Sumon Chatterjee

Guten Abend!

2009-11-09T22:20:00.007+05:30

Good evening,

Had a German exam and a Geology exam this evening, both of which went off pretty well. Its another day of college before our study leave, my schedule is planned out and I seriously wonder how this Semester is going to conclude!

Hence tomorrow is going to be spent largely at home. Surveying is a subject I have never been fond of, full of theory and lengthy sums!, the first class test was a disaster!
I hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

****************************************************************************
"Apnader bhashan shunlam, Bhishion ki?"
Saturday evening was a treat: A 130decibel Railway Minister hardly twenty feet away campaigning for fifteen minutes. She was her usual self, even self confessing, "I cannot speak even good English because I went to the Bengali medium ischool, So what?"

Pleading that the motion be defeated, she ended up victorious. Banerjee had the audience break into peels of laughter, speaking a concoction of Bengali and English, it was the demagogue Didi who stole the show.

Suhel Seth was his usual exaggerated self, Sagarika Ghose and NK Singh were solid. Actor Dhritiman Chatterjee eloquently described at length the history of Bengal right from the 5th century and according to Abhirup Sarkar its only the "mediocre" that stay back in Bengal!

Hard truths about Bengal today: It is stuck in a time wrap, the Bengali's eternally lethargic habits and its obsessive reverence over the past. These have to change!

Period!

India: 2 Australia: 2 Sachin: 1

2009-11-07T09:21:00.015+05:30

I'm so glad there are by-Elections today, else we would have had a ThermoDynamics exam (Preparation zero).

So much has changed in our lives, but one thing that remains constant is Sachin Tendulkar. I was privileged to watch an unbelievable innings. A double century, still unseen in OneDay Cricket seemed possible! The inning was just an affirmation of the man's greatness.

A cricketing genius who just did not deserve to be on the losing side. And yet India did not deserve to win: because you have overnight stars like Ravindra Jadeja who bat at No 8 and run like maniacs and a captain called Dhobi who doesn't say a word about Sachin at the presentation!

A case of so near and yet so far, I was disappointed!

Exams knocking at the door: Just ten days to go...

The feeling hasn't sunk in that 1.5years at JU is completed, with another 2.5 more to go... Another Semester coming up and another long month of exams. Now contrary to popular belief, you indeed have to study in engineering!

A year and a half into JU, I wonder how many of us are actually achieving our true potential? We're a small batch of around 30, including three girls: everybody unique in their own individual way. Its been a culture shock, a roller coaster ride and a tremendous learning experience.

I have seen boys from village schools who our leagues ahead in knowledge compared to the urban convent types. There are politicians, muggers, lovers in all shapes and sizes; i.e. those that mug night and day, those with a vibrant political life, a vibrant social life and a vibrant romantic life!

And there is another category who before an exam say "Kichu porini re", who are born with engineering wisdom and end up topping! While the girls on the other hand are hounded by would be suitors. There are around three or four people whom I can always rely on for unconditional help and close friendships which I shall always cherish.

It has been a journey. We are learning, "gaining concepts" and becoming more aware of ourselves and the environments. Sharing good times and bad times all as one. The world for us now is our beloved campus and once we graduate i.e. 2012 and face the world and its challenges...

Time will tell!

Going for a Debate tonight where Mamata Banerjee is one of the Speakers,
More later...

Oh No

2009-10-15T22:47:00.006+05:30

When there are no openers, you ask him to open.
When you want extra batsman, you ask him to keep wickets.
When you are going to South Africa in bowling friendly conditions, you bring him in the team.
When India is 100/1, you send someone else in one down and push him to bat at 6.
When India loses first wicket in first over and the ball is swinging you send him in.

In spite of all this, he scores runs.
And then you drop him because he is not needed on flat tracks......

Speechless!

A Tale Of Two Nobels...

2009-10-10T09:51:00.005+05:30

Why Obama?
Why not Manmohan Singh or Sonia Gandhi?
Just nine months into the job, with hopefully seven more years to go, why now?
Because he is the first black President? Because he is not Bush?

The Nobel Committee which did not think Mahatma Gandhi suitable for the Prize, by awarding it to a President who has no significant achievements, has left me baffled! Having said that, maybe 10-20 years down the line, everyone will appreciate his Nobel.

America is under recession, and it owes a much more serious debt to the world. It is the largest polluter of CO2 gas (contributes 1/3rd of the worlds greenhouse emissions), and refuses to do anything about it. Clearly global warming is going to be a serious environmental threat in the years to come, and America needs to take genuine action to stop this problem, because they created it!

People will accept this Nobel with a certain element of skepticism. In the coming days people will say that the Nobel given to him was based on the promises he made and not on the delivary of the promise.

At the same time, I am proud that Venkataraman Ramakrishnan has won a Chemistry Nobel. But the fact remains, he had to migrate to foreign shores, to win this prize. A guy who studied Physics, worked in Biology but won the Prize for Chemistry!

Researchers need encouragement but unfortunately, they don't get it. Dr. Ramakrishnan is a US citizen, it is America which provided him the opportunity and environment to work. The "Brain-Drain" still continues.

I have great respect for the Indian scientists, who return to the country. But the fact of the matter is that India has not been able to provided them the infrastructure to continue with their passionate research. When will Indian labs independently generate such path-breaking research?

At the end of the day, humanity wins!

Back!!!

