With A View to Educate Oneself........

As young school and college goers, most of the institutions for which we frantically make a beeline for, are run by a trust and governed by a board of trustees. They fiercely guard the premises, have a viewpoint in each and every policy and decision made and will go to any lengths just to ensure that their beloved institution stands it’s ground and is not run over by unscrupulous entrepreneurs, to make way for their commercial business ventures.

These institutions if one has noticed, is always started with the thought of imparting education and an overall development of the youth, belonging to that community. Be it the vociferous Sindhis, the enterprising Gujaratis, the rigid and righteous South Indians, or even ‘amchi’ Maharashtrians, there are a slew of educational institutions catering to their every vocational demand. Mumbai as a cosmopolitan city itself has a plethora of such institutions eg. The K.C. College at Churchgate, the National College at Bandra, the Jamnabai Narsee School at the JVPD Scheme, the St. Xavier’s College at Fort, the Wilson College at Chowpatty and many many more!

A sudden thought sprang to my mind in the midst of all this, why is that we as the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmins, not have such a kind of institution or I dare say, a string of schools and colleges? Why should we stand in unending lines for admissions, flip through innumerable prospectus, just because our peers also choose to be at that particular college, etc.

When will the day dawn upon us, where we can hold our heads high and have our chests swell with pride, by saying that we have been educated at this institution, or this is our Alma Matter, or even better “Ha itla hod college / school dista va tukka” “Ha amgal lokkane bandlya!” The need of the hour right now is to put on our thinking caps together and think of ways and means, in order to pave the way to create a strong foundation, towards seeing our own educational institutions, being built before our eyes! A place where we can always educate ourselves, promote the same ideals down the line to the coming generations, a place where there would be no preferential treatment, like reservation, etc.

As a part of the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmins community, I am proud to say that we have everything we could possibly dream of, and consider ourselves a blessed and most fortunate community! Having a school and college in our midst, would be the proverbial ‘cherry on the cake’, to spur more and more bright sparks to shine on, and create a name for themselves and more importantly for our own people.

Turning 30....Hype or Hope!

Turning 30....is it something to actually be mortified about or is it an event that you actually look forward to? What's the big deal about it....why is such a huge hue and cry made about it?
        It's just a number....it's all in the head some say! Well if you ask me, despite all the cliches and jargons, everyone at some point of time does have this little point of concern when it comes to discussing the precocious little number 30!! So let's see, what is soooo unnerving about turning 30, that ruffles a few feathers! A stray wrinkle on the face, a solitary strand of gray hair, a layer of sagging skin rearing it's ugly head when you least expect it....BUT is this all that there is about turning 30????
        If you ask me, turning 30 is that point in your life when you start introspecting on life and how better you can perform the tasks that you wish to take the plunge into....whether you want to take it head on or bide your time patiently, ensuring a smooth and successful panning out of what you have planned to do. It's the time in one's life where you ponder over whether you NEED to get married or WANT to get married if you haven't already, whether you should have a child and if you do, how do you plan on rearing your offspring, whether your career has reached it's dead end....it's point of no return, or is it a sign of new things to come, whether you are financially well settled or are you starting afresh on investments, stocks, bond, mutual funds, etc, etc!!!!       
        Hitting your 30's is like a bottle of Shiraz or Sauvignon Blanc left to age and mature for a good many years, hence enriching and enhancing the taste! Just like how grapes release their true taste when crushed, similarly, people in their 30's perform better and have their mettle tested, under pressure. You are experienced, have been there, done that, have taken a fall but have propped yourself up, ideally know the right's from the wrong's and overall have a clear view of life.
        Who says you can't look good when you hit your 30's? Who says you need to get a shot of botox for that solitary wrinkle that just popped up, or a tummy tuck for that stubborn paunch that just doesn't go away, or better yet hair weaving for that bald pate? It's all in the mind....you can be as young, as active and as full of zest as you wish to even during the 30's! In today's time and age, one cannot even recognize, let alone look their age, so what's the point in fussing over your age....live life kingsize, face 'the demons in your head' and get over it!!!!
        30's, 40's, 50's....hell even folks in their 60's live life to the fullest! Just like Bryan Adams belted out his hit track '18 Till I Die', that's the attitude that you should live with till you kick the bucket!!!!

Everyone Killed Jessica!

