A life changing incidence......

I don't know if the incidence which I am going to share has anything to do with this phrase. But I thought, both had an equal effect on me, emotionally.

I die in the battle zone

Box me up and send me home

Take my medals, pin them on my chest

And tell my mother, I TRIED MY BEST.

Here, the person tries to narrate that he lost his life but not without giving his best. He fought till the last minute. It was his commitment which he never broke and dint give up.

On Saturday, I met a similar character. I was amongst the volunteers for the Mandir Suraksha Maha-Sammelan, a massive gathering of Hindus from all over the state of Goa, to condemn the recent attacks on several temples in the state. To top it all, the Government has not been able to take any action to ensure that the guilty are punished and any such occurrences in the future are prevented. People were angry. One could sense that they wanted to make a difference. For once, they wanted to send a message, that Hindus should not be taken for granted. Well, I will write another post to inform you about the sammelan in detail. Here, I want to discuss an Individual, who according to me was the STAR OF THE SHOW.

I was a part of the Emergency Services Committee at the venue. Our role was to take care of any emergencies arising at the venue. Accordingly, we had arranged for 2 ambulances, 1 fire brigade and most importantly, plenty of medicines to provide first-aid. Just as the program was about to begin, we had our first customer. Ha ha. Customer is not the right word. But he was the first one we serviced. He came up to me and ask for a Band-Aid. Just when we were finding one, we realized the guy was bleeding. Later on, we discovered, he had bruises all over his hands and legs. We immediately cleaned up all his wounds with Dettol and applied a cream. The person was not in favour of any bandage being applied but he was forcefully made to agree as we were worried about he getting infection due to the dust all over.

After we were sure that we had done our best, we asked the cause of his bruises. He had met with an accident at St. Cruz, which is several kilometers away from the venue. He was badly hurt with several wounds. However, his commitment for the function was so high that he bought a new shirt on the way and headed straight to the venue. He said, when Hindus are getting attacked, it was his duty to be a part of every move to condemn the same. And before we could ask him anything else, he asked us to excuse him as the program had already started. As he walked away, we were stunned. At that moment, I felt so small. His dedication towards the cause had probably made him numb. Else, nobody else would have been able to ignore the kind of pain he might have been going through.

The incidence has changed me forever. Whatever may be your passion, if you follow it and give your 100%, there is nothing which can stop you from achieving your goal. Hats off to the man. I am only pained as I could not touch his feet. Hope I meet him again, sooner or later. I just wanna thank him for teaching us all a lesson, we will remember for life.

Back after 2 months...

A few mins back, I got a rude wake up call.  Just as I was browsing through a friend’s blog, I came across her MY BLOG LIST. The link to my blog was there showing that I had last updated it 2 months ago. 2 MONTHS ! ! ! Long long time. Its not that I have run out of ideas these days. But there have been too many of them. I have started numerous posts and left them half with a hope they will be completed the next time I switch on my laptop. That has not happened to any of the posts as yet, but I am hopeful, I will be back. Just like I have done in the past. 

I had my exams, I had my health problems, I had some other problems, had pressure at work and so on. All this ended up in affecting my writing. However, 2 months is a long time. I cant be making excuses any longer. Thought this post can act as a filler till the time I complete at least one post out of the many I have left half way.

This post is only to reaffirm that I am still here (ALIVE). Blogging scene wont miss me for long now. I will be back. Not with a bang but with a post.

Looking forward to your valuable feedback once I am back in action. Till then, enjoy the pre Christmas period. Hope Santa Claus will give all of you loads of gifts.

MERRY CHRISTMAS in Advance…

Heaven - Its here.....

There is a famous dialogue “If there's heaven/paradise on earth, its here, its here, its here.” I found one such heaven a few days back. Why found? I have been going there for ages. But it took me a long time to realise its real worth. If you are wondering what I am talking about, then don’t worry. I will reveal the address shortly.