2009-10-09T21:56:00.007+05:30

A blog post after a month.
Missed out the euphoria in Kolkata..
A week to go for Diwali...
Shubho Bijoya all....

This going to be very quick!

Though I have never been a Durga Puja fan(atic), Calcutta during those four or five days has an indescribable feel to it. I often wonder what creates the nostalgia over this five-day festival. Nostalgia which spreads across generations, what is it that generates the hype, creates magic, year after year after year?

Is it the grandeur of a Durga slaying the demon Mahisasura, the drums or the aarti chants? It is Crazy! Hopping through insane crowds to visit the more famous landmarks of the city, has not been my cup of tea. Having said that, the Puja festivity does have a special and somewhat divine touch to the Bengali ethos.

For Bengalis, it is THE festival of the year. The values, the people, their dress, their food: something unbelievably special!

I can visibly imagine the colourful saris and kurtas, lively lovers of Maddox and children running about.
The young and the old..
I do miss them....

Teaching is their life...

2009-09-07T23:39:00.002+05:30

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”

Teachers are role models as teaching is the art of inspiring humans. After twelve years at Xavier’s and three semesters at JU, I have come across the most versatile set of teachers. Some have been good, some not so good, but they have all had a lasting impression.

When we were in younger classes and even in Nursery, we are very close with our teachers. Teachers’ appreciation started right from meticulously making Teachers’ Day cards every September fifth. But as we grow older, teacher appreciation became rarer.

Teachers appreciation is something which became so uncommon and yet so precious. I may sound clichéd, but teaching is no doubt the noblest profession and is that profession which indirectly teachers all other professions.

But what makes an ideal teacher? Is it a friend, philosopher, guide modelled into one or is it something much more? I think the single most important factor for an ideal, unforgettable teacher is his inherent enthusiasm in his subject. It shows when a teacher is passionate about his teaching and makes a huge difference in motivating students.

Teachers are role models; they lead by example and stimulate their pupils. Looking back, there have been so many teachers in my life who have influenced me.

I am sure whichever way we go in life; all of us need to appreciate the effort of our teachers. We need to reflect for a moment, the invaluable lessons they taught us. And finally say a huge and heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to all our teachers.

Happy Teachers Day!!!

Wake me up when September Ends...

2009-09-03T21:44:00.010+05:30

I begin writing and I am tired as usual. College is long, humdrum and exhausting and Thursdays are the worst. A three hour drawing class followed by an hour and a half lecture with lunch at three and finally Computer Lab, which ends at five!

And I have to study for three consecutive class tests.

Last night I had a one point agenda and that to watch a Teachers Day special episode 'Dadagiri'. I saw four veteran teachers, out of which I'd been taught by two. One a Bengali teacher and the other Physics, both of whom I will not forget. The physics teacher, an enthusiastically sarcastic gentleman, effortlessly calling his students' "intellectual spastics", "constipated cockroaches" and "wet cats" !

The show was horrendous, the questions ridiculous, the sets shabby and the host mechanical! I've never been a Dada fan, but I do believe that he's an iconic cricketer with a huge contribution to Indian cricket, but somehow hosting a shabby Bengali quiz show doesnt suit the poor guy!

Not to forget his over enthusiastic fans, who give him a pseud larger-than-life image

More later,
Adios!!!

Jassu: I Luv Jinnah!

2009-08-27T22:16:00.008+05:30

Sample this,
* LK Advani: I have no idea why Jaswant Singh went to Kandahar.

* Brajesh Mishra: All of us including Advaniji took a unanimous decision that Jaswant Singh would go on that flight.

* Yashwant Sinha: Advani was there, truth should be spoken.

* Jaswant Singh: I had covered up for Advani on Kandahar.

* George Fernandes: Maybe Advani forgot about it, maybe he is not sure.

My only recollecting memory of expelled leader Jaswant Singh is the Kandahar hijack issue. I was in Class Four and watching as a confused nine-year old, the hijack drama which continued for a week. This was in the run up to the new millenium.

And today, I am so confused about this Jaswant-Jinnah hype! Especially where three-quarters of India is born post 1984, after Mrs. Indira Gandhi's assassination. Agreed Partition was an important aspect of Indian history, but how does it matter to this generation care whether Jinnah was a hero or a villain!

A generation which sees India as a future superpower with its rapid growth and development. I fail to understand the hype over this book, let those who chose to read it, do so!

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I've always believed in the golden rule: Do unto others as you would have them unto you, but for some reason I've swayed from it. Though I've made up for it, a guilt feeling remains...

On the other hand, my Daschund has commited the gruesome murder of a tiny rat this evening and is least guilty-consience about it! [Picture self explanatory]

Oh Calcutta!

2009-08-27T12:25:00.008+05:30

This is going to be really quick. I had my worst bus-ride experience in the city this morning. It was pouring cats and dogs, an over-crowded public bus and with water dripping from the broken windows!

Kolkata is Real!

It is unpredictable and yet constant, beautiful and yet filthy. It is full of life, there's always something happening and rich in emotion. Calcutta, the once British Capital of India, I believe is now stuck in a time warp. Yet Kolkata loves her intellectuals, with everyone here thinking himself to be one!

The bus turns at Ruby Hospital and one can see a huge mass of people waiting at the bus stops. There is something more there. The passion of every Calcuttan on that bus from the way they would give directions to a stranger or to the way they would express their tax-free opinion about anything and everything is remarkable!

