank balance, their words have more bearing, they hold the greater key to all materialistic happiness. they are tyhe ones who are more serious, your struggles are not noteworthy. Many a times people guffaw at the non lucrative career of a researcher but they will never understand!

Gender, caste, creed, community, language all build invincible barriers, you will be respected for it and hated for it. Your intelligence and your beauty will be a direct relation to it. Eg: A senior in my college once told me "Brahmins are more intelligent". Much hasn't chganged since.Am in a competitive research environment where the so called knowledgeable male colleagues laugh how women researchers get married and get more busy with mother in law issues; then have babies and then research just happens!

The world is beautiful in its hypocritical sense and leaves individuals confused. It is an art that some people learn and some unfortunately never do.

There is too much running on my mind...but why am i even saying this? Bcos time and again, i have had to fight the odds to be myself.
When i was scrawny, people asked my parents if they never fed me?
When i was gawky, i was never chosen for visible acts on stage, it always went to the pretty faces..
I was quite talented, but never star material...
I was inquisitive but reprimanded for asking too many questions...
I am obsessed about details in my work and that is a fallacy- it irritates and instigates people...
Today I am doing what i want to, yet slight reminders always pass about how i could have been financially more secure...
Today i am weightier, actually fat and people tell me"what happened?"...being scrawny suddenly seemed to be good...

Am edgy, am angry, i feel in the dumps at times- bcos we can never be too good for the world...i thought i dont care, but deep within even the not so normal girl in me cares about not being thin anymore...is it the weighing scales that's causing so much upheaval...i do not know...
I am beyond fat days bcos being fat is the fact of my life...but being fat, i realised how insensitive, rude, mean people can be...the snide comments, the polite smiles, the subtle hints- don't take those for granted any more...

I always took my being thin for granted, having been thin for close to 18 yrs of my life:)
wish i had known better!!

P.S: For those of you who even bothered to read the entire post, this is a result of my frame of mind right now; i may be the jubilant self tomorrow...but the demons of 'fatness' may be lurking within!

Let us assume...

2009-08-06T16:53:00.003+05:30

Assumptions make life easy
Presumptions a blinkered view.
Like hiding behind a half shut door,
Partially woken minds thinking it is still sleep time;
Day dreaming in a class of rational realism.
The spilt ice cream is better than a sore throat
The emptying wallet indicating inflation,
The plateaued progress the rise of obstacles.
Let us assume...
It atleast provides us a make belief moment,
and helps us be 'fit', our developed secret to survival.

This is how i feel today...

2009-08-06T11:23:00.002+05:30

Expand your horizons
Capture that incredible dream
Let the dispersion of thoughts
Do not delve into the chasm of fear
Be the phoenix in time
Borne confidence like not known
The world is yours
Reckon your space!

@ 1.25 am, 4th August

2009-08-04T10:09:00.002+05:30

Sleep betrays the eyes,
Night stirs in silence-
Thoughts a maze.

Jaya and the Sour Idlis

2009-08-04T09:16:00.006+05:30

A sultry noon
a crowded tea board
no respite from the limited choice
yet, look at your plate and say, "bon appetit!"

Unassuming, we sat at our rickety table
with a plate of idlis and a 'katori' full chutney
were we to embark on that palate journey;
A voice from the table beside quipped-
"Are the idlis edible?"
My friend said, "they are a little sour at times"
I murmured, "edible..hmmm...yeah!"
She seemed someone lost in her thought
of heavy weight decisions, she was taking stock.
"Must be new", both of us said in unison!

Giving no more thought,
we found an exiting lot
and ran to conquer the less rickety table.
Sat for the (in)famous lunch-
And my friend decided to shower- sweetness in bunch
took a bite of the hot idli and decision made
"lemme tell her, she may want to be fed"
"The idlis are actually a little sour, but you can see" she said
The fate of the questioning lady forgotten-
time passed, lab beckoned.