About 12 kms from Panaji, the capital city of Goa, there is a small town called Mapusa; a place known more for its market of cloths, silver, etc. Once you go around a few narrow lanes, so narrow, that even a slight mistake could lend ur car into the ditch (I have screwed up my car when a friend mis-judged the road completely), you reach an old and rickety theatre. Around it, there are various eateries (Taparies would be a better word). There are more stalls than the flies in the area. But in this mess, once place proudly stands out – BAPPA’s Juice Centre. No signboards, No neon signs. All you can smell is chicken, omlette and fruits. Bappa doesn’t serve you all of this, but his shakes and fruit plate has the magic to heal many wounds. You may be tired, depressed, frustrated; one fruit plate coupled with “Adsar Shake” (Tender Coconut Milk Shake) makes your mind refreshed. If you feel I am overdoing it, then “Pehle Istamal Kare, Phir Vishwas Kare”.

 

WARNING: If you are fussy about ambience. then u better stay away. U will find that fruits are flocked by flies. However, if ur priority is good taste over everything else, this is the place to be at.

 

If there is heaven for food lovers, then its here, its here, its here!!!!!

 

Life..

Life, like love, the word has always invited various reactions. Some say, life is beautiful (whether they believe it or not). Some say they are working hard so that they can be happy towards the end of their life. Some just can’t wait for it all to end. You may wonder, I often did, how one word attracts views that at times are poles apart. But then not too long ago I found the answer. Or did I? It could be that I have learnt to compromise, learnt to bury my likes and wants, or it may just be that I have become more practical. The last thing I should do with life is to crib about something I don’t have.

While growing up, I learnt quite a bit from my father. Not that I implemented all that in my day-to-day life. Sometimes I even thought that some things he said were irrelevant in today’s world. I counter-advised him to change with the times. All he did was smile. May be he could foresee that one day, I will return to him and say, “Dad, you were right!!!” Today, I do that, more often than not. His pet advice for me was – “I complained having no shoes, till I saw a man without feet”. While I was in school and dreaming to be a very rich man someday, I used to feel that my father never had any aspirations in life and that’s the reason he is so negative. I used to tell him “to achieve something in life, you must have a goal”. He would candidly reply saying, “That’s not the end of life. If you fail, rise up again. But you can do that, only when you give yourself a chance of loosing. You might have a distant goal, but while attaining it, you must not forget to enjoy life.” I would never allow him to speak further for the simple reason that it made no sense to me. Dad too, never forced his views on me as he was sure that he would have the last laugh. He wanted his son to be confident but not over-confident and would often end up saying, “When you think everything is lost, the future still remains.”

The biggest turning point in my life came when I decided to quit my first job. I just could not work with that firm any longer. And then, I started worrying about my options. It was then, when I got an advice from a very senior person in our family that he said to me, “The moment you stop running after money, money starts following you.” He asked me to do what my heart prompted. Today, I don’t regret the decision I made.

Time is the best medicine for all our wounds. May it be our studies, job or family life; we need to give our self some time and have faith. Together, they contain the power to make everything happen. Lots of self-belief and a tinge of carelessness can be the real mantra to success. What I said might sound a bit weird to you but then, that’s what I feel. And instead of basing my thoughts on somebody else’s views, I speak my mind out. Trust me. IT HELPS.

Life often leaves us at crossroads; I have “been there, done that”. You may feel that I relate everything to my own past. But then I believe that a person can understand life only with his own experiences. After I did my schooling there were plenty of guides for me. My professor thought I should go for Arts because I had a flair for history and literature. My friends always wanted me to be an Engineer because of my inquisitiveness towards mechanical devices. But to the surprise of all, I opted for Commerce. Some thought I would regret it some day. Till date, I feel that it was the best decision I made. I went by my instincts. I used to often worry about what would be the future action plan. Years went on. Worries never left my mind. From school to higher secondary, then to college and then post graduation. After all this was done, I was set to work. Today, I realize that in the process of worrying about the future, I ruined my present. I want the time to come back. I want to spend time at the Sinhgad fort in Pune. I want to stroll down the college street, one last time. But I know I can’t. The schedule, which is packed forever, doesn’t allow me to even plan a holiday in the subsequent month.

Live your life in the present. Realise the worth of everything around you, before it is TOO LATE!!!!

- Giriraj

Nano in Gujarat - Time to look at Mr. Modi differently....