Finally I was close to my destination. Getting out of the bus was an equally strenuous task, pushing and shoving through everyone's drenched jet-black umbrella. Somehow paid my fare, Tata!!!

Welcome Back Mr. Dependable

2009-08-17T23:33:00.012+05:30

I am ecstatic that Rahul Dravid has at last been selected into the One Day team. I have fond childhood memories of RD from waking up at four-thirty to watch his iconic 233 in Adelaide and his legendary innings of 180 at the Eden Gardens with VVS. His 2003 World Cup as Keeper-batsman and finally his elegant IPL 66 for the Royal Challengers Bangalore against Jaipur.

Cucumber cool Dravid has always been a team man adapting perfectly to situations. Through the years, I have always admired Dravid for Dravidism: Hard work, infinite patience, unwavering concentration, responsibility, self discipline and most importantly his integrity. And that practise, patience and perseverance leads to perfection!

This is because unlike Tendulkar who is gifted, Dravid has acquired greatness through honest hard work at the nets. Just like Dr. Manmohan Singh and Narayana Murthy, who teach us that nice guys do finish first.

For me 'Rahul Dravid' has been a personification for perseverance and integrity. His respect for opponents and humility deserves a mention. "It feels nice to be back, I hope I'm able to repay the faith the selectors still have in me", quite self-explanatory.

His on and off field manners are as perfect and clean as his on and off drives. Technically excellent, an epitome of selflessness and with 10,000 runs in both formats, the former India captain has always been a thorough gentleman.

His batting has a uniqe studied silence to it and often nothing seems to happen. But a look at the scoreboard, says something different. He builds his innings slowly, brick by brick and batting long hours at the crease.

Uncontroversial and cool headed, his characteristic emotionless face under pressure situations and his selfless dedication to the country, I have high regards for this man.

I am sure we can all expect some more Dravid like innings to come. After all when India needs him the most, Rahul Dravid has always been there.

Class Boycott!

2009-08-17T22:18:00.010+05:30

For some reason there was a campus boycott today and I spent the better half of this morning studying for a Hydraulics exam.

It was similar to those anxious mornings between Dec 07 and May08, thankfully minus any worries. Those six months of setting short term targets and solving MCQs shall always be memorable.

Zoos continue to remain a collection of exhibits for animals. Only last week had eight monkeys been stolen from the Calcutta Zoo that this morning an ignorant Minister enters a tiger cage! I am appalled at his sadistic pleasure in teasing the endangered animal. Zoo animals have always been lonely, bored, discomforted and kept away from their natural environment.

The Minister showing total disregard for any Wildlife Law. The tiger is our national animal and needs our protection especially since there are only 1400 left!!

India@62!

2009-08-14T23:21:00.008+05:30

"At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.
A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new.
When an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance"

Nehru's golden words sixty two years ago as India continues her elusive search for 21st century's Gandhi. Incredible India Celebrates 62 years of freedom today. Freedom not just from the British but as a basic human right, which some of us have misused.

She needs to celebrate her unique and beautiful multicultural heritage, her strong spiritual roots and our inherent value system. She needs to rise above the Varun Gandhi's and Raj Thackery's of our society that want to divide us. She needs to inherit the patriotic belief that our country comes above everything.

All other factors come secondary, be it religion, region, caste or language. We are Indians first: Intelligent, large hearted and incorrigible. Now Patriotism is not merely confined to saying "Jai Hind", supporting India's cricket matches or flag hoisting every August 15th. But it is our collective efforts towards nation building, both directly and indirectly.

We need to realise the true potential of our country not only for ourselves, but for the world to know that we are a nation on the rise. But there continues to be two India's: One India which travels on the Bandra-Worli Highway in seven minutes while the other which still travels on the kachha rasta.

Today is India's moment.. INDIA as the largest democracy in the world and the second fastest growing economy. I conclude by quoting the charismatic President of America, Barak Obama "Yes We Can!"

Oye Its Friday!

2009-07-31T23:38:00.006+05:30

This evening's news tamasha was about Sourav Ganguly's Park St restaurant being used for all the wrong reasons. A local sting operation showing skimpily clad bar dancers all over the table was both hilarious and shocking!

The other shocking news this week was the demise of Rajmata Gayatri Devi. A dignified, poignant and charming lady with a smoky voice, which only added to her enigma. India mourns the death of this legendary Maharani.

I seemed to have got used to lethargic ways after consecutive four-day weeks. This week on the contrary was packed with back to back three lectures each day! The bus-ride back from college was much more relaxing today with nothing due next morning.

Our results came out today and I felt a touch disappointed. Once again our highly deserving South Point topper, who is a true example of a pedantic and persevering learner.

Slighty disappointed because I had anticipated better. Though disappointment is a transient phase and yet inevitable period in life. I may sound philosophical and cliche'd, but I have always believed that everything in life happens for a reason. Therefore I tell myself that there must be explanations for all happenings.

I conclude my final post of July by quoting Rahul Dravid,
"Demand more from yourself.
Push that extra yard.
Break out of your comfort zone.
In the pursuit of excellence."

After a week!!

2009-07-27T21:47:00.010+05:30

I watched 'Khuda Key Liye' over the weekend on DvD. It has a clear message on how fundamentalists distort the entire meaning of religious beliefs and how easy it is to brainwash young minds. Though the acting is amateur and the music soothing, the film is a pleasant watch.

The director has narrated sensitive subjects such as religious fundamentalism and racial profiling fabulously. And the film talks about Muslims spread over three countries: Pakistan, Britain and the US.