Clock struck 4
Tea break then summoned
Gossip was happening over chai
when there comes the lady and says,
"Hi! I am Jaya and U?"
polite us quip our names and smile
and even before we register this in memory file
"The idlis were really sour", Jaya says
ah! conversation and its vibrant ways.

We bid adieu and i still wonder,
About the tale of Jaya and sour idlis.
Tell my friends-
"This deserves a limerick, what say?"
But another fable for your reading makes its way!

Event time: Noon and early evening of 3rd August
Post written: 1.07am, 4th august

P.S: Jaya! if you happen to read this, thank you for the inspiration. The lines may not be verbatim, thanks to memory deficit; but am sure you will generously excuse. I pray that shall there be appetising moments when you get non-sour idlis.

Am back!

2009-08-04T09:13:00.000+05:30

Am back from the hibernation
Was suffering from a bad back, still am
Had back breaking thoughts about work
Unfinished deadlines traumatized
Good backing desired:)

Psychedelic

M Trail: I am not telepathic!

I so wish people would say what is on their mind,

rather than try to be polite and nice ...

and deceptive...

I am not telepathic!

M Trail: Smiles and Tears

Smiles are so contagious; and so are tears.

Love.interpreted

'M' Trail: Gyaan @ 2300

With love, from Delhi

MTrails Friendship!

When a conversation is not bound by time, space, the mode,the topic or the no. of words.. you know it is a friendship to stay!

2011 Learnings!- MTrail

The best things in life are priceless;

the best experiences intangible

and the best blessings unexplainable!

Wishes

An Ode to the Ditch!

Bengaluru rocks!

Secret recipe

popcorn jelly bean!

Le MTrail

No one has the right to make you feel miserable!

No one is worth so much of your emotional bandwidth!

Top 5 Sixth Year Researcher Syndrome:

बारिश की बूँदें

Dear 'Life'

M trails ...across the street

Happiness, Inspiration, Hope, Opportunity

... don't reside across the street.

They are within you,

just stop and look!

Psychedelic

मन- मल्हार

...ahoy!

ख्वाब

pensioner-researcher syndrome?

The education loan SMSes that I now receive do not irritate me that much!

is this a 'pensioner-researcher' syndrome?:)

Thank you!

M trails...the stat line

Just when u think,

this was the end of the road;

a new trail emerges

and fills you with hope!

OMG! statistical issues of my thesis are making me philosophical:)

Miki...Eki?

Keep it simple silly!

5 years and counting!

UKUS Part 4: U

Find the 'U' in the uniquefind the calling of your heartlet every fibre of your beingvalue life's every new start.let no doubt shadow ur thoughtsfind the ground you will breakwrite ur own story ur way..ink ur life, have ur say!

UKUS Part 3: The Sojourn

UKUS Part 2: passtaaa

UK unbound Series Part 1: Walk through Borough Street

UK unbound Series

Beyond reason!

Urghhhh....

M trail

one moment things seem super complicated and the next, the answers just appear!

i like the next moment very much!!:)

बारिश की बूंदों ने ....

What type am I

ISTP - The Mechanics

*

They make me feel special on days, odd and even

Childhood chuckle

मैं और मेरी auto

रंगीन पंक्तिया

color...colors...colored...

"M"ind Trails 3a,b,c,.....n

· I cannot afford to have a bad mood! it is so not worth it.....:)

· Wonder why we think so much about what the other person is thinking!

· Love definitely makes ur world spin! :)

· Life is good with al d tensions, stress n apprehensions; bcos hope floats :)

· Racing against time n hoping i had a time turner!

· A green salad works wonders for the confused, researching mind! u enjoy even the salt n pepper!

· Is monday morng laziness infectious? then i better stay @ home. dont want2 infect all @ lab!

· Troubled by allergens, allergies n asthma! but i can't stop loving bangalore!

· There is something comforting about uneventful sundays :)

Find the 'U' in the unique
find the calling of your heart
let every fibre of your being
value life's every new start.
let no doubt shadow ur thoughts
find the ground you will break
write ur own story ur way..
ink ur life, have ur say!