The Lost Symbol - is really within us..

Hello everyone. Got some free time after long to write and what more - I just read Dan Brown's latest creation - "The Lost Symbol". Immediately a friend of mine suggested on writing a blog on this.A very friendly statutory warning - I suggest to go ahead with this blog after reading the novel. I may disturb some of your very interests while discussing about the facts in the book. One of my starts in novel was Da Vinci code - and I still remember how interestingly I read and finished the book. It was the time when I used to get nightmares seeing the heavy weight champion books. I must admit that the same interest was there while reading this book. Its truly the author's style which kept the same interest

I am not going to discuss the story of this novel but I strongly suggest when reading this book - have a system connected to Internet by your side. Its helpful for searching the pictures, the symbols, the places which comes on course of the story. Yes, there is a disclaimer - a very strange disclaimer that most things described in this novel are true and existing very much. Few of the things which I searched during my reading were like - Apotheosis picture in the Capitol Building, masonic brotherhood, neotic science, Michelangelo 1 picture, magic squares, Hands of mysteries etc. When I started writing the blog, I thought I should restrict since so many thoughts were haunting around my mind after reading the book. Basically, the concept of God is in Man and Man becomes God - I have heard it and saw in couple of movies but I was surprised to see the histories gave the evidence for this frequently.

One thing I was really impressed with is the references given to different cultures including Indian. The mention of Gita, Kubera kolam, Ganesh, Arjun were amazing. After completing the novel I began thinking of the resemblances in real life linked to the plot of the story. If men have the capabilities to become God then why this hatred, the different bad habits and other UNGODLY characters exist within us ? Immediately I got the answer as "Myth" wheather we believe it exists or not - have mentioned a number of places where these supposedly UNGODLY characters existed amongst Gods too. We can give examples of N number of mythological stories where Gods with these characters realized their mistakes and how they they turned back to normal. Are these teaching us something ?

Another thing that stroke me and I dint get an answer till now is - Do we all really require some Petr Solomon to guide us ? When can a common "Robert" be picked up by "Solomon" to realize "The Lost Symbol" within each of us ? I completely agree with the fact the "The one"s carry good message and all Roberts need to read it in the light. These sentences may be confusing for those who have not read the novel. "The one" here refers to all the holy books - may it be of any religion. I am a strong believer of the fact that, all of us should come across once in our life when we think of God and Godly nature. The explanation of how these relate to Human - Bingo !!! It deserves a hats off. Have we not thought - at any point - Why God has been so bad on me ? This could be the point of start on the self realization of God in us and this is the very own victory of the book.

I agree I am bad at writing philosophy. One more thing which really impressed was the concept of Neotic science - I am sure anyone who reads the concept of Neotic science will be truly amazed and I am equally surprised as how this dint become popular just like any other rocket science among the "bookish scholars".Talking about this 2012, doomsday, end of world - how Neotic science can enlighten human mind and the reveal the power of it is truly amazing.I wish and hope that the sooner this comes into limelight, the more empowered mankind will be. We have to accept the other part of it - the theists have to somehow digest the true fact.

Ok, I think I have succeeded in putting my points and understanding of this great book here. Do not miss a chance to read it if you get one. Continuing with my life in Canada and waiting eagerly to visit my homeland. Best of Luck to everyone and have a nice time ahead. Happy Christmas and a wonderful new year ahead in advance.

New Place !!! New life !!!!

                                                                        

Hi all, very happy to meet you after a long break. And before proceeding, Happy tamil new year, happy Vishu and happy baisakhi to all..My first blog from Canada. So, I thought of writing a generic topic on life in Canada. Last one month was pretty busy for me - packing from India and settling down slowly in Canada..I do miss India..But Canada is a nice place. Very calm and clean and apart from the weather, this is a perfect place to get settled for anyone. One thing I see and I like is the diversity - Lots of culture living together. On a normal day when you travel, you can at least find one Canadian, one Indian, one chinese, one srilankan, one french guys on your way. You have to praise the fact that such diverse people living together peacefully is a great thing.

Life has changed a bit after coming here. In Bangalore, routine weekdays used to be like 11 - 7 office, chat with roomies, dinner preparation and some movies. Here, you don't find much chances to go out once you enter the home - blame it one the weather or the public transportation (from the place where I stay). I hope that things will change once I shift from hotel to apartment. Ya, in Bangalore, weekends used to be mostly trip to home but you can never even dream of that. I have visited my friends home in a near by area in the weekends. Meeting old friends outside India is always special. There is nothing that you cant get here in Canada - starting from Indian food to Indian groceries, but only thing is you need to make some extra effort and spend some extra bucks.