I had to use subtitles to follow Naseeruddin Shah's exemplary speech in chaste Urdu. In the movie, it was painfully shocking to see the things done all in the name of God, An honest and noble film,'Khuda Key Liye' is a must-watch!

Another film I watched this morning was Transformers2, which was a complete bore! From the incomprehensible storyline to the inaudible dialogues to the insane climax scene in Egypt, the film for me was an uninteresting watch.

The morning show at City Centre was desolate and towards the end I was turning in my seat and looking at my watch every three or four minutes. After the movie, it was a peaceful lunch at Azad Hind, Salt Lake.

I realised today how blissfully ignorant I am about my own city. Salt Lake with its numerous roundabouts, Sector 1-5, BD and CF blocks , 4Nombor Tank is puzzling. I had no idea that 6Ballygunge Place and AzadHind existed in Salt Lake! And all the houses, roads and greenery in Salt Lake looks so similar that it resembles some other city like Bhubhaneswar or Kochi!

Wednesday 22nd July 2009 shall be a memorable morning for me. A rare occasion when I woke up at 6a.m. to view the morning eclipse and I wasn't disappointed. [I have uploaded a picture] But I was surprised to know that most people I asked did not see the partial eclipse.

I can very vividly picture the total eclipse in '95 in Diamond Harbour, and ardently wait for the annular eclipse in January 2010.

A Huge Let Down...

2009-07-19T22:11:00.005+05:30

I watched the latest Harry Potter film yesterday with a small group of college friends and I must admit I was reasonably disappointed. Being an ardent Potter fan, I had higher expectations from the sixth film. But I thought that the pace of the movie was lost in some of the senseless romantic comedy scenes.

The sixth book is supposed to be a build up to the final one, but somehow I felt the cinema lacking in flow. And the acting was nothing spectacular. I recall reading this book in Class X and it was finer that some of the previous books. The characters were dynamic, the action scenes powerfully written and it was overall a smooth read.

I can’t even recall what ‘Order of the Phoenix’ was all about, but I still believe that the Third Book is by far the best.

I thought Buddha Babu looked charming and comical in his turquoise sari with full white sleaves in the front page of The Telegraph, though the article was in poor taste.

Tomorrow shall be my first day in the main campus.

More later…

Chalta Hein!

2009-07-15T23:35:00.007+05:30

Death of people due to whatever reasons in India, be it a flyover collapse, consumption of liquor, bus accidents or Naxal violence our government is grossly insensitive. The death toll is always a futile figure becoming a mere statistic. Just like the five construction workers who unfortunately lost their lives for the citizens of this country who will ride the Delhi Metro in the future.

Sreedharan is a genius and Delhi’s darling Sheila Dikshit rightly saying that the Metro Man is indispensable for the Project. This is not the birthday gift Dr. Sreedharan deserves. At 77, he is a living legend and deserves accolades rather than such untoward events.

I believe he cannot be even remotely connected with the tragedy. He would know the magnitude of risk involved and would never compromise on safety. In totality E. Sreedharan has done an exemplary job but those guilty need to be punished.

He has delivered on the Metro Project, which is essential for the reputation of India for 2010 Commonwealth Games and hopefully future bidding for the 2020 Olympics. Deadlines were met and the common man was happy in the creation of an excellent transport system in Delhi. Contrary to our Calcutta Metro has been lying stagnant for years. Though some work has at long last started near Salt Lake.

I believe somewhere down the line, we have this tendency to accept whatever is going on around us. The 'Chalta Hein' phenomena.

I hope I am wrong, but I get this dreadful feeling that we have accepted mediocrity as a routine way of life. I may sound cynical but we have accepted it in all fields, from cinema to sport to literature to all government departments!

As a nation we are intelligent, articulate and hard working, but I believe we need a stronger leadership. A charismatic and inspirational leader whom the youth can all look up to. And rising from the ordinary, pushing ourselves further out of the comfort zones in search of excellence.

I conclude by quoting Shah Rukh Khan from one of my favourite films 'Swades'.

"Main nahi maanta ki hamara desh duniya ka sab se mahan desh hai,
Lekin yeh jaroor maanta hoon,
ki hum mein kabiliyath hai, takath hai
Apni desh ko sabse mahan banane ke liye "

What an idea Sirji!

2009-07-12T22:13:00.003+05:30

Nandan Nilekani, CEO of Infosys has quit Infy to get a Cabinet post. His job to give us one million Indians a unique ten digit ID card! A smart card system, which is an affirmation of the IT industry reaching out to the aam admi. A innovative and challenging concept which will surely improve our safety and security.

Watching the news and Sreedharan Sir has just tendered his resignation. An exemplary project manager of the Delhi Metro, Padma ViBhushan E. Sreedharan has belonged to a completely different league and has been an outstanding role model for youngsters. A man of impeccable integrity, he should be India's next President.

Our country needs more Nilekanis and Sreedharans to take us forward!!!

JAI HO!

Lethargic Weekend

2009-07-12T18:38:00.013+05:30

It is so gloomy and dark outside and this weather makes me astonishingly hungry. Blogging is addictive even though I have nothing to write about at the moment. Far better than regularly maintaining a silly diary.

Another frenzied week from tomorrow after a sluggish Sunday. Am now in Second Year with a new batch of forty coming in. I must confess exactly a year ago I was petrified of the word ragging.

