Sangharsh

ज़िन्दगी और हमारी संघर्ष अभी जारी है ,
कभी वो हमपर और कभी हम उसपर भारी है ,
हर वक़्त लगता है रास्ता आगे सुनहरा है ,
मुश्किलों के कारवां गए हैं टल ,
सुकून के लम्हे है ,हवा है शीतल ,
तभी होता है एक घमासान,
होता है अहसास ये शांति क्षणभंगुर है ,
ना करो आराम हो जाओ सावधान ,
दूर क्षितिज पर एक और तूफ़ान अभी बाकी है
समस्याएं ही सच्ची प्रेमिका है, दूर जाके फिर वापस आती है
'सुख' मदिरा का नशा है कुछ पल की साकी है
जिंदगी और हमारी संघर्ष अभी बाकी है…..

- लोकेश चन्द्र राय

Goal

I know whatever I will be writing ahead in few lines have been said umpteen number of times. Nevertheless, there are few ideas which need to be reinforced time and again to keep ourselves on the right path of life.

The most important thing in life is to achieve happiness and peace of mind. Money, Love, Helping family members or others in need etc are just means to achieve this goal. Means can never be goal itself. Still we fall for these means and consider them as ends.

Things rarely happen in the way you desire them to occur even if you have the noblest of ideas in your mind. It just does not happen the same way. Staying peaceful and happy in the changed circumstances is important. We need to keep our focus towards this goal that life is a short stay here and the pursuit of happiness is the ultimate goal. Spread cheer as much as possible avoiding hurting anyone and being at peace with whatever amount of 'means' you have. Doing your best is what matters and it’s equally important to always keep testing the limits of your best!

P.S. You may like to read this another blog related to this topic which i read after i had written this blog. Link is Pursuit of Happiness?

Chinese premier Wen Jiabao was in India for a three day visit recently. This was a significant visit as many deals were expected to come through. This prompted me to find more about the current status of Indo-China relation. After doing some secondary research I came to know that even though there are significant political issues such as border disputes, stapled visa for kashmiris, Brahmaputra dam etc., there is a bright side of this relationship. What struck me most was the trade growth between the two countries for last five years and the great untapped potential. The trade growth has been phenomenal between the two countries as it has grown from mere $ 5 bn to $ 45 bn in last five years. This is achieved when the relationship with China has not been on the right side of the equation. India’s concern has been rightly about the large trade deficit it has with China which is at $ 19 bn i.e. staggering 42 percent. To make this trade growth sustainable and beneficial for both countries China will have to do more and open its markets for India. India exports the world quality Pharma products, Tea, Fruits etc. which have not got access to huge chinese markets yet. India, on the other hand, can also take immense benefit from the chinese expertise in plant machinery by opening its power sector. To put things in perspective, China adds 100,000 mw power generating capacity each year whereas India has managed to add only 60,000 mw capacity in last 5 years. The collaboration will go a long way in India’s quest for energy security. China and India constitutes the two-third of the world population and both are growing at the rate of above 8 percent. There is a great opportunity beckoning for both countries to get their act together in leapfrogging to an even higher growth trajectory by collaborating at a much larger scale and leaving the past bitterness behind. If recent disputes are anything to go by, this seems far from being happening.

Optimal Affection

How much affection is good enough? Many would say 'the more the better' but is it really so?
There is also a saying that "You get what you give". My question is upto what extent. Take the example of pampered children. You show more love to them and after a certain point they start asking for things which are really not good for them. If you refuse, you easily offend them and then the care shown by you becomes a weapon for them so that they can stretch your feelings to get those not-so-good things done. Once this method works, they try to deploy this again and again. But after sometime you realize you have set a bad precedent and that demands of not-so-good is turning into worse. You think you should correct this but then it becomes either too late (when you can't really correct the child) or you have to take extra tough measures to bring it to the right course. Both the cases have the potential to backfire your very relationship which you once started to build so lovingly. I think the case is not much different in the case of relationship amongst grown-ups although not upto the extent in children.
So before you give that 'extra' bit of care, love or affection, Think Again. Is it actually going to strengthen your relationship in long term!!?

P.S. Please do comment. Would like to know more perspectives on it.. Thanks

Incredible City

It is almost a month since I landed in Mumbai- A city of dreams as many call it. I have to admit it was my long standing desire to visit the place and see it for myself. This had developed over the years since my childhood with various bollywood songs on the city "ye hai mumbai nagariya...." "Mumbai se aaya mera dost....." etc. Viral marketing also played its role as many people told different things about Mumbai. As one of them said "First six months you will not like it but if you can survive this time without disliking it you would not want to leave this place" "You can't get in a local train for the first time and even if you could, getting down at the right place is very difficult" and many more. The curiosity was built enough.
As soon as the plane started coming down I tried to peek from the window pressing the person sitting at the window seat, the first look at it makes one thing clear. There are either tall buildings or sprawling 'jhopparpattis'. A sort of contrast which became starker when I actually started watching it more closely from ground. This city generated waves of thoughts in my mind during my stay.
The kind of crowd and rush I saw at this place was unimaginable to me until I saw for myself. The situation which is called packed for a train in many parts of the country is undefined for travelers as they keep pushing and keep entering in the stuffed spaces. The kind of indifference in people's face is amusing. These are not only indifferent faces but also the stressed out fatigued faces. People move like robots in a systemic manner with a very serious look at their faces - be it rich or poor. Barely saw anyone smiling, talking and laughing in the train or stations. It seems some kind of gloom is spread over the city. Something didn't look normal.
One hand, the kind of poverty and hardships of people you see from a local train. Small stuffed places with many people staying, home surrounded with garbage
On the other hand, the tall towers, flats worth crores, malls, Mercedes, BMWs etc.
The major difference between Mumbai and other cities is that the difference is much more apparent here.
I could not ignore the glaring scenes of height of richness and depths of poverty in one sight at so many instances and with so much frequency. There are so many poor people, beggars passing by closely. But people here move so unperturbed and apathetically with the misery around, probably because they have become used to it or because they don't have time in this fast paced life of the city to stop, look around and ponder.
This forces the thought-where are we heading as a society. Are so many of our society members so bad that they don't deserve even a humane living standard in front of super gifted/talented millionaires who get all possible comforts of life?
Few other issues in the city are lack of space for one to take a walk with the family, children to play and other multitudes of problems which can be associated to the poor plan of city and overpopulation. A look at a love spot (bandstand) in the city indicates that even the couples seem to love each other fast thinking they might not get the time or space later!!
Definitely, a city of dreams -dreams which trigger dissatisfaction at what you have, dreams which trigger unhappiness, dreams which are endless, then a tiny fraction of dreams which actually gets fulfilled.

However, there is a positive side of the city.
The sheer variety of people from different cultures, states or faiths is amazing. May be this is the recipe which helps creativity foster in terms of lyrics, paintings, movies etc.
In terms of safety and treatment of women, the city is much better than our 'National Capital Region'. Even though women are more liberally dressed, eve teasing incidents are much lesser. Given the kind of population density (you get to understand the literal meaning of the word) and the severe infrastructure issues the city is moving and growing, that's Incredible.