I happened to watch 'No One Killed Jessica' with my kid brother this past Saturday....it was one of the things I had planned much in advance....not only because of the plot, but also because of the two main protagonists i.e. Rani Mukherjee and Vidya Balan. Alongwith Priyanka Chopra, they happen to be my most sought after actresses in the Indian film industry, or 'Bollywood' as it is popularly termed. Just like how wine or good quality scotch tastes better and smooth the more you store it in their wooden casks, this movie is proof of the 'coming of age' of these two lovely actresses.
     The plot of the movie revolves around the high profile cold blooded murder of Jessica Lal, a young model to-be, working as a celebrity bartender at the Tamarind Court in New Delhi....her crime? Refusing a drink to the son of a wealthy and influential Congress Party leader. Well, the movie was very bold and brash with respect to the way the plot was carried out, the dialogue delivery, portrayal of the very infamous 'Hum Dilliwale Hai' attitude and how a total mockery is made of our 'so called' judicial system in the country.
     However what struck me throughtout the entire movie....was the fact that the very title should have been changed to 'Everyone Killed Jessica'!!!! Why you ask....let me tell you why! 300 revellers present at the party on the night when Jessica Lall was shot, all promising in full fervour that they would do anything to support Jessica and ensure that justice was served. What happened? All 300 revellers turned witnesses very conveniently turned hostile on the day it mattered. It was very obvious on what had transpired....some had been threatened, some had been offered huge sums of money and their testimonies had been doctored. What I fail to comprehend, is the fact that how can anyone so close to a victim, someone who was at the scene of the crime, just turn hostile and act like cowards when it matters???? Don't they realise what goes on in the minds of the victim's family, the loss and pain that they are already facing and then what happens to them, when the people that matter the most pose as turncoats????? Yes, some may say it is easier said than done, the grass is greener on the other side, etc. etc. etc.
     However I just have one question to present to everyone....where is your conscience....you know that small inner voice that is the final warning from impending danger? Where is your moral fibre....the thing that we call 'humanity' which separates us from the animals and beasts?? If you ask me, it's not only Manu Sharma that killed Jessica, but in August 1999, it was '300 Witnesses Killed Jessica'!!!!!!!!

The One Word That Comforts Everyone!

'God couldn't be present everywhere, so he created mothers!' Ever heard this saying? Sounds great doesn't it? It's the ultimate compliment you could give to a mother. Mother, Mum, Mommy, Amma, Ayee, Madre, Mama....the ways of addressing her maybe different, but it all means the same and will elicit the same response. We know this lady by many names, but however we may address her, the feeling and warmth guaranteed is the same. Ever wondered why so many a movie reel has been spent on portraying the mother as the pivotal character in any magnum opus? You don't need to master rocket science to get the answer to this one, it's simple....if the father is deemed as the framework of the family, the mother is the cement that binds it together! The three characteristic features that outlines a mother, apart from a plethora of others are love, protection and sacrifice. Sometimes I wonder whether mothers have these qualities set in them by default when they come into this world? Is it why they are automatically tuned to playing with dolls and creating their imaginary families and tea sessions?? In 99 out of a 100 cases, it is said that when the child learns to talk, the first word that is uttered, pertains to the mother! It's not surprising....considering the fact that right from the time the child is in the mother's stomach, till death does them apart, it is dependent on her for even the smallest bit of advice, to use her as a sounding board, or just that small comforting hug!
            A mother is like a warm blanket on a cold, wintry night, she is like a mouth-watering meal for a famished person, she is like a band-aid on a scratch or a cut that you get on your hand, like a mind-reader who knows each and every possible thought going on in your mind. That is precisely why at breakfast when she asks you whether you need an extra piece of toast and you confidently shake your head in denial, there shall already be one extra piece toasted and hot, when you sheepishly look at her again asking for one! Sounds like a case of dejavu doesn't it? I am sure all of us have at some point of time experienced this!! When a man reaches that phase of his life when he has decided to get married and he is on the look out for a suitable life partner, he invariably looks out for someone with virtues almost, if not exactly like his mother. Why you ask? It's very simple....because the mother is the only lady in this world who knows him the best, and hence would obviously lead to this.
            There is no better person to give you a reality check than your own mother....she lets you float among the clouds for some time, but then she knows when it's time to bring you crashing back to terra firma! She is not the one to sugar quote any of her words just to make you feel good, she is the one to call a spade a spade, and then act like a soothing balm over your wounds. An entire day is dedicated to her in the month of May, but why just one day? If you ask me, each and every day should be dedicated to this great creation moulded and painstakingly hand-crafted in God's Garden of Eden, known as the Mother....one simple word....yet to much to learn and understand from it!!!! Amma....whatever little I may express right here would be too insignificant and much too less to express in words, but I just want you to know that I can't thank you enough for whatever you have done for me till now, and will keep doing till death do us apart, because that would be simply insulting your greatness! However, I just want you to know that despite whatever I am today, I will always love you and cherish all the memories that we have together!! MAA TUJHE SALAAM!!!!!!!!
           