A word which gave me initial goosebumps on my first day watching seniors walk into our Seminar Room asking everyone for their introduction. But fortunately there is a unanimous stand against ragging at JU, which is pretty much a no-no at the campus.

Goodbye for now,

Dear Blog,

2009-07-06T19:09:00.003+05:30

It has been a good homecoming. After raining cats and dogs this morning, I returned to college drenched and after almost two months. Yes, it is back to the motto of JU i.e. ‘chaap nish naa’. The University has a new look and our results aren’t out yet.

Discussing with the Communist intellectuals in our class, who see nothing positive with the recent ambitious Railway Budget by Mamatadi. Still believing Budha-babu to be the best Chief Minister of our country, where I think the affectionate Sheila Dikshit has by far been the best.

I watched Mira Nair’s Namesake over the weekend with family and thoroughly loved it. It was a compelling two-hour watch of a beautiful movie rich in emotions. A uniformly fine performance by the cast, I specially enjoyed Tabu’s performance: poised and aging gracefully. Especially in the scene where she breaks down on hearing that her husband is no more.

This was a film in which I could so closely related with its characters. The couple comes to America believing it to be the land of limitless opportunities. They are unable to adapt perfectly into their system and make sacrifices for their children’s future.

I could relate to the film in a special way, seeing so many Gogol’s and so many Ashima’s in this world. Reminding me of one of my school friends who has gone to America for graduate studies, who now talks in a completely different accent!

Quoting Gandhi,
"I want the cultures of all the lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible.
But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any."

Golden Langurs!

2009-07-03T09:26:00.006+05:30

This is going to sound redundant that I am sorry for this delayed post (after only two posts in June!)

After five gruelling weeks at Guwahati, am delighted to be back. Once again to be waking up in my bed to everyday’s Telegraph in contrast to Agatha Sangma’s pictures every morning on the “Assame Tribune”. The local heroine, a sparkling young minister, I am sure has a great future ahead.

My concluding Sunday was a visit to the Uma Nanda Temple, an island in the centre of the Brahmaputra. We went in a group of four, all of us having our own reasons for this half day trip: boat ride, temple and golden langurs! A ten-minute ferry ride from the Ghat, most of the visitors were the young North-Eastern couples and the old, religious tourists.

The Golden Langur is the rarest and highly endangered specie numbering nine-hundred and only found in Assam. My sole purpose was to have a glimpse of this specie. Seated in a group of six to eight, the friendly golden langurs were beautifully coloured with their glowing golden fur. Their shining black faces, golden hair and long rope tails dangling like ropes.

I was extremely impressed by this endemic monkey specie. Watching a picturesque sunset, seated on rocks by the wide Brahmaputra, we returned at half past seven.

Watched today’s Parliamentary proceedings, thought Meira Kumar is doing an excellent job as Speaker. Soft-spoken, gentle and dignified Ms. Kumar I thought was wonderful in controlling the House. A hilarious site watching Mulayam Singh, Lalu Prasad and Basudeb Acharya huddled together among the Opposition Benches.

I am amazed at the abnormal hype over Michael Jackson’s death. People grieving over an eccentric, psychiatric pedophile!!!!

More later, ADIOS!!!

The IIT Experience

2009-06-16T20:29:00.008+05:30

After collecting eight sewage samples and testing for their Chemical Oxygen Demand, I begin writing after almost a month long gap. I enter my third week in IIT Guwahati and am sad to miss out on my cousin brother’s 12th birthday party back in Kolkata.

The weather in Guwahati is still amazing but the early sunsets are disappointing, even though we approach the longest day of the year. And a rare six minute solar iseclipse due next month.

Brand IIT doesn’t seem the brand I initially anticipated as compared to its over-hyped entrance exam, the IIT-JEE. There has been no tap water for the past three days in the Department and a free leopard roams in the campus. Initially thought to be a rumour, a leopard was spotted by some professors on a hill, which has now thankfully been sealed.

Yes the infrastructure, professors and facilities is impeccable but the overall impression is somehow slightly below my expectation.

No television for three weeks, which was a regular refreshing break back home.

There are three issues this week which has caught my attention. Film maker Madhur Bhandarkar has a fresh story. It was shocking reading this morning’s Times Of India on Shiney Ahuja, who I think is an extremely under-used but fine actor. The story yet to unfold but whatever the outcome, I am confident next year he will be walking free and starring in movies just like Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan.

India’s early exit from the World Cup was equally shocking. Since there’s one TV per 300 people, I didn’t end up watching any of the matches but I have no doubt that Captain Dhoni has become adamant and arrogant.

So overconfident, believing he can do anything. Speaking out against senior players earlier, skipping the Padma Shri ceremony and instead shooting for a commercial! Thank you “Captain Cool” as you now have more time to shoot for advertisements while fans will not stay up late to watch the matches.

I find it absurd for the BJP to expect senior leaders like Jaswant Singh and Yashwant Sinha to work under Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley. As for Advani, a man who has been desperately yearning for 7RCR ever since 6December 1992. It is at the same time sad to see his political career ending in this fashion.

The BJP should at least now learn to be an ideologically secular party where people of all religions are brought together. They should learn that the people of India are always secular and will not tolerate divisive politics.

Better late than never!

2009-06-06T11:34:00.004+05:30

This is going to be a really really short post after a really really long time.

Writing from the IIT Computer Centre after completing many titrations last evening.. The weather in Guwahati is fantastic, but hostel life is extremely difficult to adjust to.! The campus resembles a wild jungle with snakes, insects and foxes.