Finally, the Tatas said Ta-Ta to Singur. Bengal's loss could have been anybody's gain. States were fighting against each other to grab the plant. But in the end, it was swift moment of Modi Government which turned the tables in Gujarat's favour. Within days of initiating the process, the Government was ready to hand over the land for the factory.

Now, Mr. Modi should get the credit for the same. The immense benefits that the project will bring along cannot be neglected. Mr. Modi should now be perceived as a man who has been able to deliver. A person who had seen the dream of a "Vibrant Gujarat" and has turned it into a reality.

Please. There is more to the man. Don't snub him by calling him a dictator, communal and what not. If at all he has done anything wrong, he can be forgiven for the kind of progress he has brought to the state. We need an administrator like him who is honest. A top official of the RSS had once said "you may call Modiji communal, but don't call him corrupt".

The aura around the man is certainly inspirational. I hope, someday, a leader like him will head this country. Every human being has his plus and minuses. But instead of having an inefficient PM (coupled with a more useless Home Minister), we would be rather served better, if we have a more assertive person at the helm of affairs.

The pseudo-secularists will hate me for what I have written. But then. Who cares???

- Giriraj

Another Poem.. (For my mom's 50th Birthday)

This poem was written in the year 1999, when I was barely 15 years old on the occassion of my Mom's 50th Birthday.

मी इयत्ता बारावित होतो। लोक म्हणायचे हा मुलगा साहित्याच्या क्षेत्रात नाव कमवेल। झालं मात्र वेगळंच। अत्यंत मोक्याच्या क्षणी मी कविता सोडली। कारणं अनेक होती, पण असो। आज त्याच्याबद्दल न बोललेलच बरं। कही व्यक्तिगत गोष्टी स्वतापर्यंतच बाळगाव्या।

१९९९ साली, म्हाज्या आईला ५० वर्षे पूर्ण झाली। त्या निमित्ताने लिहिलेली ही कविता। तेव्हा मी केवळ १५ वर्षांचा होतो। त्यामुळे कही चुका अपेक्षित आहेत। कृपया त्यावर दुर्लक्ष करावे

स्थल: म्हाजे निवासस्थान, नेवरा।

आज आईला पूर्ण झाली आहेत वर्षे पन्नास

प्रत्येकाच्या जीवनात असतं आईच महत्व खास

जीवनात आईंशिवाय कुणाचेच हालत नही पान

म्हणुनच मिलतो आईला जगभरात मान॥

आज सांगणार आहे मी तुम्हाला म्हाज्या आइबद्दल दोन शब्द

ते वाचून तुम्ही नक्कीच व्हाल स्तब्ध

किती करू मी म्हाज्या आईचे गुणगान

तिला आम्ही तिघे आहोत अजुन एकदम लहान॥

सर्वत्र लागतो आम्हाला आईच्या मदतीचा हात

तिच्यामुळेँच करू शकतो आम्ही जिवनातील संकटावर मात

ती झटत असते दिवसभर आमच्या पोटापायी

देविचेच दुसरे रूप आहे आमची आवडती आई॥

- गिरिराज पै वेर्णेकर

A poem...

॥राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ॥

काही वर्षांपूर्वी एका ७ दिवसांच्या वर्गाला लिहिलेली ही कविता...

स्थळ: सानपाडा, मुंबई
प्रसंग: प्राथमिक वर्गाच्या रंजन बैठकीसाठि केलेली कविता

निवेदन: ह्या कवितेमद्द्ये काही जड़ शब्द आहेत। परन्तु मी सर्व शिक्षकांना विनंती करतो की त्यांनी ते जेवणासोबत पचवून घ्यावे!