Letter to Bihar CM

Respected CM sir,

Congratulations for achieving the great turnaround results for Bihar as being the second fastest growing state of India. I am immensely proud of being a Bihari and had always been even while it was falling behind other states. I hope you will be feeling satisfied.

My appeal to you would be to take steps to eradicate the social evils like caste system and dowry system from the Bihari society which has been plaguing it for years. Also, there have been annual flooding, which takes away some of the state's money and puts it behind from the growth path, that should be dealt with at war footing. As you are aware, there are huge human resources in Bihar which migrate to different states for education, job and living. By attracting businesses like IT and agricultural firms, we can retain these talents. A better law and order will bring back people who want to settle in their homeland after being successful in their studies and career.

We need to improve on the standards of our educational institutions. Bihari people spent heavily on the education of their children but unfortunately this money goes out to states with better professional colleges like Karnataka, Tamilnadu etc. If we can improve upon this aspect, we will succeed not only in retaining the students in the state but also helping them bond with the state more intensely and inspire them to work for their state's betterment after their studies.

The tourism is one other sector which Bihar can get benefitted tremendously from, by improved law and order situation. Developing the various tourist spots with better transportation and staying facilities near various heritage sites (a long list of them), state can look for huge potential revenue source.

Let me congratulate you once again for the success and accept my best wishes to carry on this journey which has now started to its glorious culmination. This will help change the once-tarnished image of Bihar and soon people from other parts of India will look Bihari people with respect and aspire to come and work in Bihar.

Yours' Sincerely

Lokesh Chandra Rai

A Proud Bihari

Race is On!

This thought collided with me in between the mind boggling rat race towards the elusive CGPA excellence environment. This is part of "what if" analysis. What if someone who is reluctantly dragging along with the system, is paid an amount which will take care of all the financial requirements of his lifetime, then what will be his idea of work, career etc. What will be his approach towards his work? Will he be less hard working? Will he get exhausted and complain about a hard day of work? Will it be the same goal what he is pursuing now? I afraid the answer to most of these questions would be No! I believe half (or even more) people will change their course of career and go towards what they like most. The real passion will be discovered only then. Even if, some will feel now that lying around would be what they will do most in this case, I believe to the contrary. That will also be a hell lot of difficult thing to do after sometime. Well, I have a list of thing to do, if I get this imaginative financial freedom, where I can really excel. Till that time, I will remain a "risk averse" person running with all the madness towards becoming better than the best around. The only point is whether I will be satisfied and happy for the achievement (even if I reach there)? Probably Not! Or May be! Let me figure out the meaning of this fleeting thought until then... "Race is on"

Movie Screening Series-I

So.. the first movie screening by Mathew sir- All About My Mother

I went to see the movie with lot of expectation as the hype about Mathew sir's movie screening series was building ever since I landed to the campus. I thought I may not like it as much as if I had gone without expectations but needless to say, the film was too good and also thought provoking. A wonderful Spanish film addressing an array of issues including gender, AIDS, motherhood, drug abuse, transsexual prostitutes, organ transplantation, Alzheimer disease and struggle of women in their lives. A film by Pedro Almodovar (one of the greatest film makers alive as rated by Mathew sir)
Now, what struck me most about this movie was the spirit and lively character of Manuela (played brilliantly by Cecilia Roth). She was brilliant as a mother, friend and as a human being. There were two scenes which I felt very moving-
First, when Manuela donates the heart of his son for transplantation soon after he was declared dead on his 17th birthday. She had to sign the declaration for authorizing the transplant just minutes after her son's demise.
Second, When Manuela meets Lola (Father of Manuela's son). Lola says he is going to die soon. He always wanted a son. Manuela says him that he has a son. Lola gets ecstatic and asks whether his son is here and that he wanted to see his son from a distance. The changing of emotions on his face from ecstasy to despair when he learns that his son is dead is heart rendering.
There are different shades of all women characters in the film. Amidst all the worse things happening to the characters in movie, there was an underlying hope throughout the movie. As Mathew sir said in class today "I always end the class with hope!!” the film also ends fittingly with a hope towards life.
Watch the movie to know more........

A quote from the moive "You are authentic when you are closest to the dream what you want to be!!"

Beginning of a Transformation

So, the first regular class of our PGP programme- Sociology- to be taught by A F Mathews. Till that time i didn't realise how important are the next one hour fifteen minutes of my life going to be. He came and said first that he will say many things that may be uncomfortable to many of you. And, yes he was very true, it was uncomfortable not only for me but also for everyone in class. It was shocking-shocking in a sense to the normal categorised conscience of everone in us. The innumerous examples with a lot of sarcasm and humor without boundaries- here was the person in front of us who was shaking the base of everyone's faith and questioning the kind of environment and thought process we all have. How rational, changing and evolving it is?! Revealing the darker side of all religions getting various quotes from all religious books, about US hegemony, about the gender biases with elaborate and mind boggling examples and quotes, about sexual orientations and its implications with all the 'civilised' mindset getting uncomfortable listening to the alacrity with which he is unfolding things, the racial discrimination consciously and sub-consciously we all indulge in drawing examples from all the civilisations of the world and many more concepts of sociology. The stir it has created in me has spurred me to write what i realise as an important point in my life which i reckon that i am privileged that i could listen to someone with such an immense knowledge and independence of thought. I dont think i will go overboard if i say (and even if i am, it will let you know the influence of him on me) that "Everyone in earth should experience his class and the magnitude of force with which it hits you to come out of your cocooned self and the narrowed mind of vision of world,religion and society at large." I have just attended three classes of him till now and each class was an experience of awakening and true enlightening of soul. Ofcourse, you need to experience that to believe in what i say! May you get the chance to listen to great Mathews. There was no surprise that seniors of the PGP want to attend his classes out of their busy schedule when mid term is near and there are a long list of people who like him, adore him and have not forgotten him years after attending his class.
Long live Mathew-ism!

Profile
http://www.mica-india.net/AcademicsandResearch/Profiles/Profiles%20new/Mathew.htm
A F Mathew Fan Club- Orkut
http://www.orkut.co.in/Main#Community.aspx?cmm=18463716

ANTARDWAND

DESTINY

"Every man has his own destiny"

I was a non-believer of this till not very long ago. Not anymore. "You get what you are destined to, No more or No less than that and not before when the time comes." No matter how well you plan your life and how astute you are in planning, there is always a window of at least 10 percent in everything you plan, which is governed by something that you don't have control over. With each failure and success of your plan due to this effect, the faith in the words of Geeta "Karma kar Fal ki chinta mat kar" increases more and more. Truly, the Karma is what is in your hands and Fal even if you think it is in your hands but it never is. This one incident in my life has made me the believer of these immortal words of Geeta.

