Gujrat travel journey

 Had a lovely vacation in Gujrat. First time since I have started working could I celebrate new years with a travel.

Visited Rann of Kutch. Tent city Dhordo. Bookings done in September . Great in house activities.  Did paramotoring,  cycling, visited Kalo Dungar, sunset point. 

Never had such a great start to a new year!!!!!

After that visited Dwarka and Somnath. Dwarka is Dham of the west . Had stroll by seaside.

Visited Bet Dwarka. Nageshwar Jyotirling.

Visited Somnath. Had divine Darshan! Sound and light show gave history of Somnath!

Was left in trance! Jai Somnath! Hope to do more travels

PRINCE HECTOR OF TROY

Hector was one of the bravest warriors of Greek mythology. He was the elder son of Priam and was a great warrior, skilled in all fields - Horse riding, swordsmanship, among other skills and was also known for his wise decisions and justness.
Unlike his younger brother - Paris (who was responsible for Helen leaving her husband - Menelaus, whether by force or will is debated), he did not get swayed by sentiment.

He had loyalty towards his country, his wife, his father and brother and was in dilemma when he had to choose between them. Though he knew the action of his brother was unjust, he fought and ultimately lost his life for brotherly duty.
His dream was to watch his son grow old but he couldnt and he died a martyr in the Trojan war to Achilles.
Achilles vs Hector is comparable to Indian Karna vs Arjun (of Mahabharat). However,  in the Mahabharat - sides were painted of Good vs Evil, whereas in Homer's Iliad there are no sides painted. Only Humans vs Humans. There were many Human emotions that led to and affected the outcome of the Trojan war - Revenge, Hunger, Greed for Power, Lust, Love, Family duties, Loyalty towards country and countrymen, cunningness and want for Victory at no matter what cost.

Hector played by Eric Bana in  "TROY the film(2004)"

But as it has been many centuries since the tales of the Iliad and Odyssey have been told, the valiance and bravery of its Heroes remain - Achilles, Hector and many others are still regarded today as great warriors. Such is the influence of Hector (though being a Trojan) on the Greeks is that his is the only Trojan name of an asteroid on the Greek belt. I think that If your enemies honour you even after your
death- your life must have been meant something. Friends and families will always honour the dead, but being honoured by Enemies requires an enigma and qualities that very few can possess.

painting depicting Hector, Andromache and his son

Warriors are and will be many, and everyone who is living at the moment, will die someday.
It is the qualities Prince Hector possessed in addition to his valiant skills-  like correct decision making (path choosing),  being aware of consequences of actions, and applying wisdom to negate foolish decisions made by others you are obligated to defend that make him truly one of the immortal Greek heroes, and lives on even today in stories and in the hearts of millions.

SHUBHO NOBO BORSHO!!! (HAPPY NEW YEAR)

Yesterday was 14 April and according to the Bengali Calendar was the beginning of the new year 1419.

I visited one of my favourite temples in Shivaji Park, Dadar.

The ambience was just amazing - nice weather, shady below the trees, light breeze blowing, people of all ages greeting each other, just enjoying the feeling of nostalgia and purity of the ending of another year and beginning of a new one.

Just wondered? Why do people come to temples or places of worship on the new year?

Every year brings with it new hopes, dreams and ambitions. With the coming of every year we hope to let go of the baggage of the past and pray that the coming year be one of happiness and fill ourselves with joy and bless our lives to the fullest.

Though, now technically no one solely follows the Bengali calendar due to mix of traditions and east-west integration.
But we do look at the new year as an opportunity for a new start and new hopes and dreams and all.
Like they say that Morning is the prelude to the day, guess poila boishakh is a prelude to the coming year...

Movie opinion - Kahaani

I recently saw Kahaani starring Vidya Balan. Must say one of the better Hindi movies I have come across in the recent past.
Vidya who is seemingly pregnant in search of her husband leads you through the streets of Kolkata (where u can hear many background dialogues in Bengali)and while you slowly get accustomed to Bengali culture (like having 2 names, saree style etc) you get entangled in a plot of intrigue, suspense and thrill.

What I loved most was the ending (spoiler! Alert).. When she suddenly changes her avataar from the helpless pregnant woman to quick, agile, and destroyer of the Villain.. and with Durga Puja going on in the background could easily be mistaken for the modern avataar of Maa Durga vanguisher of evil in the 21st century..

Must say was a great plot and beautifully executed and great acting and versatility by Vidya Balan.

Hope to come across more movies like this

Transition - from Nokia to Android

Recently when my phone got stolen in the Mumbai locals was placed with the task of purchasing a new one within Rs 10,000.

Was a real dilemma.. I was always a Nokia user - from my first very basic 2600 to my E90 communicator to my X2 01 (first time querty for me)

Now in March 2012, after consulting so many people who had moved on to smartphones was thinking if i fall in that category of Non - Nokia users..

But decided it is time for a smartphone - now that i'm using an android .. Just can't imagine how i did without it for so long.. the unlimited apps download, market, and hassle free email checking..

Though initially was difficult with the touch screen (typing speed reduced to 1/10th) and sometimes ended up calling people without meaning to.. After a while felt really good and really in touch with today's day and age..

Was telling a friend about moving on to Non-nokia and he remarked - "maine to bahut pehle nokia ko NO KIA"!!!

Guess there comes a time when we have to let go of the past and move on to the future - though will always cherish the memories.

Random favourite songs - Pachai Nirame (The Colour Green)

Mumbai Muses

Soon, will be leaving Mumbai and starting my career as a Probationary Officer..
Spent two years in the city and now am feeling nostalgic leaving it. Being a born and brought up Delhiite (although stayed in a Bengali area) have really enjoyed pursuing my Masters in Management from Mumbai University and staying in Mumbai for these 2 years.
Now that am about to leave, will cherish these things about Mumbai:

- No matter how late you get at office or a party - u can always count on the Mumbai locals to be running and get you back home

- Sunday evenings at Bandstand and Linking Road Market at Bandra with a cosmopolitan crowd

- folding up jeans and wading in the knee deep water during the monsoons

- Sunset at Marine Drive and Priyadarshni park where can walk and catch beautiful glimpses of dusk

- Ferry rides from Gateway of India

- Long journeys in Mumbai locals - where can sleep, listen to music, purchase various stuff or just look out

- 5 different types of Pav Bhaji

- Going to Shivaji Park early morning - can see youngsters jogging, old people reading Marathi newspaper and catching up

- College trips to Khandala, Lonavla and bringing back fudge and chikki

- Pushing in crowded Crawford market to get stuff at wholesale rates

Was one of the greatest experiences of my life and hope to keep coming back..

Thank you Mumbai for the best 2 years of my life..