त्रासच त्रास आमच्या वाटी आले
परन्तु त्याच दुःख नाही कारण
मित्रच मित्र आमच्या ताटी आले॥

सकाळी मुशी आनी जोशी, दर्शन देत होते,
दक्ष-आरम, पदविन्यांसाचे धडे घेत होते।।

घरी मटन मछीच खात होतो,
इथे पाला पाचोलाही पचवत होतो॥

एक मागुन एक दिवस, आम्ही मोजत होतो,
दिवस कसे सरतील ह्याचा, विचार करत होतो॥

सात दिवस फ़क्त शाळेच्या भिंती,
बाहेर जायचं म्हटलं की मुशिंची भीती।।

पण आज उमगलं, आम्ही किती चुकत होतो,
खुप चांगल्या गोष्टी, आम्ही इथे शिकत होतो॥

उद्या आपण आपल्या घरी असूं ,
एकमेकांची आठवण करून, गालातल्या गालात हसू।।

- गिरिराज पै वेर्णेकर

Dedicated to my Beloved Guruji…

A lot of time, we come across people who we tend to idolize. Probably a few months back, I dint have anyone who could inspire me to do what my heart always prompts me to. My mind was engulfed in worries about the future. And that’s when I was told to live in today. And look! Instead of worrying about getting ads, I am sitting in front of my lappy and writing a blog. Now, that’s something even my Guruji will not approve of. But then, having disciples like me is not easy. Isn’t that so Guruji?

Oh! I forgot. This is a blog. Meant for all. Not for me to communicate with one individual. So I will need to first tell you who Guruji is. She is a multifaceted personality. She is a good teacher, a good aunt (not to me), a good friend, a good leader and most importantly, a good BOSS. She also claims to be a good Cook. But till the time I don’t get a taste of her delicacies, I can’t comment. She may very well offer me a lunch or dinner now, with a hope to find a post entirely dedicated to her cooking. (Don’t feel I am giving bribe!)

Like you have partners in crime, she has been my partner in most of the good things I have done in the recent past. Best example is writing the Japa. It’s been a joint effort, which has taken us through till now. Had it not been her insistence, I would have never got down to write, at least not Japa for non stop 21 weeks. Mom is indebted to her for life as she got me to do something my parents would have never been able to convince me to do.

She is different. And has to be. Otherwise, who will dedicate “Everything I Do” to god? But that’s Guruji for you. Different, yet normal like all of us. One, who likes to talk, laugh, joke, eat, etc. She is approachable, understanding, patient and yet gives a stern warning that anybody messing with her will suffer. But in times of need, you wont have a better support to fall back on. She is spot on with her advice and will do everything possible to lift your mood.

Hold on man! I have turned this post into a mini testimonial. And this one is not meant to be one. The reason why I felt like mentioning her is because this blog is active only because of her. It’s a different case that even she says the same. But, there is a difference. She writes because I pester her. And she writes extremely well. Though she says, “even if I write rubbish u will like it... you are blinded in your love for me”. She knows it’s not true. She is really fabulous when it comes to writing. Her blog is linked to my page. So you can see for yourself. And she says, “If you write, you inspire me to write. If you want to read what I write, then you start writing. It’s a cycle you see!” Like they say in Hindi, “Ulta chor kotwal ko daante”.

I write because her writing inspires me. When compared, my blog feels like trash. But it’s the effort that is important. If I sit and say I cant write well, than I will never be able to improve. A couple of days back I decided to blog regularly. Asked Guruji to start blogging too. And look. I am yet to write and she has come up with 3 new posts already.

Before I sign off, I only want to thank her. For being there. And for making me blog. I don’t know if anybody will be interested to read it. I am also not sure if it makes sense. But it definitely helps you to feel better. As they say in Hindi, “Dukh baatne se kam hota hain!” And why bother about others? No matter what, Guruji will read my posts for sure and write comments too. After all, we are part of a MUTUAL ADMIRATION SOCIETY.

- Giriraj

Coming Soon..

Finally...

I have decided to blog regularly.. This is not like the New Year Resolutions which are never implemented nor a promise which is meant to be broken..

I have about 2 to 3 posts ready. All that is required is some finishing touch..

With that.. my posts will start to flow.. Thought I should announce it.. And the excitment is justified.. Its my blog.. Nobody else will be bothered.. So its my responsibility to create the buzz.. I know, it doesnt make a difference to you..


So guys.. Enjoy ur life.. Whenever u find time and wanna read some crap, my blog will always be there.. Only for u..



- Giriraj

An eventful sunday...

A long weekend just got over.. And what a Sunday we had.. Had fun, had a new beginning and then, there was a crash.. Things really ended on a bad note.. Details are as follow:



COMING SOON.......