The food so monotonous and terrible, that I even felt the urge to taste non-vegetarian food after years! The hostel filled with bearded PhD geeks and a groupist Andhra crowd. But unfortunately have to climb upto my alloted fourth floor room each time!

Have to go now, more later,,,,

Orissan Odyssey

2009-05-26T16:09:00.006+05:30

Since I’m accused of writing newspaper reports I shall now go on to describe the last three days in Puri. We left for Howrah station to catch the overnight Puri Express. I was woken up in the morning by loud snoring and shouts of “Chaye Chaye" around 6a.m. .

The scenery from the train's hazy window was picturesque, watching long stretches of coconut trees, small ponds and paddy fields. Eavesdropping on the over enthusiastic Bong conversations in the train was quite a treat! Grandparents recalling their earlier trips to the Jagannath Temple and the over competitive South Point mothers discussing their sons academics.

Finally reaching a spotlessly clean Puri station in the morning and after a lazy breakfast in the hotel, we spent almost the entire morning in the pool. Only after a brief afternoon siesta and watching a ghastly film 'Money Hain To Honey Hain', did we go sea bathing. The long sandy beach was full of people and the sea was extremely rough making it quite unlike the leisurely swim in the morning.

There was abundant sea food selling by the beach. In the evening, all the tourists gulping down their puchkas, chowmein, lobsters, fish fry and ice-creams with great pleasure. Our long evening walk by the beach was tiring. We got a spectacular night view of the Bay of Bengal, finally returning around 8p.m. to catch the second semi final.

Waking up at 6.30am on a Sunday morning to go sea bathing is quite a task. Unfortunately my parents being the “early birds” type are unable to understand the pleasure of morning sleep, especially on Sundays. And they are yet to give up their efforts to make us (my sister and me) early birds too!

In the morning, we decided to visit the famous Lord Jagannath temple. The pushing and shoving to get the rare glimpse in the damp and dark over-crowded temple was frightening. But the main temple structure was majestic and towering.

In the evening, we were confided to our hotel as heavy rains had begun by then. We had a quiet early dinner at seven o’clock. The local Orissan cuisine is very similar to Bengali cuisine. It is full of coconut, mustard and spices. Being a vegetarian, I surprisingly did enough choice for all my meals.

Now for the newspaper reporting. I was eagerly expecting a Bangalore win in the finals. Thoroughly deserved by Kumble's men, but once again a retired Australian captain lead his team to the trophy, ending this over-hyped tournament. No doubt the Royal Challenger’s was beaten by the better team.

It was on Monday 25/05 that cyclone Aila struck. After incessant rains for 24hours, waking up at 5a.m. for the early morning flight back home, we actually ended up reaching home at almost midnight! Our flight got re-scheduled to 3p.m. and finally cancelled as Kolkata airport had shut down for hours. Having no other option, we decided to return by road, a 500km journey from Bubhaneshwar.

The roads were unusually smooth and our Scorpio shaking in the wind ad mist cyclonic winds. We stopped at a dhaba near the border for a breather around seven o'clock. Local Oriya television showing their anglicised Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik thanking the people for the mandate: "Mu Naveen Panaik Aochi". After a short ruti-chola dinner, we resumed our trip back home.

It was a huge sigh of relief for me, the moment we got onto the Vidyasagar Setu. Watching in horror, deep trees uprooted across roads, my city had been ripped apart by Aila.
Finally finally finally we reached home safe and sound.!

Thought of the day: Is the feeling the same exactly six months after 26/11..

Happppppppy Holidays....!!!!!!

2009-05-20T23:26:00.009+05:30

Another semester at JU over, a stream of regal ink now reduced to a spot on my index finger and the so called "kamzor pradhan mantri" is all set for his 2nd innings. The only Prime Minister in India's history to get a 2nd innings after completing an entire 1st innings since Nehru.

The people of this country have given a thumping mandate for the Chairman-CEO combination of Mrs. Gandhi and the economist PM. A mandate for the tidy, efficient, hard working, honest, clean, reserved, soft-spoken and gentleman Dr Manmohan Singh. The BJP attacked him viciously, called him not only weak but a care-taker and nightwatchman Prime Minister. But in an extra ordinary mandate for the gentle sardarji, Singh is King is to be sworn in this Friday. Question is whether Rahul Gandhi will accept a Cabinet post, any berth free for him..

With the mighty Left Fron now reduced to only 15seats from 35, the Banerjee lady is eyeing top Cabinet posts. With "poribortoner haoa" and her famous M3 campaign of "MA MATI MANUSH", the CPM will surely face a tough fight two years from now..

I was laughed at three weeks ago when RCB was placed at the bottom of the table. Ridiculed right from the beginning for being a Test Team consisting of the Kumbles and Dravids . But for Daruwallah's team, its truly been a Royal Challenge: from test team to T20!

Now they're not only certain to enter the semi-finals, but also have a great chance of winning IPL2. Rahul Dravid, the Wall once again adding stability to Bangalore's chase verses Delhi. As cool as a cucumber, the former India captain finding form and guiding his team in a brilliant 34 ball 38.

After a monstrous four hour drawing exam in this summer heat, holidays begins from today.. Off to Puri on Friday. Will be missing 4th years farewell in college.. Next post on Tuesday..
(Hopefully with RCB as the winners of IPL's second edition)

Choosing between the devil and the deep blue sea...