Year 2007- Despite all odds I prepared hard and I gave CAT with utmost sincerity.
31st December 2007- Result: Rejected (I was devastated needless to say since I had put in a lot of effort)
Year 2008- Last 2 months before CAT I got into some serious personal issues and didn't practice anything. I thought even to skip writing CAT but then my inner voice said to me "why not! Let's write it with the best of my ability doesn't matter I get it or not. At least I would find where I stand". I wrote the paper.
7th January 2009- I didn't want to see the result as I had no expectation. Someone close to me saw the result. He tried calling me but I was doing my office work thinking there would not be something special he would have to say to me. Then his sms comes saying "You are shortlisted for GD/PI process of IIM K!!” I read the message once, twice and then sat down for few minutes in disbelief thinking Oh God! This is too good to happen.
10th April 2009(The day I would never forget in my life!!)- I was in big trouble and very very stressful because of some personal and family issues. Again I was getting the call from my friend and I was so much in stress that I didn’t think remotely that it could be related to result. I didn't pick the call. I called back after sometime and to hear that it was one of the best moments of my life. I told him to recheck the Name and Registration No. Then I checked myself! I don't remember what all kind of thoughts came to my mind after that but certainly I was not thinking about any of my problems. YESSSSSS!! I achieved my Dream! My life would never be the same again!

I don't know how else I can explain this that when I worked really hard and didn't get through But when I wrote the exam amidst crisis, managed to secure an offer in one of the premium B-schools (IIM K) in India. Well, I must say it was something which had to happen now and not before. That is what we all know as DESTINY.

http://www.iimk.ac.in/

What an Innings!

Test Cricket is a real test of a player's skills, temperament and mental strength. This has been displayed aptly by Gambhir and Dravid. The charm of test cricket doesn't lie only in the end result but in the process and the way it is played.
Consider the situation of Day 4 morning of Napier test.
India was following-on with 267 runs deficit and Captain (Sehwag) was already out in the pavilion
Yuvraj and Karthik were not in form
180 overs still to be played
Newzealand players charged up after having 3 good days behind them and the opportunity to level the series 1-1
All the commentators & critics were ready to write this test off as if India has already lost it. With such a psychological pressure, this duo played an innings which, without going into a winning cause, has made this match quite a memorable one.
With Dravid already played more than 3 hours in the first innings played another brilliant inning which spanned more than 4 hours but the most remarkable display of character came from Gambhir who is known for his hitting and the instinct of playing strokes. Gambhir challenged himself and stood his ground for more than 11 hours and showed that with determination and the zeal to achieve something one can do wonders. This is one of the longest Innings played by an Indian and deserves to be placed alongside Laxman's innings of 281 against Australia in Eden Gardens.
For Gambhir, you have won another diehard fan of yours amongst millions of others.
Hats Off!!

Keep Learning

Life teaches you many things - one of the most accomplished learning comes through the difficult phases. Everyone have their share of difficulties, worries and problems. Sometimes you try to come out of it, sometimes you don't know how to react and what's the way forward and few other occasions you leave it to your faith(whom we refer as GOD). I dont wish to suggest which one is good among them but something i am sure of is that the end of all, this leaves its big impression and teaches you certain things that you might not have learnt by yourself. Another good aspect of it is that it equips you with the qualities of fighting and struggle even when you don't want to fight. In life, unlike chess, the game continues after checkmate! so keep fighting and keep learning.

Attack Pakistan Now !!

Pakistan deserves it now! They have earned to get a real treatment by India.

The question is

IF india knows that there are terrorist training camps running there in POK.

IF india knows behind most of the terror attacks Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI is involved

IF US has also accepted that Kabul attacks were done by Pakistan

IF Dawood Ibrahim, Masood Azhar and Hafeez Muhammad are there in Pakistan

IF not only india but world knows that Pakistan has done it again



Then why should India not attack and wipe out all the terrorist training camps and infrastructure present in POK?
Why not Indian forces go to karachi and drag out those bloody criminals and terrorists which are in most wanted list of not only India but also in Interpol's?
Everytime the cliche is that terrorist want that India- Pakistan relation should be disturbed. i want to ask what is more there in this relationship to disturb?

Pakistan itself does not want a good relation with India or else it would have acted on these elements and would have handed over terrorists to India. They are provoking India for a long period of time and India is still behaving like a defeated nation which can't act on a certain clue of an enemy.
If India has to survive with whatever little respect it is left with in international community and more than this for it's self respect and for the self defence, India should act. India has tried SAM DAM and BHED now it's turn of DAND.
Pakistan has done it's job of getting India and Indians angry. Now they should get the taste of what they want.
Stop complaining Pakistan did it! Now Give Pakistan and world a chance to say what India did when some country tried to attack it's National Security. Crush those behind the attack with such an impunity that all the enemies of India will think twice before thinking to attack India.
ATTACK PAKISTAN NOW or else live life of a shameful-coward nation in the world and get your innocent citizens killed on the streets, temples, trains, hotels and in PARLIAMENT.

Orissa - another Godhra

Orissa - one of the poorest states in India is now facing another menace and this time it is created by VHP and Bajrang Dal in a state where BJP is part of Government.
Rioters have their own set of logics and this time around also they are not short of that. They are trying to stop lured religious conversions by imposing "forced" re-conversions. Our Constitution having secular credentials says that there is a freedom of choice for its citizens to choose, pursue and propagate the religion based on their beliefs. But what the writers of our constitution didn't envisaged that there can be conversions by giving economic attractions to poorer community which the Christian missionaries and institutions are doing over the years. This is changing the religious demography in many parts of the country. While there is no doubt that this should be stopped and proper laws should be in place to stop that.

Having said that the other question which is very prominent today is that whether the way VHP and Bajrang Dal are going about it is the only option we have? Is it justified to rape, kill or burn homes because one has changed one's religious belief for the temptation of money or facilities tired of poverty?
The answer is clear on every rational Indian mind. We are a democratic country and there are ways of constructive opposition of what we feel is not right. Every member of any religious belief has equal rights and the administration is responsible for their well-being and protection. Vandalism and mob rule should be crushed by the police force which is formed for the purpose. The barbaric acts with the Govt. indifference and police apathy is the most shameful for any country.

What was the mistake of a girl, working in a church, who was pulled outside the church, gang raped by a mob of 40 Hindu terrorists in full public view with police personnel being the mute spectators and then burnt alive inside the church?
What was the mistake of a nun, who has devoted his life based on his choice of religious belief, who met the same fate?
The only mistake is that she chose a religion which VHP or Hindu outfits didn't want. Thousands of homes of poor people who hardly get food for two times,were burnt and people were rendered homeless. The bombs are thrown even in the refugee camps where they went to live after that! Christian women and men are paraded naked and the mob shouting slogans. And still these mindless activities are not stopped or crushed by people who are sitting in their offices in Government.
Are they not the citizens of India with equal democratic rights and equal right to justice and protection?
It requires no rocket science to infer that these acts have the indirect support of the BJP-BJD Govt. in Orissa. BJP has once again shown how nefarious its designs are against the religious minorities after Gujarat, Orissa and Karnataka.
The perpetrators of these heinous crimes should be brought to the court of law and should be given the exemplary punishment. Strict action must be taken against the police personnel who didn't deliver on the duty and let this gross violation of human rights occur. VHP, Bajrang Dal should be banned and the leaders of the outfit who provoke and instigate these incidents should be dealt firmly with. If BJP want to be a party who believes in the constitution of India must part its way from these hardliners.
Is this the way BJP wants to bring justice to the religious conversions? If this is the way things are when congress is at center, it’s not difficult to imagine what will happen if BJP comes to center with majority of its own. The RSS, VHP and Bajrang Dal will be given free hand everywhere and the rapes, killing and burning homes of minorities would be the regular affair.