One thing which I felt after coming here is that you really understand the love of our near n dear ones which you might have ignored when you are in India. I don't think I used to talk to my parents every day when I was there in Bangalore. And for sure - my friends. My roomies, my college mates - just a week before I started to Canada, we had a great trip in Chennai with my batch mates. It was really an unforgettable event. But here, during last week, when we had a get together at one of my friend's place - it was very much different and I enjoyed that very much. Thanks to Sree and Ajith. They way they bonded- the different Indian families, it is a rare sight to see in India - having Keralites, Tamilians, Punjabis, Andhrities and others together celebrating the new year. And what more to add - I have never cooked prawns before in my life, which I did successfully in Canada :) 

I am for sure waiting to get back to India - to see my family and friends but yes, this is definitely a good experience staying long outside. I was having a interesting topic of argument that, if our next generation - the better place to start is India or Canada as there are loads of cultural differences. I think people like me - who come from a strong cultural background, kids speaking a bit more US English or Canadian English - whatever you call, will be a bit more to digest :) Next week, I am moving into apartment from hotel and so, there might be more interesting things waiting for me in Canada. I will try to write regularly my experiences in this cold and comfort country. Meet you all in my next blog. I promise to write on specific topics in future. Best of Luck to you.

En Kavidaigal (My creative poems)

Hi all. Hope everyone of you are in a good state this new month. Many of my friends dont know that I do write some kavidaigal (poems ). I dont like using the english translation of the word "KAVITHAI" - poem. Because, I strongly feel that, "Kavithaigal" are much more than what we call poems in English. May be there is some equivalent word in english which I dont know. Ok, I thought of posting some of my Kavidaigal here. I will keep adding to it whenever I write one.. Hope you all enjoy it. Comments are always welcome. If any mistakes do share it with me. All the Best and bye till I see you in my next blog.

மாற்றம் - ஏற்று கொள்

 

இரவை படைத்து நிலவை படைத்தது  

சிறு நீரை படைத்து பனித்துளி உருவாக்கினாய்... 

பகலை படைத்து அதே பனித்துளியை மறைய செய்தாய்.. 

விதையை படைத்து செடியை படைத்தது  

அழகான மலரை உருவாக்கினாய்...

பின் அதை உதிரவும் செய்தாய்... 

கடற்கரையில் மணலை படைத்து ரசிக்கும் மனதை படைத்து , 

ஓர் சிறிய மணல் வீட்டை படைத்தாய் 

பின் வேகமான அலையாய் நீயே அதை அள்ளி சென்றாய்.  

இவை அனைநித்தையும் படைத்த நீ..  

ஏன் இதயத்தை படைத்தாய்..அதில் மாற்றத்தை ஏற்க மறுக்கும் மனதை படைத்தாய் !!!! 

மனமே - மாற்றம் ஒன்று தான் மாற்றம் இல்லாதது ...  

கற்று கொள் !!! ஏற்று கொள் !!!

வியக்க வைக்கும் கதிரவன்

ஒரு மழை காலத்தில் நானும் நீயும் கை கோர்த்து நடந்ததை  

பார்க்க முடியாமல் வெட்கத்தில் மேகம் எடுத்து தன் முகத்தை மூடிய அதே கதிரவன் தான் 

இன்று நான் தனிமையில் வாடும் வேலையில் சுட்டெரித்து

என் கண்ணீருக்கும் வியர்வைக்கும் வித்யாசம் தெரியாமல் வியக்க வைக்கிறான்..

விளையாட்டு 

ஏதோ ஒன்று நம்மை இணைக்க, 

நாம் ஒரு கண்ணாமூச்சி ஆட்டம் ஆடினோம். 

 யாரோ ஒருவர் வந்து அந்த ஆட்டத்தை கலைக்க 

 அதை தாங்கி கொள்ள முடியாமல் தவிக்கிறோம் 

 இதை தான் விதியின் விளையாட்டு என்று கூறுவார்களோ..

இதில் யார் ஜெயிப்பது யார் தோற்பது ???

Comments are always welcome. If any mistakes do share it with me. All the Best and bye till I see you in my next blog.