2009-05-13T13:57:00.006+05:30

Finally Kolkata votes , the concluding day of the elections for the 15th Lok Sabha.

I cast my vote today morning and being a first time voter I was both excited and nervous. While standing in the long queue this morning, I realised it was extremely difficult to choose between the devil and the deep blue sea. But hopefully I've made the right choice by selecting the lesser of the two evils! The entire voting process was very peaceful and swift.

I was through with the syllabus for tomorrow's exam this morning. Ive just had a half a hour coffee break, now its back to revision..

Next post hopefully on Friday, till then adieu.

Rain Rain Rain Rain!!!!

2009-05-12T19:47:00.004+05:30

Sorry for the delay with this post!

With half the subjects over and another week to go, the next exam is computers and numerical analysis! Yes its the same monotonous prime checks and fibonacci sequence in computers. Numerical analysis, on the other hand is a really interesting and new subject, which was taught by a young energetic professor.

There's Chicken pox fever in JU as 4people in our dept. have already got it, that too right in the middle of exams! The previous paper was Engineering Mechanics, which was much better than I had anticipated!

After beastly weather for weeks and weeks, we finally have some respite! Finally the Kal Baisaki is here.. Yes after days of humidity and soaring mercury levels its now raining cats and dogs, and its fun to have the thunderstorms (especially if your indoors)

Kolkata votes tomorrow and with this soothing weather, I'm optimistic that we'll have a record turnout...
I live in hope!

PS: Must check out the dirty humour in this blog www.fakeiplplayer.blogspot.com

"Usefulness of Sociology to Construction Engineers" !!!

2009-05-06T22:30:00.004+05:30

Q. Write a short note on the usefulness of Sociology to Construction Engineers.

An example of one of the ridiculous questions in today's sociology exam. It was a pleasant reminder of the History papers in class 9 and 10. The days when we were required to meticulously write pages and pages of long answers, that too point wise on Gandhi and Bose.

Out of four notes in section2, I had thoroughly prepared a note titled 'Environmental Policies in India from 1972-95' and was confident that one essay would come from this! To my horror, not a single question was from this note and had to completely exaggerate a 15marks answer, on a note I had hurridly glanced through.

Today's paper concluded with a HUGE relief after two back to back frantic exams. I now have a five day break!

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Over the weekend I finally watched my first Uttam Kumar movie, "Nayak", which is set over a train journey. I thought it was a bright and charismatic performance from Uttam Kumar and an equally charming act from Sharmila Tagore, which makes the film eminently watchable. Unfortunately I can't compare this with other Uttam Kumar movies, but "Nayak" has its unique simplistic tone, conversational approach, excellent performances from the leading cast and is after all directed by Satyajit Ray.

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I've been watching the news on television but not really connecting with it. It the same politicians in the same channels in the same news debates saying the same rehearsed lines about their stand on the same issues of Varun Gandhi, Pota, Kandahar and Bofors.

In fact the ads are worst, except for the Aamir Khan advertisement for Tata Sky where he plays an old sardar driver. Its an amazingly effortless and authentic performance by Aamir, the "perfectionist" of Hindi cinema.

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I just watched a carefully done press-conference by the dimpled Gandhi, who now seems to be more idealistic than realistic in Indian politics. Rahul Baba's easy charm seems to have earned himself brownie points by reaching out to the Left, Nitish Kumar, Jayalalitha. The flavour of the season for all our politicians is "all options are open".
All eyes will be on the heir apparent, as India enters phase four tomorrow!

PS1
My prediction for Bengals 42 seats
Left= 23.
TMC= 12.
Cong= 6.
BJP=1.

PS2
Just a clarification I haven't written the hilarious post A-Z of Bengalis, its something I found somewhere but cant find the source..

PS3
Next post on Saturday, till then adios..!

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A-Z for Bengalis!

2009-05-04T20:02:00.001+05:30

Something I found recently...
The A - Z for Bengalis...

A is for Awpheesh (as in Office). This is where the average Kolkakatan goes and spends a day hard at work. And if he works for the 'Bhest Bengal Gobharment' he will arrive at 10, wipe his forehead till 11, have a tea break at 12, throw around a few files at 12.30, break for lunch at 1, smoke an unfiltered cigarette at 2, break for tea at 3, sleep sitting down at 4 and go home at 4:30. It's a hard life!

B is for Bhision. For some reason many Bengalis don't have good bhision. In fact in Kolkata most people are wearing spectacles all the time.(too many plays to attend,shongeet programs)

C is for Chappell. Currently, this is the Bengali word for the Devil, for the worst form of evil. In the night mothers put their kids to sleep saying, 'Na ghumaley Chappell eshey dhorey niye jabe.'(remember ' so jao nahi to Gabbar aa jayega'....thanks Sippy sahab)

D is for Debashish or any other name starting with Deb. By an ancient law every fourth Bengali Child has to be named Debashish. So you have a Debashish everywhere and trying to get creative they are also called Deb, Debu, Deba with variations like Debopriyo, Deboprotim, Debojyoti, etc. thrown in at times.

E is for Eeesh. This is a very common Bengali exclamation made famous by Aishwarya Rai in the movie Devdas. It is estimated that on an average a Bengali, especially Bengali women, use eeesh 10,089 times every year. 'Ei Morechhey' is a close second to Eeesh.