It is now up to the citizens of India to decide if they want this to happen with their fellow citizens of India.

P.S.

http://www.tehelka.com/story_main37.asp?filename=Ne190108next_stop.asp

Terrorism,Islam and India

Terrorism has now reached the alarming proportions in India. The series of terrorist attacks in different cities across India has revealed the lack of proper Intelligence mechanism in place and the lack of political will to improve it.

It has once again underlined the fact that 'Violence attracts Violence' and it cannot be the solution for any issues. SIMI got many recruits from India after the Babri Demolition and the Godhra Incidents. The belief of terrorists that they are taking revenge of whatever happened to their fraternity is totally misplaced. This will go to aggravate the situation of Muslims residing in India as they will be seen more skeptically than ever. JIHAD may be a noble word, as one of my friends who is a Muslim suggested me yesterday. I could not disagree given his calm nature and friendly attitude but my suggestion to him was doing talk about clearing this misconception at this juncture would not be fruitful. People are already frustrated, angered and feeling helpless and the only thing which is coming out related to these bombs are the e-mails consisting words of ALLAH, JIHAD,REVENGE and about Muslims. And this frustration gets channeled into these lines. We can clearly hear people discussing this with more alacrity that once the most cherished identity of India being a SECULAR state is now working against it. And watching the media reports that local Muslims of UP and Delhi are involved does not help the matters either.

But is it fair to direct our suspicion against a community on basis of all these? The answer is clearly NO. Right through my childhood, all my Muslim friends I found were supportive, peace loving and equally patriotic. There are miscreants and bad people in each community and same here.

Having said that I would like to see more obvious and upfront efforts from our Muslim citizens and friends to allay the apprehension of fellow citizens by strongly denouncing the act and ensuring to stop young minds from being misled based on religion by terror organization. Also in finding those traitors of nation and Islam through their own system who are trying to spread this hatred.

Time has come for Government to ban and crush all the fundamentalists with force, be it SIMI, RSS, VHP, Bajrang Dal or Separatists in Kashmir. The intelligence agencies should improve upon the system and get foreign assistance, if needed. The talk of a Federal Agency will be a step in right direction.

To stop this terror is not only the work of Police and Intelligence agencies, we citizens should also be watchful of the suspicious activities around and provide inputs to the police. This has to happen on more consistent basis rather than only for few days after each terror strike.

PROUD TO BE A BIHARI INDIAN

"Bihar (Hindi:बिहार, Urdu: بہار, ) is a state in eastern India. Bihar, which is the 12th largest state in terms of geographical size and 3rd largest by population, has close to 90 per cent rural population. Almost 58 per cent of Biharis are below 25 years age, which is highest in India.
Bihar, formerly known as Magadha, was once the center power of India's struggle for Independence. The Name Bihar is derived from the Sanskrit word, 'Vihara' which means monasteries. It was also an important center of Education, culture and tradition. The very ancient university Nalanda is situated in Bihar and its ruins can still be seen there. It is a rich and fertile land with a mild climate and is crossed by many major rivers, including the Ganges."

These are few of a lot many things you should know about BIHAR. Every now and then I see a mail from someone displaying the good pictures of their state and tourist places. But I want to know how many of my BIHAR friends are doing those? Are we being BIHARIs doing enough to mitigate the feeling which has taken root in the mindset of people across INDIA. BIHAR is a place from where we get lot of intellectuals doing equally good in all the competitive exams like IIT-JEE, UPSC, AIEEE, BANK PO and RRB (Railway Recruitment Board exams) with limited resources. Bihar has a secular society which celebrates festivals of all the religions like HOLI, ID, DASAHARA, DIWALI, CHRISTMAS and lot of other festivals with fervor. BIHAR has a society which has its cultural values of combined family and respect for elders intact. BIHARIs everywhere make one of the most trustworthy friends and persons you can rely on when in need. BIHAR faces Bangladesh on the eastern side and on the northern side; it has Naxalite infested state Nepal, which is creating problems for us. And from Andhra, through Chattisgarh and Jharkhand, BIHAR again face the Naxals. These are just one set of problems. Being one of the most populous states and being one of the ignored states for decades BIHAR is trying to find its feet. Being a BIHARI, lived and grown up there I have an immense faith in BIHAR and its people, who toil hard to make a living and still want their children to get the best of education against all odds. The compassion, Patriotism and solidarity are one of the virtues that you will find in each and every BIHARI. Unfortunately the area is long being neglected from Central governments over the decades and the image is spoiled by few unsocial elements which are far more magnified through media hype maintained by people who have prejudices against BIHAR. I am not averse of constructive criticism but I do strongly protest when it comes to imaginative and hypercriticism of things which are prevailing in many states of India.
With a huge demographic dividend of having majority of young people the Government of Bihar, the Government of Center and the people of state should try to build a knowledge based society, a developed agricultural system and a successful Bihar which can contribute equally to the growth of India. Bihar has the potential of becoming a favored tourist destination with places like as following:-

Buddhist Circuit
Vaishali: Vaishali was one of the earliest republics in the world (6th century BC).It was here that Buddha preached his last sermon. Vaishali, birthplace of Lord Mahavira is also Sacred to Jains.
Patna: Patna once called Patliputra the capital of Bihar, is among the world's oldest capital cities with unbroken history of many centuries as imperial metropolis of the Mauryas and Guptas imperial dynasties.
Rajgir: Rajgir,19 kms from Nalanda, was the ancient capital of Magadha Empire. Lord Buddha often visited the monastery here to meditate and to preach. Rajgir is also a place sacred to the Jains, Since Lord Mahavira spent many years here.
Pawapuri: In Pawapuri, or Apapuri, 38 kilometres from Rajgir and 90 kilometres from Patna, all sins end for a devout Jain. Lord Mahavira, the final tirthankar and founder of Jainism, breathed his last at this place.
Bodhgaya: Near the holy city of Gaya, the Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree that had sheltered him came to be known as the Bodhi tree and the place Bodhgaya. Today Bodhgaya, an important place of pilgrimage, has a number of monasteries, some of them established by Buddhists of Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka etc.
Nalanda: A great centre of Buddhist learning, Nalanda came into prominence around the 5th century BC and was a flourishing university town with over ten thousand scholars and an extensive library.
Kesaria: This Stupa is in fact one of the many memorable stupa remarkable event in the life of Buddha. Kesaria has a lofty brick mound capped by a solid brick tower of considerable size, which it self is the remain of a Buddhist Stupa. The mound is a ruin with a diameter of 68 feet at its base and a total height of 5½ ft. originally it was crowned by a pinnacle which must have stood 80 or 90 ft above the ground. General Cunningham dated this monument to AD 200 to 700, and held that it was built upon the ruins of a much older and larger Stupa.
It is the highest Stupa found in the country with a height of about 104” from the base.
Jain Circuit
Rajgir: Rajgir,19 kms from Nalanda, was the ancient capital of Magadha Empire. Lord Buddha often visited the monastery here to meditate and to preach. Rajgir is also a place sacred to the Jains, Since Lord Mahavira spent many years here.
Pawapuri: In Pawapuri, or Apapuri, 38 kilometres from Rajgir and 90 kilometres from Patna, all sins end for a devout Jain. Lord Mahavira, the final tirthankar and founder of Jainism, breathed his last at this place.
Ramayan Circuit
Tar (Bhojpur): Situated about 10 kms North West of Piro the village derives its name from Tarka, a she demon killed by lord Rama. There is an old tank in the village that is said to be the wrestling ground of Tarka.