"Aham Bhramaasmi"

Hope you guys are in a happy mood after hearing out the Oscar results. Hats off to ARR and Resul Pookutty for making all Indians proud. And don't forget our pinki - "Smile pinki" which made the rest of the world to take a look at the Indian film industry. Truly speaking, I felt this year Oscar was a gate opened for the Indian film industry which has been knocking the door for years and years. Well , there has been many controversies as well - Had it not been directed by a foreigner, then it wouldn't have reached this success. I do agree that, ARR has given lot of songs better than this one, but let us keep all these apart and enjoy the true momentum of happiness.

Speaking about the Indian movies success, it is true that Indian films do have the ability to produce some world class movies, I happened to watch one - a tamil movie - "Naan kadavul" (I am God) which was directed by Bala casting Arya and Pooja. I immediately thought of writing a blog on that movie. It was not a kind of ordinary movie for sure and hearing about the comments and critics, I was very much keen of watching it. The title of the blog (copyrights - Director Bala) - Aham Bhramaasmi is the story of this film. It is a Sanskrit sloga meaning - Our body is God. The story, the locations and the people acted in this deserve a very good applause. Of course, no need to say about Bala who is one of the diamond in our Tamil film industry. I bet anyone can ever make a film like this. 

Lately, I had been passing through some of the worst time of my life and I dont say this film gave me a solution to all problems, but it made me to think. And it is for sure a kind of film which can be compared to "Slumdog Millionaire". If slumdog speaks about the real poor conditions of India and it goes on a bit commercial with romance, comedy and money, this film do speak about the real situation of India but not with those commercial items. It combines those poverty and bad situations in our society with theism (belief in God). Some things which I got through this film are like - controlling our mind and body - may it be through prayers or anyway, does makes us feel good, take right decisions and identify between good and bad. I may sound a bit boring, but its worth writing these.

We all have come across these lines sometimes or other, in someway or other - " when you are in trouble, think of those who are having more troubles than you. Then, you would be thinking - Thank God, at least I am not having troubles like that". Well, may be this can give us some sort of self confidence. But really, I tell you there are lots n lots of people in our society who bear the troubles in them and live happily. The beggar characters in this film depicts those perfectly. You cant stop crying when you see those characters for the first time in the film, but they make you laugh and think. That is the real life and Bala has brought that very nicely. They made me think does the problems we have are real worth worrying for ? When people like such disabilities can live, why not we ?

Though the main story tell us about the "ahori" sages - their closeness to God, internally, it implies that, when you have full control of your body and mind, then it is very easy to understand others - weather they are good or bad. You will be able to find out the difference between good and bad very easily and what more we want if we are able to do this at the very first sight ? The main theme of this story which says - "God has the right to destroy evil and when something cannot persist in this world, God destroys that for its good (what we call as mukti)". Seeing this on the lighter side - it appears to be ok to us , but the way the picture depicts these - you will never forget those. 

Though I may be a follower of God, more than the part attached with God, I was attracted towards the point that once our mind and body are clear, then we can look right things right. And there are parts in India where this beggar problem exists. None of us would have ever thought such cruelties exist in the same world where we live. I definitely would recommend all readers who read this to watch it once - language is no barrier for films like that. May be if you get some more good points please share it with me. 

Ok guys, Best of Luck to you all and meet you in my next post. Take care.

My College life - VRCE to VNIT , Nagpur

Hi Guys, Long time it has been. Too much of work. All work and no play does make a person idle..So, I decided to take out my time and write something interesting. It has been incomplete till I write about my college and the life I had there in this blog. But that would not make it complete either :) :) Also, this blog would be a different experience for me since I am not writing this blog continuously. Writing it whenever I find time unlike the other blogs which I have written earlier.

When I think of my college, I couldn't forget the time when I started from my hometown saying bye to virtually everything I saw on my way to railway station. That was the first time when I left my hometown for a long long time. And I dint even have a single clue that it would be this longer in future :) Some fear, some anxiety, some excitement, some sorrows, some happiness and lots and lots of dreams were the things I carried apart from the huge luggage. Thanks to all my relatives n family friends who came to see me off for my first long trip away from home. Well, I have to mention how I got this college at this time. I got decent score in the 12th Exams but my entrance exams score were not that much to get me a good college in TN. Again, this might have been a mistake as all my dreams were on the Anna Univ, Chennai and computer science. So, I decided to attend this other states REC counselling and again as for my interest on the branch, I got into VRCE, Nagpur. I had no idea where it is - you can say even India exists beyond TN. Luckily (!!!!), I got 2 new faces who opted Electrical.