F is for Feeesh. These are creatures that swim in rivers and seas and are a favourite food of the Bengalis. Despite the fact that a fish market has such strong smells, with one sniff a Bengali knows if a fish is all right. If not, he will say 'eeesh what feeesh is theesh!'

G is for Good name. Every Bengali boy will have a good name like Debashish or Deboprotim and a pet name like Motka, Bhombol, Thobla, etc. While every Bengali girls will have pet names like Tia, Tua,Tumpa , Tuktuki, Mishti, Khuku et cetera.

H is for Harmonium. This the Bengali equivalent of a rock guitar. Take four Bengalis and a Harmonium and you have the successors to The Bheatles!(2 lac impersonators of the bhetols and elvis da in North kolkata only)

I is for lleesh. This is a feeesh with 10,000 bones which would kill any ordinary person, but which the Bengalis eat with releeesh!

J is for Jhola. No selfrespecting Bengali is complete without his Jhola. It is a shapeless cloth bag where he keeps all his belongings and he fits an amazing number of things in. Even as you read this there are two million jholas bobbling around Kolkata, and they all look exactly the same! Note that 'Jhol' as in Maachher Jhol is a close second.

K is for Kee Kaando !. It used to be the favourite Bengali exclamation till eeesh took over because of Aishwarya Rai (now Kee Kando's agent is trying to hire Bipasha Basu).

L is for Lungi, the dress for all occasions. People in Kolkata manage to play football and cricket wearing it not to mention the daily trip in the morning to the local bajaar. Now there is talk of a lungi expedition to Mt Everest.

M is for Minibaas. These are dangerous half buses whose antics would effortlessly frighten the living daylights out of all James Bond stuntmen as well as Formula 1 race car drivers.

N is for Nangto. This is the Bengali word for Naked. It is the most interesting naked word in any language!

O is for Oil. The Bengalis believe that a touch of mustard oil will cure anything from cold (oil in the nose), to earache (oil in the ear), to cough (oil on the throat) to piles (oil you know where!).

P is for Phootball. This is always a phavourite phassion of the Kolkattan. Every Bengali is born an expert in this game. The two biggest clubs there are Mohunbagan and East Bengal and when they play the city comes to a stop.

Q is for Queen. This really has nothing to do with the Bengalis or Kolkata, but it's the only Q word I could think of at this moment. There's also Quilt but they never use them in Kolkata.

R is for Robi Thakur. Many many years ago Rabindranath got the Nobel Prize. This has given the right to all Bengalis no matter where they are to frame their acceptance speeches as if they were directly related to the great poet and walk with their head held high. This also gives Bengalis the birthright to look down at Delhi and Mumbai and of course 'all non-Bengawlees'! Note that 'Rawshogolla' comes a close second ! and a closer third is 'Robindro shongeet' ...every
child born first sings a verse of robindro shongeet before asking for mothers' milk)

S is for Shourav. Now that they finally produced a genuine cricketer and a captain, Bengalis think that he should be allowed to play until he is 70 years old. Of course they will see to it that he stays in good form by doing a little bit of 'jawggo' and 'maanot'.

T is for Trams. Hundred years later there are still trams in Kolkata. Of course if you are in a hurry it's faster to walk.

U is for Aambrela. When a Bengali baby is born he is handed one.(a statement for 'upwaardly mobile bengalis') A close second is Uttam Kumar.....the Rock Hudson of Goria..haat.....

V is for Bhaayolence. Bengalis are the most non-violent violent people around. When an accident happens they will fold up their sleeves, shout and scream and curse and abuse, "Chherey De Bolchhi" but the last time someone actually hit someone was in 1979.

W is for Water. For three months of the year the city is underwater and every year for the last 200 years the authorities are taken by surprise by this!

X is for X'mas. It's very big in Kolkata, with Park Street fully lit up and all Bengalis agreeing that they must eat cake that day,abandoning their roshogoollas and shondesh for a day.....

Y is for Yesshtaarday. Which is always better than today for a Bengali (see R for Robi Thakur).

Z is for Jebra, Joo and Jero!

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Maniac Monday!

2009-05-04T19:13:00.001+05:30

Hey! Its half past seven, and have just begun writing my first post after a hectic "Basic " Electrical Engineering (anything but basic) Semester exam and class test.

It was half an hour into the exam, when I realised that I wasn't well prepared for this rather theoretical paper. A paper where majority of the questions were to describe, write short notes and draw neatly labelled diagrams of electrical instruments and DC Motors which I'm sure to forget within a month. The Class Test (like all the other class tests) was a complete farce.

After almost a week of "study leave", the next paper on Wednesday, is a completely absurd paper for engineering students: SOCIOLOGY!

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This election we're seeing a lot of Priyanka Gandhi as a naturally charismatic and a dynamic youthful leader of India. Her grace and style of wearing her granmother's sari still hasn't changed. The 99 General Elections saw Sonia Gandhi entering politics, the last time it was Rahul baba, this time its Varun and I'm sure by the next elections Priyanki Gandhi would have joined her family profesion.

South Kolkata votes nine days from now.. Its the hysterical Banerjee "lady" verses the Communist Rabin Deb, which I believe will be a close fight..

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My interest in the IPL is back with Rahul Dravid having returned from his paternity leave and Royal Challenger's Bangalore winning three matches on the trot. A remarkable 66 on IPL day one, making the point that its not ugly hitting that makes great T20 players, but also an innings of class. With sweat trickling down his face and raising his bat in style, RCB is the team to watch out for..

Rahul Dravid take a bow...

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