Ahirauli (Buxur): Situated about 5 kms north-east of Buxur, this village has a temple of Devi Ahilya. According to the local tradition it dates back to the pre historic ages. Legend is that, Ahilya was transformed into stone as a result of curse of her husband, Rishi Gautam and she could be redeemed only when lord Ram Chandra visited her place.

Ram Rekha Ghat (Buxur): According to the legends, lord Ram Chandra and his younger brother Lakshman with their teacher Rishi Vishwamitra had crossed the Ganga here on their way to Janakpur where he later took part in the Sita swayambar (the public ceremony of Sita's Marriage).

Pretshila Hills (Gaya): About 8 kms North-West of Gaya, the 873 feet high Pretshila Hills is situated. The literal meaning is the Hill of ghosts and it is sacred to yam, the Hindu god of hell and forms one of the sacred places of pilgrimage. On the top of the hill is a small temple, appropriately dedicated to Yam (The God of death).

Giddheshwar (Jamui): According to local legends, the epic fight between the vulture Jatayu and the demon Ravan took place here on the hill that is situated about 13 km south of Jamui, while the latter was abducting Sita. There is a temple of Lord Shiva, which draws big crowds on the occasion of Shivratri and Maghi Purnima.

Kako (Jehanabad): Situated 10 km each of Jehanabad Railway station. According to a local legends, Lord Ramchandra’s step mother, Rani Kekaiy of Ayodhya lived here for some time and the village took its name after her. The village has also a tomb of Hazarat Bibi, Kamal Sahiba; a great muslim lady saint. I is said that this lady was the aunt of Haryat Makdum Saheb of Bihar Sharif and Possessed devine powers.

Singheshwar Asthan (Madhepura): Singheshwar Sthan has been the abode of Lord Siva from the ancient times. Though there are various stories about the establishment of the Singheshwar temple, the one that is widely and popularly accepted, relates to Rishi Shringi. In ancient time Singheshwar was situated on the bank of the river Kosi and was surrounded by dense and lush green forest. It was ideally situated for ‘Tapasya’ (Meditation) and it is here that Vibhandak Rishi along with is son Rishi Shringi devoted all his time in deep meditation.

Phullahar (Madhubani): The village is situated about 6 kms West of the block headquarters at Umgaon under Harlakhi P.S. The village countains the temple of Goddess Girija. It is said that Sita, the daughter of king Janak, used to come here every day to worship the Goddess. Lord Rama saw her for the first time at this place.

Sita Kund (Munger): A village about 6 Kms East of the Munger town contains a hot spring known as the Sita Kund spring, which is so called after the well known episode of Ramayan. Ram, after rescuing his wife Sita from the demon king Ravan, suspected that she could not have maintained her honour intact, and Sita, to prove her chastity, agreed to enter a blazing fire. She came out of the fiery or deal unscathed, and imparted to the pool in which she bathed, the heat she had absorbed from the fire. The hot spring is now enclosed in a masonry reservoir and is visited by large number of pilgrims, specially at the full moon of Magh.

Ramchura (Vaishali): The place is situated in Vaishali block, where a fair is held every year on Ram Nawami day. the local tradition has it that lord Ram Chandra had a stopover here for a bath on his way to Janakpur. There are some marks on stone, which are said to be his footprints.

Ahilya Asthan (Darbhanga): The village is situated about 24 kms North West of Darbhanga and about 4 kms from Kamtaul Railway Station. It is known for the temple of Ahilya Asthan, which is associated with the well known legend of the sage Gautam and his wife Ahilya as told in the epics and Puranas. Inside the Shrine is a flat stone said to contain the foot prints of Sita, wife of Ram, as the main object of worship.

Janki Temple (Sitamarhi): This temple is traditionally considered to be the birth place of Sita or Janki, the daughter of king Janak. This temple, however seems to have been built about 100 years ago.

Janki Temple (Punausa): This temple is about 5 kms South West of Sitamarhi. It also Stakes the same claim to be the birth place of Sita and is considered to be sacred place where people go for a pilgrimage.

Haleshwar Asthan (Sitamarhi): This is an ancient temple of Lord Shiva about 3 kms North-West of Sitamarhi. According to myths the King of Videha on the occasion of Putrayesthi Yojna, founded this temple.

Panth Pakar (Sitamarhi): An age old banyan… tree still stands here about 8 kms North-East of Sitamarhi. It is said that when Sita left Janakpur in a Paanquin for Ayodhya after the marriage to Shri Ram, she was given rest for a while under this very banyan tree.

Chanki Garh (West Champaran): Also known as Janaki Garh, this village is situated about 9 kms East of Ram Nagar Railway Station. There is a large mound in the eastern part of the village. It is a mass of solid brickwork and is 90’ high. It was probably originally a Fort and the remains of fortification can still be seen. The local tradition asserts that it was a Fort of king Janak.