Continuing my journey, I got one person working with my mom as she knew Hindi. After definitely a long journey, we reached Nagpur. Nagpur at first sight was very strange. No people were speaking Tamil. And all I know in Hindi was - "tumara naam kya hai" "mera naam sathish". We went to college and our Tamil seniors welcomed us. It was a very good reception and we got fresh and went to the college for the admission process. I and one of my friend - whom I met in the counselling (sad to say, he is my roomie now !!!) went to the class and there was caught by the seniors. We were told about the rules and regulations etc etc.My parents left to my hometown after getting me the hostel and then everything came a new circle of friends called "Batch mates". We enjoyed the first year thoroughly - the FTRs, the freshers party, session exams, department gatherings, first journey during Diwali with seniors and friends and the most dreaded final exams.

Not till that time, we were interested in studying. But during the final exams we changed. We did put in some efforts after hearing the history of our college and then after completing the final exam of the first year, we went home happily. That time was really amazing after making new friends, coming to meet the family after long time, expecting the juniors...I wish holidays like those ever come. Only time which I want to forget was the time when the first year results were announced. Luckily, I escaped and in our batch we all did manage to score reasonably well. Then we entered into our second year - into our respective departments. It is still a mystery that what I learnt from this department.

2 years went away again with all these - few classes, mostly pungi, chandrama visits, association gatherings and meetings, cricket matches, subhash nagar visits, assignment copies, mess offs and sometimes a bit of studies. At this point of time, I would definitely like to mention that, if all year TN compsci guys, if we meet in the department, that would really be an unbelievable moment for us. Well, this was not the case in other departments as compsci from TN had very less number of seats :) :) I am happy to remember those days where I sincerely tried to concentrate what they taught in the classes and succeeded to understand and ask doubts only to forget everything once I left the department and entered hostel. By this time, we were very much adjusted to the north indian food and learnt reasonable hindi too..There was even talks that our college VRCE was going to become IIT Nagpur and finally it became VNIT. It was a proud moment for all of us who were studying at that time.

Then came the final year where most of us realized the real value of college life. I forgot to mention about the campus interview times of our seniors. Those were the times the whole college used to be serious and we were expecting the results of each company like US election results. It was not Obama or Mc Cain, but it was either IN or OUT. That too for us, whenever our seniors get selected, it was a very great inspiration and when they dint get through, it was creating sort of fear in us. So, when I came into that state, it was really the time when I felt that I should have studied a bit more in the first 3 years. After attending the first company (for me and not for the college :)), clearing written, I flopped in the GD. Till that time only one from my TN batch had got job and already compsci were flying colors. The second company I attended that was on Sep 16th 2003 (Its not that easy to remember the day when you were recognized the most !!!)- the most important day of my life I got through the written and I gave the PI. When they announced the result and I was in that list, I dont have words to describe that moment.

After getting a job, you almost feel on the top of the world. Yeah. When I informed my family, friends and relatives, I really felt proud and the very next day I started to my home to celebrate that giving a surprise visit to my home. Rest of the year went on smooth again till the final exams of the 8th sem. That was yet another hurdle to pass and finishing my final exam was a great moment yet in my thoughts. There were many a moments in final year - we went to each and every corner of our college and took snaps. We thoroughly enjoyed each and every moment. We had all the time in the world to do so. I don't think a blog can completely tell my experiences which I had in my college.

Now, at this point of time, I turn back and see - even if me and my friends say now also that if not for VRCE, our life would have been great now, I still feel in some corner of my heart that, this college had lot of impact in my life. It taught me about the life outside your home, your family, it taught me a new language, it taught me how to move with people outside, how to solve problems (including how to create them). Many "how to"s and most of all it gave a solid platform to start my life. I would like to thank all my profs, my friends who taught me many things again , HOW TO lead a life independently. I would definitely be proud to be a part of VRCE which transformed into VNIT.

Ok guys, I tried to write about my college life but couldn't complete it. I realize that my experiences were more than enough to put it in one blog. Hope you guys like it. All the Best to you and meet you in my next post.

Tamil in my blog - என் இனிய தமிழ் மக்களே..

Hi Friends..just came to know from my friend about this tamil script available in google and so, trying my first tamil words in my blog:

அனைவருக்கும் அன்பான வணக்கம். தமிழ் எழுத்துக்களை என் இணையத்தளத்தில் இணைப்பதை நான் பெருமையாக நினைகிறேன். வாழ்க தமிழ். வளர்க தமிழ்.