          

     

Murud - Mesmerising and Magnetic!

Apart from it being Chatrapati Shivaji’s ‘Waterloo’ and it’s mouth-watering seafood, Murud (derived from the combination of a Konkani and Arabic word Morod meaning island) has many other aspects to it, that make it a must see destination. Be it the pristine and beckoning beaches, the very hospitable and warm natured locals or the urge to photograph just about everything that moves and is stagnant, going to Murud is like asking a fish whether it likes water! Just about a 4 ½ hour road journey by road from Mumbai (193km) via Alibag, or alternatively a 2 hour ferry ride from Ferry Wharf in Mumbai to Revas and a further 2 hour (73km), the drive is nothing short of a scenic potpourri of smells, tastes and sights.


Once you arrive there, a lot of things seem much more than you had actually gambled for. Start with the Murud Beach, clean, mocha coloured sand, clear, virgin waters lapping up the coast and the Casa Fort looming high, that brings back memories of the famous (or infamous) Alcatraz prison in San Francisco. It isn’t open to general public and requires special permission from the Navy to visit. Casa is the anglicized version of the Marathi world ‘Casav” which means tortoise. Apparently under a moonlit sky, it looks like one. Not that it did to me, but who am I to question a bygone legend? The star attraction is the Janjira Fort (derived from the Arabic word Jazeera meaning ) built by Siddhi Johar, which is a 20 minute boat ride from a small wharf located at Rajapuri village. The ride itself is an eventful one, what with the boatsman doubling up as the guide once you enter the fort. The ride is priced at Rs. 20 per person while the guide fees are Rs. 30 per person. Soak in the 45 minute fact filled tour, while your boat ‘holds fort’ outside it’s ramparts. You can actually feel the surreality and feel the spirits of the dead keep a close watch over you, while you go about exploring the fort….well atleast I did! The guide very confidently talks us through the Magic 5 (actually Magic 6) factor that swirls around the number 22. It seems the fort took 22 years to build, 22 pillars supporting the fort, 22 rings around the 22 tonne cannon called Khalabangdi, 22 acres ares on which the fort is spread out and the highest point in the fort which is reached by 22 steps.

Meals are dominated by a slew of freshly caught seafood in total home-made style, complete in natural surroundings under coconut trees with their fan like fronds and the silky sand caressing the soles of your feet. The ‘Datta Cha Dongar’ or simply put Datta’s Mountain, is located about 3km away from Murud Beach on actually a flat hill also known as Sunset Point for obvious reasons. The road leading to this place is reminiscent of a Formula One track complete with hairpin bends and chicanes, which would make Lewis Hamilton seriously consider a trip here! Incase you wish to reconnect with the Almighty, you may visit the sole temple here dedicated to Lord Dattatreya, Hanuman and Ganpati. It also makes for good photography as this is the highest point in Murud, where you can get a panoramic view of the entire city and the breath-taking sunset!

The fish market is another colourful riot of events which was like a ghost town when I reached there with the odd fisherwoman scurrying around, however within a matter of minutes, expect to be accosted with a cacophony of sounds and motley crew! At 5PM every evening, the local Koli fisher folk lumber up from the seashore with their fresh wares. The fish is so fresh, you can actually see it breathe, crawl and anything else that comes close to a motor movement. The resorts are comfortable, clean and very liveable, with much to choose from within their premises itself. Choose from swimming, a game of carrom, taking a bicycle for ride (Rs. 100 per person per hour), a round of parasailing (Rs. 300 per person) at Murud Beach or a 15 minute speedboat ride close to Casa Fort (Rs. 100 per person). Alternatively, you could also prop your legs up at the courtyards outside each resort room, gazing into the distance as the sun gets engulfed by the raging sea, sipping slowly on a bottle of beer.

The Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary spread over 52 sq. km, is best done on your way back to Mumbai, considering it’s 19km from Kashid by road. The entry fee to the sanctuary is Rs. 20 per person, Rs. 10 for children below the age of 12, Rs. 15 for two wheelers and Rs. 50 for four wheelers. The mornings and nights are the suggested times of the day for photography as that’s when you can spot the locals of the area i.e. leopards, the barking deer, sambhar, porcupines, vultures, herons, 25 species of snakes and the rare but beautiful Giant Indian squirrel. There are 71 species of butterflies found here and Mango, Teak, Kinjal and Hirda are the main species of trees that can be found. There are four huge watch-towers peppered throughout the sanctuary and if you wish to go there, it is suggested to be accompanied by a guide because of the dense vegetation and the possibility of getting lost in it. It opens at 6AM and shuts at 3PM, and they have tented accommodation at the entrance which can also be erected anywhere around the sanctuary, except the actual game viewing area and can house a maximum of 8 people in it.

Whatever your fancy, Murud is a sure fire formula for a relaxing getaway after a long week at the office!!

The Land Down Under!

“G’day mate”, ”Stop bludging around”, “Let’s go and knock in a few cans of amber liquid”, Let’s have a barby on the other side of the woods”, “Hope your pad has a good dunney!” I guess you must be wondering what’s gotten into me and you’re going to give me that ‘one raised eyebrow’ look, but let’s leave the Indian shores and let me take you on a trip to Australia and you will totally know what I’m talking about! As the famed saying goes “When In Rome, Do As The Romans.” Hence, when in Australia, do as the Aussies! Just visit Australia once and I guarantee you an experience of a lifetime. It’s the only country that’s a continent as well as an island all packaged in one! Let me tell you the one thing about Australia apart from the fact that they are a bunch of warm and fun loving people, it is that each state and area has a culture and ambience unique to itself, be it the cosmopolitan and commercial New South Wales, the chic and classy Victoria, the breath of fresh air Tasmania or the beachy, sunny Queensland, you will feel home anywhere here.


You see, Australia is a destination that caters to all walks of life be it a serious businessman, a family, a starry eyed honeymoon couple, a group of adventurous friends, a backpacker or the ‘crème de la crème’ corporate houses and business conglomerates. You name it and Australia has got it. My personal way of seeing this beautiful at the same time mysterious land would be backpacking with a handful of the bare essentials, a map, a Swiss knife, cooking skills, the urge to indulge and be one of the locals and you just can’t go wrong! Yes, Australia does have it’s share of the sterotype Novotels, Radissons, Hyatts, stretch limos, package tours where all is taken care off, but hey, do you want to see a place for the regular boring stuff or do you want to explore the underbelly of what it actually has in store for you?

The best thing to do is to plan your itinerary in such a way that you have a good blend of activity coupled with a few moments of R&R (rest and relaxation). Why don’t you take a shot at staying in a homestead or a farmhouse where you can blend in with the local inhabitants and I don’t mean only the owner and his family, it could also extend to his animals eg. Ducks, chickens, koalas, wombats, kangaroos, etc. Have a typical Aussie breakfast which would mean hashbrowns, eggs, juice, coffee and barramundi steaks. Head off the beaten track and go bush walking among the rainforests listening to the cries and sounds of the lorikeets, kookaburras and the bird of paradise. Why not pet a koala and have a picture taken with it while it lazily nestles around you? Make yourself at home and feel the adrenaline rush of bungee-jumping, battling to save your raft while you white water raft, go on a desert safari and witness layers of differently coloured sand, be the sultan of the sands while you go quad-biking, pet and feed huge but perfectly harmless dolphins, watch fairy penguins swim ashore at the Philip Island, drive like a man possessed on the wide stretch of road known as The Great Ocean Road and marvel at the 12 Apostles that look at you ominously from the sea, play a didgeridoo and throw a boomerang the way the Aborogines do, pan real solid gold, scale the heights of the Harbour Bridge, experience surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef among the colourful corals…..the list is winding and endless. Like the tagline of the movie MATRIX, I can’t explain it to you, you need to be in it to experience it and Australia is just that! An experience that lasts a lifetime!!

Have I whet your appetite enough? Have I already got you imagining yourself doing anything and everything mentioned above, are you thirsty for more?? Then, what are you waiting for???

AUSTRALIA – We are waiting for you!