Valmiki Nagar (West Champaran): This is a village on the Indo Nepal border 42 kms North-West of Bagaha to which it is connected by a metalled road. A barrage has been constructed here on the Gandak river for the purpose of irrigation. Besides an old Shiva temple constructed by the Bettiah Raj, there are also ancient temple of Nara Devi and Gauri Shankar at Valmiki Nagar.There is a Valmiki Ashram, which is said to be the place where Maharshi Valmiki was living. On the occasion of Makar Sankranti every year a fair is held on the bank of River Gandak.
Sufi Circuit
Maner Sharif (Patna, Maner): It is a large village of historical antiquities, situated in the extreme north west of Danapur Sub-division, about 32 kms west of Patna on Patna-Arrah Highway. In the early ages Maner was a centre of learning and it is said that grammarian Panini, and also Bararuchi, lived and studied here. Maner contains two well-known Mohammedan tombs, that of Shah Daulat or Makhdum Daulat, known as Chhoti Dargah, and the other that of Sheikh Yahia Maneri or Makhdum Yahia, called the Bari Dargah. Makhdum Daulat died at Maner in 1608, and Ibrahim Khan, Governor of Bihar and one of the saint's disciples completed the erection of his mausoleum in 1616. The building is exceptionally fine one, with walls containing carvings of great delicacy and high finish. A great dome crowns it, and the ceiling is covered with carved inscriptions from the Quran. Every detail of it is characteristic of the architecture of Jehangir's region, and it is by far the finest monument of the Mughals in Eastern India. Inside the compound there is a mosque also built by Ibrahim Khan in 1619, whiles a fine gateway bearing an older inscription corresponding to 1603-01, and affords access to the north. The tomb of Yahia Maneri lies in a mosque walls and ghats, and pillared porticos jutting out into it, which is connected with the old bed of the River Sone by a tunnel 400-ft long.
Khankah Mujibia (Phulwari Sharif, Patna): Nearly 7 kms from Patna Railway Station, Phulwari Sharif is an important Islamic pilgrimage. It has been always a favorite abode of Sufi saints in various times. Hazrat Pir Muzibullah Quadri was one of those in the 18th Century. The Khankah Muzibia, founded by him at Phulwari Sharif is called the Bari Khankah. An old Madarsa here has been the most important centre for teaching of Islamic philosophy since its establishment.Sacred hairs of the beard of Paigamber Hazrat Muhammad Saheb are preserved here in Banri Khankah that attracts throngs of his followers and a big mela is held every year.There is also an archeologically important and worth seeing ancient Sangi Masjid (mosque) built of red stones at Phulwari Sharif. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Humayun.
Khankah Emadia (Mangal Talab, Patna City, Patna): One of the off-springs in the family of prominent Sufi Saint Hazrat Pir Muzibullah Quadri had founded another Khankah during 19th century near a tank called Mangal Talab that is situated in the Patna City Chowk area. It is called Khankah Emadia that houses a Madarsa. An Urs is held here annually when throngs of devotees assemble and pay their respect to their beloved Sufi Saint.Dargah Sharif, Mithan Ghat (Patna City, Patna): A beautiful double storied mosque was built by Mughal Prince Azim on the banks of Ganges at Mittan Ghat, Patna City area that was previously called Azimabad during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. This mosque was built for Mulla Mittan who was teacher of the Prince. It was the place from where the great Sufi Saint Hazrat Makhdum Munnem used to preach his disciples during the 18th Century. The ancient mosque still exists and is popularly known as Dargah Sharif. Every year, after 5 days of "the Eid festival, an annual Urs Chiraga is held here when devotees assemble at this Dargah Sharif in great numbers.

Hajipur Karbala (Vaishali): It was constructed 175 years ago by Shah Alam. It attracts a large crowd of Muslims throughout the years.Hasanpura (Siwan): The village is situated about 21 kms South of Siwan on the bank of Dhanai river. According to tradition, Makhdum Saiyed Hasan Chisti, a saint who came from Arabia to India and settled here, founded this village. He also founded a Khankah (religious institution) here. The village contains remains of a large mosque and tomb of the Saint, which is visited by both Hindus and Muslims. The grave is a large open court to the west of the village. In front of it is a basalt image of Vishnu but it has been ruthlessly treated. It is regarded as an inauspicious fiend who has turned into stone by the holy Makdum and must not be raised or placed erect. It contains no inscription but its style shows it to belong to about the seventh century A.D.
Bibi Kamaal Sahiba (Kako, Jehanabad): The village is the headquarters of the block of the same name and is situated on the Jehanabad-Bihar Sharif road, about 10 kms East of Jehanabad railway tation. According to a local legend, Ram Chandra's stepmother, Rani Kaikeyi of Ayodhya lived here for sometime and the village took its name after her. The village took its name after her. The village has also a tomb of Hazrat Bibi Kamaal Sahiba, a great Muslim lady saint. It is said that this lady was the aunt of Hazrat Makhdum Saheb of Bihar Sharif and possessed divine powers.
Bari Dargah (Bihar Sharif, Nalanda): This is headquarters of Nalanda district that lays 30 kms South of Bakhtiarpur on NH-31. This is also a railhead on the Bakhtiarpur Rajgir branch line of the Eastern Indian Railway. This town is known as Bihar Sharif, owing to its many Muslim tombs that still retain traces of its former importance as a Muslim pilgrimage. There is a hill called Pir Pahari, about 1 m to the northwest of the town. At its summit is the dargah or mausoleum of the Saint Mallik Ibrahim Bayu, round which are tem smaller tombs. It is a brick structure surmounted by a dome and bears inscriptions showing that the saint died in 1353. Another great dargah is that of Mokhdum Shah Sharif ud-din, also called Makhdum-ul-Mulk, died here in 1379; the inscription over the entrance shows that his tomb was built in 1569. This tomb, which stands on the south bank of the river, is held in great veneration by the local Mohammedans, who assemble here on the 5th day of Sawan to celebrate the anniversary of his death. The Chhoti Dargah is the shrine of Badruddin Badr-I-Alam, famous saint who died here in 1440.

Chhoti Dargah (Bihar Sharif, Nalanda): Dargah of Makhdum Hazrat Sultan Ahmed Charampose, Bihar Sharif (Nalanda).
The biggest and the oldest building of Mohalla-Amber in the Bihar Sharif Town (Nalanda), is Tomb of Hazarat Makhdum Sultan Saiyad Shah Ahmed Charampose Teg Barhana Rohmatulla Alaib. He was born in the year 1236 and passed away in 1335 (according to Islamic calendar 657-776 Hizri). He is ranked to a very high order among other Sufi saints and Auliahs.
Thousands and thousand of people participate in the ‘Urs’ celebrated here in memory of the Saint every year.
Gandhi Circuit
Motihari (East Champaran): Motihari was to the first laboratory of Gandhian experiment in Satyagraha and probably it will not be very incorrect to say that is has been the spring board for India’s independence. Champaran district generated a wave of enthusiasm and inspiration to the people who were thirsting for a selfless and saintly leader. The technique followed by Gandhiji in Champaran was what attained later on the name of Satyagraha.Hazarimal Dharamshala, Betia (West Champaran): It is at Betiah in the Lal Bazar area. Gandhi and his companions used to camp here and it was the epicenter of his “Satyagraha”. The State Govt. has declared this building a protected monument. The Betia Raj Kuteherry and the Dharmashala were Mahatama Gandhi stayed are well worth visit.Bhitharwa Ashram (West Champaran): It is a village in the Bettiah Sub-division under Gaunaha Block. This was one of the centre for social work selected by Gandhiji, when he was in Champaran in 1917. At present there is a Khadi Centre working under direct control of the Bihar Khadi Samiti. There is a Gandhi Ashram where Mahatma Gandhi had stayed during the Indian freedom straggle.

Brindaba (West Champaran): It is a small village in the Betia sub-division under Champatia Block. It has the Gram Seva Kendra, which had been planned to work out the deals of the Gandhi Seva Sangh. The all India Gandhi Seva Sangh held there annual conference at this village in 1937. Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Rajendra Prasad attended it. Gandhiji stayed here in 1939 and started an Ashram, which is still functioning.Shri Rampur (West Champaran): Situated in the Gannaha Block of Bhitiharwa Panchayat. Gandhiji had stayed here on 16th November, 1917.Koeldih (West Champaran): Under Gaunaha Block in the Belwa Panchayat. Gandhiji had visited this place on 16th November, 1917.Amolwa (West Champaran): Under Gaunaha Block in the Majharia Panchayat, where Gandhiji spent a night on the 27th April, 1917 with his other companions.