The translation tool of google is too good. Link for you to try in your own language:

http://www.google.co.in/transliterate/indic/Tamil

Meet you all in my next blog. All the best to all of you.

Lessons of Slumdog and Millionaire together

Hi friends, after relatively long time, back to the business of blogging. Hope you all had a nice weekend as we already entered into the romantic month of the new year. I am saying romantic because, I saw malls and shops filled up with valentine's day gifts n cards. Best of luck to those who are getting a new relationship this year and my wishes to all those who already are in one...

About this topic, I happened to see the movie Slumdog millionaire and the Aussie open this weekend. May be I am wrong in comparing Rog Federer to a millionaire. He may be worth more than that. But the very sight of his crying for the 14th Grand slam made me think that, money seldom matters and it is the what we have achieved that matters. The same was the story in this movie slumdog millionaire and so, I decided to touch these two in this blog. 

Last weekend, i was relatively free after last minute cancellation of weekend plans and I was lucky to be invited with one of my roomie's friend to roam about and for a movie. So, me and my roomie got ready and asked him to book the tickets for this "Oscar nominee" movie. When I came to know that, he has booked the ticket for 200rs (ofcourse, it was Saturday night and the show was in PVR, Forum mall, Bangalore - you cant expect to be this cheap..)I was a bit upset on the ticket rate. When I was in pune, we chose carefully to watch the best of the movies in Adlabs - morning show. We went to the mall, had dinner and entered the cine hall. I was particular in insisting that, I dont want to miss even the title coz, I want to make full worth of the money (that too at this recession time boss!!!!)

The movie started. Again, I know there are tens of thousands of Internet sites/blogs which gives the review of the movie. So, I chose to cut it short. The 3 child characters were too good and the editing - the way they told the movie, the twists (10 million dollar question), the pace in which the story went and finally, the music were very good points for which I told my friend - its worth watching it. But when I came out of the movie and after those long discussions on scene by scene, I started thinking what the Director intend to tell to the audience through this movie ? Does he depicts the real India ? Again, whats the reason for that ? and if this movie attracts huge crowd, what does the people like in it ? and what are we supposed to do after seeing the movie ? I bet, this is not a kind of just watch n forget when you step out of the hall.

Well, it is depicting the real situation for sure. How many children each one of us has seen in the roads begging for alms whenever we stop for a signal ? Is it once in a week ? No dude, definitely more than that. may be on average once in 3 days at least in metros. K, leave the numbers, we do see it. What were we doing till now ? give them some coins or shout at them and ask them to leave. I personally have made a commitment that, at least from now, whenever I see a child like this, I will make sure to see to it, they are safe first and then, they have something to eat, at least for a day. The least which we can do. Right? If we have time, we should do more. May be small things like collecting the orphanages (registered ones) near by your area, informing police if something wrong is happenning. Come on, we cant live this entire life only for us. Thats a bit too harsh punishment we give to our life.

Apart from this, one more point which stuck me was - money and happiness. It is very much true that whoever running after money will not have time to enjoy that when he has it. You can take the example of the hero of this film - "Jamaal" or his brother "Salim". It is some inner satisfaction that is hard to achieve. I realised this once again on the courts when I saw Federer crying. Man, would you believe the man who has earned such money and fame is not happy when he was not able to meet his goal. Where did all those money go at that second ? Do you think that Federer will not achieve it at all ? Noooo....A man with such a passion for his goal is always going to achieve it. And it is about this goal which the world is going to remember Federer for even after he retires and not the money he earned.

I think after these two things which I saw in this weekend, something did change in me. I dint get a situation to realize the change exactly. Wonder how the world would be if we try to go after the goals and relationships than the money. Finally as a true, responsible citizen of India, I pray God that, this picture and the Finals should create changes in mind and another thing to get the OSCAR in Indian film industry after long long time. Indian films does have created better films and now, if the recognition comes through Slumdog movie, why not. 

Ok, All the best to you and see you in next blog. Jai Hind.

Historical background

Hi Friends, Hope you all had a good long weekend..Belated Republic day wishes..Again, this topic of historic background just stroke me. I was trying to think of the various background we come from and how our actions are determined by this background. May be the topic is a wrong one I chose. Anyways, as long as I try to explain the thing right, topic doesn't matter. Right ?