Murli Bharhawa (West Champaran): It was the native place of Pandit Raj Kumar Shukla who had been a close associates of Mahatma Gandhi during the Champaran Satyagrah Movement. Pandit Shukla took a lead role in bringing Mahatma Gandhi to Champaran.

Sariswa (West Champaran): This place is in Ratanmala Panchayat under Majhaulia Block-Gandhiji and his companions had taken statement of raiyats in a open yard in front of the temple.

Hardiya Kothi (West Champaran): It is under Bishunpur Panchyat of the Nautan Block. It was house of Mr. G. P. Edward, a British Indigo Planter. Remains of this building are in some what better condition in comparison to other such old buildings.

Sadaquat Ashram (Patna): It is situated in Digha area on Patna Danapur Road and in pre independence days guided the freedom movement in Bihar. It is Associated with the memories of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Mautana Mazharal Haque and other leaders.Gandhi Sangrahalay (Patna Museum): Close to the Western end of Gandhi Maidan in Patna. The Gandhi Sangrahalaya houses a large number of items and artifacts related with Mahatma Gandhi and his satyagrah movement in Bihar. It also has a vast collection of Gandhian literature and photographs depicting his life and works. A “Charkha” (Country made spinning wheel) used by Mahatma Gandhi is also well preserved in this museum.
Eco Circuit
Kakolat (Nawada): It is a waterfall in Gobindpur police-station, about 21 miles away from Nawada. After going 9¼ miles from Nawada on Ranchi Road, a pucca road known as Gobindpur—Akbarpore Road diverts from there. Just below the fall there is a deep reservoir natural in character. The fall is about 150 to 160 feet, from the ground level. The scene is panoramic due to all-round green forest area, which is very pleasant to the eyes.A legend is prevalent that in Treta Yuga a king named was cursed by a rishi and had to take the shape of a python and lived here. The place was visited by the great Pandavas during their exile and the accursed king got salvation from the damnation. The king after getting rid of the curse proclaimed that one who would bathe in the waterfall will not take the yoni of snake and that is why a large number of people from far and near bathe in the river. A big fair is held on the occasion of bishua or Chait Shankranti.
Bhimbandh (Munger): It is situated at a distance of 56 km from Munger, 20 km from Jamui Railway Station and 200 km from Patna Airport. Bhimbandh Wild Life Sanctuary is located in the south west of Munger District. The forests cover an area or 681.99 sq.km on the hills and undulating tract of Kharagpur Hills.
This forest are located in the famous Kharagpur hill range, south of river Ganga and is surrounded on all sides by non-forestry areas inhabited by dense population. The vegetation of these forests is very rich where Sal, Kend, Semal and other trees grow side by side the hilly terrain, protecting from the suns rays the forms and humble creepers which grow below. A host of animals such as Tiger, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Nilgai, Sambhar, Barking deer, Wild Beer, four horned Antelope use to abide by in these forests. In the valley portions and at the foothills are several hot springs of which the finest are at Bhimbandh, Sita Kund and Rishi Kund. All the hot springs maintain nearly same temperature round the year, and seasonal fluctuation of discharge is also nominal. Among them the Bhimbandh group of springs have the maximum temperature (52° C to 65° C) and discharge (0.84-1.12 cum/sec) and constitute the best area for the exploration of geothermal energy potential.
All the thermal springs of sanctuary have a common geological frame. The spouts issue from the contact of massive guartzites (jointed and crushed) with states and phyllites (Kharagpur Group).
All the springs are situated at topographic lows within the guartziter. The aqueducts formed due to fracturing are long and narrow zones of fissures and broken rocks. There are number of places of tourist interest nearby the Sanctuary like, Rishikund, Ha-Ha Punch Kumari, Rameshwar Kund, Kharagpur Lake, Sringrishi etc. There are Tourist lodge and Forest Rest House that offer accommodation facilities to tourists in the mid of the forest.

I urge to all successful and intellectual people of BIHAR to help spread a positive image of BIHAR and try to give back to their state in whatever way possible which is a victim of racism. Today we need to give a resounding reply to people like RAJ THACKERAY and GOA chief minister, what people of BIHAR are capable of doing. Together we can make BIHAR a place to emulate which will attract talents by reversing the brain drain to other states. And the bottom line for all this comes from the self respect i.e.
"PROUD TO BE A BIHARI INDIAN"

Sources :-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bihar

http://piyushraj.blogspot.com/2008/05/go-to-patna-young-man.html

http://bstdc.bih.nic.in/Destinations.htm

http://www.ibnlive.com/news/state-of-neglect-deluged-bihar-falls-off-govt-map/72343-3.html