It is a very popular saying that in US, people don't stay with their parents after the age of 18. Of course, may be they are going for higher studies or jobs and they settle in some other places. But it is very rare they go and meet their parents, at least not like how we do in India - weekly once or monthly once. Again, this might be depicting not the majority. But still, I was thinking does this type of living helps us like in taking decisions independently, living life on our own ? Well, there might be a cultural barrier between the west and ours. But which is better ? I think you can never come to a conclusion.

Like for example, in our culture, even after completing the school, choosing the college - weather to go for engineering or medicine or public services - Do we decide them ? How many parents would agree to their children saying, after school, I want to take up modelling as profession or catering as profession ? The reason parents say is from their experience they know what is good and what is bad. Do you think that the guys have a foresight into the industry which they are going to enter. Do we know what and how the computer field is now and how it would grow, when we entered college for pursuing computer science ? Or for that matter, the medical guys or the civil engineers. Well, I would say if they had that idea then why are the confused when coming out of the college searching for IT job ? Is this the mistake of parents who blindly go by the trend existing at that time or the guys who blindly go with their parents ?

Ok, apart from the job, after marriage, how many of the Indian guys n gals are able to lead a life independently ? Without the support of parents ? Very few I hope. Is it because of the way we were brought up ? Does this needs a change ? If yes, in what way ? I would say, part of this is for our good. That, we are always under a shelter. But do we necessarily need to ? What could be the side effects of this ? Questions pile up in front of me. I have seen people who cant say a "NO" to parents even for the essential things and people who cant even talk to their parents - what is supposed to be called as discussion. I think at least this situation should change.

Well, it is not about the parents always. How many kids listen to the words of parents or friends when they point out the mistakes. Man, younger generation hate this very word - "ADVICE". The pendulum swings in both the extremes. There are good parents who always stand as a pillar when kids fall but the next generation always sees this is a headache. May be these kind of people can only learn from their personal experience than hearing it from others. Both the parents and the younger generation should agree to one point - that decisions once taken in life may never have a chance to revert back.

At this time, I would salute the family who are like friends to the children. They are with them all through the life, making sure that their kid makes right decision. Backing up at the right decisions and pointing out the wrong decisions they make. This is the exact kind of situation which the young guys of this age need. Young lads should be made aware of all the pros and cons of whatever decisions they make and this is the important part where parents come into picture.And based on that, the decision should be made. I don't think even in the western culture, parents play the part here, but may be friends or the dear ones help out them. 

There are many films in our Indian film industry which constantly revolves around this topic. The best one in Hindi I can think of is - "Fashion" which clearly says how kids who don't get the support, go n make their own decision learns through experience and another epic film in this topic in Tamil is the recent hit - "Abhiyum naanum" where the parents understand their kid's wishes and they stand with them guiding to make their own decisions. I strongly believe that, with this younger generation blooming up now, they understand this demarcation clearly and act promptly to get their family into a good situation.

Ok friends, I think I have written enough. It all started when I was seeing a movie where the hero goes with the word of his dad and never get a chance to "Discuss" with him about this life. It was pretty interesting movie and this made me think backwards as how the current generation stands on this point.

All the best and see you in the next post.

What an Idea sirjeee

A very cool picture and made me to think lots..This is one advantage when you are in IT.. You do really get some amazing forwards at times..

Passing time..

Hi friends, the third topic on row. This was an instantaneous topic I got it..I was thinking how people of different age groups, different category pass time. I think this is a very wide topic to write about. So, I decided to write on how I, or rather most of us passed time till we reach the age of 25-30. May be, in future, I can extend this topic and write more. Saying this, I know exceptions are always there. But it is always interesting to think of the past as how time flew and what things we did in the past. I know many would be interested in suggesting me things regarding passing time. Post it in comments section, I am sure gonna edit this and add yours if they are good. 

Well, what did we do to pass time in our childhood days, during our school days? Passing time? in school days!!! huh...where was time left for us to pass it ? 8 hours of class, 30-40 min of lunch time..count the time when we get ready to school n come back to home after catching the bus. We had home works to do. And the most dreaded - Studies. I remember when I saw my sister's kid having a dairy n his grandma verifying it that each work is done as per the diary. Now a days, teachers have become more smart man..they specifically write a column for each subjects- what to be done in each. It was funny reading those. Some were like - "Science - complete the topics 3 and 4 in the science book", "English - read aloud poem 4", " Tamil - Write the words in your work book without seeing (supposed to be a test)", . Such huge was the tasks given to a 5-6 year old kid. I agree that only period where we expect to pass time was holidays. Playing, roaming about without even having food. This was a healthy time pass I suppose

After coming towards the end of the schools, in the higher secondary schools, there was no time..where to pass it. "Have to get good marks, have to get into a good college" - this was like a mantra which everyone used to say. Even during the occasional holidays or family get together, relatives, family friends used to say the same. Time was not ours' but we were in the hands of time and it was just passing us. I remember, the rare chance of passing time with friends was small gossips n chats we used to have when we wait for the tuition master to come in, or during the change of class. I really don't know if they were good or bad, but everyone of us have to pass through these times.

Enter the college, and all time is yours to pass. The first year may be hectic, getting used to college, new friends, assignments (of course, we all do our assignments perfectly in first year). Roaming around college, getting to know each and every corner of college, sitting in college canteen during the day and in the night canteen during the nights were truly good ways of passing time. Intermediate years, getting into the department, trying to understand everything in the world the profs used to teach, going home occasionally, getting together in one friend's room n talking about all the things in this small world were better ways of passing time than the first year. Coming to the final year, fearing about the job, studying the entire college syllabus in one night for campus (I call it as studying because, revising has got a different meaning !!!) and watching our close friends (of course who studied well) getting jobs, frustrating talks about them occupied most of our time till we get a job. Once we get a job, all the time in world is ours to pass..

Coming to the most important part of the life - after joining the job. New environment, more excitement. Whenever we get time, we call our friends. "Which project are you in ? which platform ? which technology ? howz your manager ? what facilities are there in your company ?" are the questions which we talk. I also need to tell this comment at this point - This is the place where all these things " Hatred, cunning mind, envy etc etc.." which were the desires of Satan which were passed to Adam enters life. Even though Darwin's theory "survival of the fittest" agrees to the above said things, I hope these getting a bit too much @ the job place. Coming back, we spend most of the time in office browsing, reading, learning more things. "System" or "The Box" becomes 90% the way for us to pass time. May it be either in office or in home. Why not, after these laptops becoming this cheaper and broadband coming to houses like the cable TV - Yes. Occasionally we spend time going outing - picnics, trekking,films..

I think more n more ways of passing time ends in the monitor and keyboard in modern days. We can count the activities which we do to spend our time apart from this. May be occasional cooking at home, meeting friends - get together, going out for shopping, dining..I am stuck now..what else ? May be few of us have couple of more things to add. But I m really afraid, fast moving world n technology - bringing people together everything have taken our most of time giving very less to our mind and body to relax. Oops.."enough of passing time here..now get back to work" strikes my head. 

Again, Best of Luck to you all and meet you in the next topic.

My fellow citizens: What a way to start President

Friends, thanks all for the feedback, comments and encouragements you gave me on my first blog. I am really motivated and so, you have to undergo the pleasure :) :) of reading more from me. Again, the disclaimer in my first blog stands valid. I promise to take your advices on my first blog and improve in the coming blogs.

After the comments I heard on my blog, I started thinking. Many of my friends got interested on the topic I chose rather than thinking that, this is our friend's first blog. Of course, people in IT must have read N number of nice blogs. I think the topic of recession in my last blog was in mind of many and so, I got more responses for the same. When I was thinking of the next topic - many things came into my mind - like Tamil film industry, politics in India but after I saw the swearing in ceremony on TV, I know what I am going to write about.

This topic might not be interesting for many coz, the very word "Politics" make faces crazy. In fact, I was one of these guys and I doubt I am still. But watching this man Obama speaking in front of crowds like ocean made me interesting. I was just browsing on the TV when I stopped to see the crowd and my roomie was asking why do people come and stand like this in the hot sun to hear his speech. Anyways, they can watch him on TV. Though he was wrong as it was winter in US, I was quite interested in finding the answer for this question.

Last winter 2007 December - 2008 Jan, when I was in US for the first time, I heard this name "Barack Obama". People were telling he is competing Hillary Clinton. I, having no idea on US politics was not quite interested. I was surprised to hear that, the elections in US last for an year and I was forced to see his campaigns in TV as the TV in my office showed nothing else. "CHANGE" was a very big word he used. I was quite amused as why he wants to change US when it is at the top in almost everything. Even a great astrologer wouldn't have predicted the fall coming exactly 1 year from that time.