A speech worth reading once

I got this text of speech of CHETAN BHAGAT's at Symbiosis from a friend today morning. I liked it a lot except a sentence in which he said 'Love yourself first, and then others.' READ THIS ONCE and i am sure you would also like the thoughts
"Good Morning everyone and thank you for giving me this chance to speak to you. This day is about you. You, who have come to this college, leaving the comfort of your homes (or in some cases discomfort), to become something in your life. I am sure you are excited. There are few days in human life when one is truly elated. The first day in college is one of them. When you were getting ready today, you felt a tingling in your stomach. What would the auditorium be like, what would the teachers be like, who are my new classmates - there is so much to be curious about. I call this excitement, the spark within you that makes you feel truly alive today. Today I am going to talk about keeping the spark shining. Or to put it another way, how to be happy most, if not all the time.
Where do these sparks start? I think we are born with them. My 3-year old twin boys have a million sparks. A little Spiderman toy can make them jump on the bed. They get thrills from creaky swings in the park. A story from daddy gets them excited. They do a daily countdown for birthday party - several months in advance - just for the day they will cut their own birthday cake.
I see students like you, and I still see some sparks. But when I see older people, the spark is difficult to find. That means as we age, the spark fades. People whose spark has faded too much are dull, dejected, aimless and bitter. Remember Kareena in the first half of Jab We Met vs the second half? That is what happens when the spark is lost. So how to save the spark? Imagine the spark to be a lamp's flame. The first aspect is nurturing - to give your spark the fuel, continuously. The second is to guard against storms.
To nurture, always have goals. It is human nature to strive, improve and achieve full potential. In fact, that is success. It is what is possible for you. It isn't any external measure - a certain cost to company pay package, a particular car or house.
Most of us are from middle class families. To us, having material landmarks is success and rightly so. When you have grown up where money constraints force everyday choices, financial freedom is a big achievement. But it isn't the purpose of life. If that was the case, Mr. Ambani would not show up for work. Shah Rukh Khan would stay at home and not dance anymore. Steve Jobs won't be working hard to make a better iPhone, as he sold Pixar for billions of dollars already. Why do they do it? What makes them come to work everyday? They do it because it makes them happy. They do it because it makes them feel alive. Just getting better from current levels feels good. If you study hard, you can improve your rank. If you make an effort to interact with people, you will do better in interviews. If you practice, your cricket will get better. You may also know that you cannot become Tendulkar, yet. But you can get to the next level. Striving for that next level is important.
Nature designed with a random set of genes and circumstances in which we were born. To be happy, we have to accept it and make the most of nature's design. Are you? Goals will help you do that.
I must add, don't just have career or academic goals. Set goals to give you a balanced, successful life. I use the word balanced before successful. Balanced means ensuring your health, relationships, mental peace are all in good order. There is no point of getting a promotion on the day of your breakup. There is no fun in driving a car if your back hurts. Shopping is not enjoyable if your mind is full of tensions.
You must have read some quotes - Life is a tough race, it is a marathon or whatever. No, from what I have seen so far, life is one of those races in nursery school, where you have to run with a marble in a spoon kept in your mouth. If the marble falls, there is no point coming first. Same with life, where health and relationships are the marble. Your striving is only worth it if there is harmony in your life. Else, you may achieve the success, but this spark, this feeling of being excited and alive, will start to die.
One last thing about nurturing the spark - don't take life seriously. One of my yoga teachers used to make students laugh during classes. One student asked him if these jokes would take away something from the yoga practice. The teacher said - don't be serious, be sincere. This quote has defined my work ever since. Whether its my writing, my job, my relationships or any of my goals. I get thousands of opinions on my writing everyday. There is heaps of praise, there is intense criticism. If I take it all seriously, how will I write? Or rather, how will I live? Life is not to be taken seriously, as we are really temporary here. We are like a pre-paid card with limited validity. If we are lucky, we may last another 50 years. And 50 years is just 2,500 weekends. Do we really need to get so worked up? It's ok, bunk a few classes, goof up a few interviews, fall in love. We are people, not programmed devices.
I've told you three things - reasonable goals, balance and not taking it too seriously that will nurture the spark. However, there are four storms in life that will threaten to completely put out the flame. These must be guarded against. These are disappointment, frustration, unfairness and loneliness of purpose.
Disappointment will come when your effort does not give you the expected return. If things don't go as planned or if you face failure. Failure is extremely difficult to handle, but those that do come out stronger. What did this failure teach me? is the question you will need to ask. You will feel miserable. You will want to quit, like I wanted to when nine publishers rejected my first book. Some IITians kill themselves over low grades - how silly is that? But that is how much failure can hurt you. But it's life. If challenges could always be overcome, they would cease to be a challenge. And remember - if you are failing at something, that means you are at your limit or potential. And that's where you want to be.
Disappointment's cousin is frustration, the second storm. Have you ever been frustrated? It happens when things are stuck. This is especially relevant in India. From traffic jams to getting that job you deserve, sometimes things take so long that you don't know if you chose the right goal. After books, I set the goal of writing for Bollywood, as I thought they needed writers. I am called extremely lucky, but it took me five years to get close to a release. Frustration saps excitement, and turns your initial energy into something negative, making you a bitter person. How did I deal with it? A realistic assessment of the time involved - movies take a long time to make even though they are watched quickly, seeking a certain enjoyment in the process rather than the end result - at least I was learning how to write scripts, having a side plan - I had my third book to write and even something as simple as pleasurable distractions in your life - friends, food, travel can help you overcome it. Remember, nothing is to be taken seriously. Frustration is a sign somewhere, you took it too seriously.
Unfairness - this is hardest to deal with, but unfortunately that is how our country works. People with connections, rich dads, beautiful faces, pedigree find it easier to make it - not just in Bollywood, but everywhere. And sometimes it is just plain luck. There are so few opportunities in India, so many stars need to be aligned for you to make it happen. Merit and hard work is not always linked to achievement in the short term, but the long term correlation is high, and ultimately things do work out. But realize, there will be some people luckier than you. In fact, to have an opportunity to go to college and understand this speech in English means you are pretty damm lucky by Indian standards.. Let's be grateful for what we have and get the strength to accept what we don't. I have so much love from my readers that other writers cannot even imagine it. However, I don't get literary praise. It's ok. I don't look like Aishwarya Rai, but I have two boys who I think are more beautiful than her.. It's ok. Don't let unfairness kill your spark.
Finally, the last point that can kill your spark is isolation. As you grow older you will realize you are unique. When you are little, all kids want Ice cream and Spiderman. As you grow older to college, you still are a lot like your friends. But ten years later and you realize you are unique. What you want, what you believe in, what makes you feel, may be different from even the people closest to you. This can create conflict as your goals may not match with others. . And you may drop some of them. Basketball captains in college invariably stop playing basketball by the time they have their second child. They give up something that meant so much to them. They do it for their family. But in doing that, the spark dies. Never, ever make that compromise. Love yourself first, and then others. There you go. I've told you the four thunderstorms - disappointment, frustration, unfairness and isolation. You cannot avoid them, as like the monsoon they will come into your life at regular intervals. You just need to keep the raincoat handy to not let the spark die.
I welcome you again to the most wonderful years of your life. If someone gave me the choice to go back in time, I will surely choose college. But I also hope that ten years later as well, your eyes will shine the same way as they do today. That you will Keep the Spark alive, not only through college, but through the next 2,500 weekends. And I hope not just you, but my whole country will keep that spark alive, as we really need it now more than any moment in history. And there is something cool about saying - I come from the land of a billion sparks. "

A high feeling

"Flight No DN-635 is ready to board Passengers are requested to kindly move towards door no 2A"-1st June 2008 Kolkata, its the day when one of my childhood dream of flying in air got fulfilled. Those was the days when i used to run out of my room to see the planes flying and watch it till it was disappearing in horizon. The moment finally came when i had to see it all by myself. Thankfully and to utter delight of mine i got the window seat which i was praying to happen. Seeing the world below getting smaller and boundaries disappearing until it all goes off and all that remains is the blue sky with you flying at 36000 feet(roughly 11 km) with a speed of 830 km/hr- real exciting stuff. For the first time felt grateful to Wright brothers who started it all. The cluster of small clouds floating around made me feel special. Suddenly the plane shuddered and everybody tied their seat belts but the calm gentleman sitting besides me said this happens usually. I was surprised at the indifference with which he said those words.Anyways i was too busy enjoying the experience to really care it. A nice conversation with the gentleman(although i was trying to cut it short so that i can peek out of the window) and here comes the announcement of the landing. Came out of dream of a jovial ride and we were landing again to the real world with all the differences reappearing. The first flight experience was much exciting than i anticipated and left me vying for the next chance to get on for the same "high feeling".

Dhaai Akshar

"Love" which is defined and will be defined time and again by different people in various ways, is truly a magnanimous subject for which ages are less to ponder upon.It has the range of feelings and emotions that is truly amazing and unbelievable right from joy,sorrow,anger,frustation,dilemma...................and the list goes endlessly with different shades of overlapping emotions. It has the power to change anyone beyond one's imagination and beauty of this is you never know when you are getting transformed. Undoubtedly a feeling the best a human being can get is grossly misunderstood by many and also by those who choose to pretend otherwise. Nevertheless one has to be in love to understand the real effects and your life never remains the same again. All the moments are filled with an unknown joy and an untold fear leaving an indelible imprint on your existence making your life worthwhile. Everything around you changes to only one persepective. And believe me its not that bad.