It was when I went to US the next time that I heard he won over Hillary. I then understood the whole political web in US when people told, Mc Cain will win over Obama and some people supported Obama. It was when this recession started and the greatest of the banks fell, I was again tracking this elections as how US is going to react. Personally, I thought Bush was fair enough towards the policies to India. Then, when the whole world was following the presidential election, the CHANGE actually happened. This man - the new president elect gave a historical speech at Chicago.

Yesterday, it was a refreshing speech. He started with the same lines as the topic of this blog. Well the speech he made was not only meant to US, but the world I hope. The energy with which he spoke, our hope is that he gets it converted into actions and the real CHANGE happens soon for the world to be a peaceful place to live in. For those who missed out his speech yesterday are some of the clippings which I liked the most:

"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real.  They are serious and they are many.  They will not be met easily or in a short span of time.  But know this, America -  they will be met.Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. Let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled.  In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river.  The capital was abandoned.  The enemy was advancing.  The snow was stained with blood.  At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]." "

--Thanks to rediff.com for these experts

From the day I started to write Blog, I had a resolution that I would use others' words in my blog very less. I swear to follow that. But this blog has the words of Obama and I think it is worth in it. Ok friends, do comment on this. 

All the Best and meet you all in my next blog.

My First attempt

Disclaimer : Since I am new to blog, please tolreate any mistakes in this and help me in improving. I am sure you will not regret this help ...

It was my long time dream to write a blog. As such I am interested in reading blogs and I have this hobby for the past couple of years. But as time permits now, I start this in the new year of 2009. Well, the very idea of writing blog kindles me the next thing - on what topic. I have seen people writing their own experiences, society concerns or just timepass topics. I am always fond of discussing the current issues and so, I think writing about this recession would be a nice one to start with. Lately, there had been many discussions on the global recession striking the IT industry and for us - the younger generation who dreamt of IT jobs in our college time and currently hoping to enter into middle level management (Dont get confused :) Guys who passed out with me are neither developers nor in the top level managment, so I chose this funny term), its been a nightmare for the past couple of months. 

People who were crazy on IT jobs are having a second thought now. I even remember during my last visit to my hometown (Well, I boast it as a city among my friends !!!), in a small tea shop, guys were discussing the IT industry slow down having a cup of tea. It appears funny, but this tells us how deep this IT industry has gone into our society now. I was having a conversation with one of my friend when he announced that, he became a dad and told his concern that, dude, you must have got married when IT industry was in boom, now that, recession is there, even marriage market for IT guys are experincing this. Funny, but I think true !!! 

If we think of from where it all started, I am afraid that the roots are very deep. I personally dont accept that fact that, only the sub prime factor in US banks lead to all these. For those who dont know about this sub prime, google it. I came to know about this when I had a chance to work on it for a client in US. I swear it is very much interesting topic to read about. If not for sub prime in US, this situation has to come some day or other. Well, I think this has given a saturation level in this what is (was) said to a ver booming industry. I hear some voices - "boss, as long as you are not affected, you can write it anyway". Well, I agree..

This recession stuck me personally when a close friend of mine called one fine day (well, call in these modern days need not necessarily be a phone call, gtalk has very well covered that as well) and told me that, his company asked him to resign. Sorry if this is hurting my friend who might as well read this. But hearing about layoffs, reading it in newspapers n internet is very very different experience than experiencing among our close friends..Believe it..and slowly, even the after-effects are beginning to stuck me also as I hear few projects withdrawn because of this recession. I only hope for the best as everyone..

Sometimes, it appears that, doing a own business might be a good one. "Be a boss on your own". I dont know how better I have the talent for that or what future has in it for me. I was discussing to one of my relative - he is just a fresh college passed out and he got such wonderful ideas on business. Well, I do agree that, young blood have lot of innovation in them. I only hope this IT industry dont change their mind as it did for lakhs n lakhs (including me !!!) May be people are used to this luxurious life once they get in that, they hardly get back to their college days n think what they were planning.

Well, I think I thought of writing something and ended up writing many. For me, writing this was a very gud experience n I really feel it very good and refreshing. Man, now I feel how much late I am to this blog. I swear I will keep on this writing atleast once a week (may be more than that in these times of recession :) :) ) on any topics which might be interesting for me as well as for the readers. I would welcome any suggestions on this. 

Best of Luck to everyone. See you all in my next blog.