tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48977814232866485262024-03-14T01:40:27.574+05:30Jay's WeblogFor Every Ray of Sun that Shines, Some Lovely Flower Grows;
For Every Drop of Rain that Falls, Some River Deeper Flows;
For Every Star that Shine Above, The Darkness Becomes Lighter;
For Every Life of Grace and Love, The Worlds' a Little Brighter!Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05214304066793194147noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897781423286648526.post-5373688702472391002010-12-14T23:49:00.002+05:302010-12-14T23:56:43.023+05:30Schools and Day Care - How things have changed.<div align="justify">Rewind to 2007 - October... Akshat was 2 yrs and 4 months old. PSBB Millenium started issuing Admission Forms. We went, stood in Queue,showed his birth certificate, paid 100 Rs., took the form, went to a Photographer and took his passport photographs and filled our details (Parent's education, Job details, etc., etc.,) in the form and submitted in a day. We were still worried that many parents had all the required photos in hand and submitted the filled forms right away.Then the waiting in tension when we would receive the interview notifications.It did come after few days... We were excited. We had tried to make Akshat remember and say all his rhymes and others we thought they might ask him.</div><div align="justify"><br />Early November, Interview day, we woke the kid early in the morning, got his ready, made a quick prayer to God and reached the school. There was a big long queue with anxious parents and kids who couldnt make out what was happening.We were finally called into a cute classroom with little chairs where even the teachers and we sat. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">They made him sit next to a teacher and she was talking to him in English.. Now, Akshat talked fluently in Tamil and Telugu and made little attempts in English at home... We were worried. But the little fellow surpassed our expectations and managed to answer the teacher in simple words of Yes and No and she was happy. The rhymes questions was answered by the ABCD Song. so far so good. She then asked him to find 2 brinjals on the floor. He found 3 for her :) Then she asked to identify colours... And there I knew he had a problem... He said yellow for red, blue for green... but white and black were right :) We looked anxiously at the teacher and she said, "Thats fine. Can you wait outside, we will let you know". Coming out of the classroom, we could see some children crying at being questioned, and parents trying to comfort them. Akshat was puzzled.. "Mummy, why is everyone crying? "...</div><div align="justify"><br />Then came the note from the teacher that Akshat passed the interview and we have to meet the principal :) Good. We were ready. As usual the half an hour to 45 minutes asking us where we live. Is it ok for the child to travel 8 kms. Then the Pre KG was going to be near Chennai Trade center which was just 4 kms. So she was fine. Then the question of how much can we spend with the child. Can I as a working mother concentrate on the child.. So on and so forth. But I knew they were happy, that we both were well educated, working in good companies.. and we could afford the enormous fees and the hike in the fees as well when it came up. She asked us to wait outside again. Then came the news that he got admission and we needed to pay 40600 + 2000 and odd for the books right away to confirm :) we managed. And to think we had paid off his school's fee for first term that was going to start only in June 2008.</div><div align="justify"><br />Then the school opened, and am glad he enjoyed. very greatful for his teacher, Ms.Mary Delfin George... She was the best... He simply adored her and she gave the comfort zone to the child. He quickly learnt a lot. He spoke English flawlessly and he always got a great review back from school. ... And then LKG in 2009, They hiked the school fees. In all Just for the beginning Kindergarten years, a PreKG and LKG we ended up paying way over a lakh with all other expenses chipping in their part.... and add ons - the anxiety, the tension...</div><div align="justify"><br />Well I dont blame the system... All private schools follow the same. But then his LKG teacher Mrs.Bindu was also wonderful. She gave so much support to the child..</div><div align="justify"><br />Now how did I miss my son's best friends for the two years... First year, it was Tanuja all around.. They simply were the best friends. All day in class, they chit chatted.. Then come LKG, he was a little upset to go to school on the first day... Why?... because they changed Tanuja to A section and he moved to B... :( somehow sent him to school.... He came back in the afternoon and said.. Amma.. Keerthana is also so soft ma,... :) Now you know his great friend from LKG. .. So close, that when we told her that we were moving to Canada, she told me, Aunty .. you leave Akshat in our house for one year.. You and uncle go alone.. Let him be here with me. :) So sweet of her.. We miss her too...</div><div align="justify"><br />Then came our planned move to Canada. A year of processing for immigration and all.. Why did we do that.. We wanted to do something for the child.. His future.. We held that as a reason. There may be other motivators in the play too.. Which I am not able to put in one single paper.<br />Well time to move on.. When we came to April.. We were anxious.. We left our jobs back in India... Now we had to find jobs.. Move forward. Through out the weekdays, he played around inside the shared guesthouse. We knew he hated to be indoors all the while. Btu what to do, it was cold here in April.. sometimes 11- sometimes 16 degrees.. and we couldnt risk his health...but we did take him well out during weekends when we could not hunt jobs.</div><div align="justify"><br />We roamed very well. We went to CN Tower, Toronto Zoo, Science center, museum, historic museum, Toronto Island and shopping in big huge malls. We had to keep him happy. He ended up with a toy everytime. Good for us, that we had Dollarama where we get toys for 1 or 2 dollars... He would ask for toys that were 100 dollars but didnt find any difference if we got him only the one dollar one.. To him it was a toy.. to him .. he could break it any day!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Then Vimal got his job, and I couldnt hunt for jobs from then on. Reason.. Day care for Akshat??? The law is strict here that you cannot leave a child under 12 yrs old alone anywhere even for a minute... Then what to do.. Day cares have a long line up in waiting. And they are very strict about the number of children they can take. And the cost, heavy... 3 to 4 dollars per hour. That too when we have to spend from the Indian Savings we brought.. Not worth it...And they dont take adhoc that I could leave him just to attend the interview...</div><div align="justify"><br />In May, We found an apartment to move in and went to meet the houseowners. They were very friendly Indian Couple. She suggested I walk to the corner of the road where there is a Public School. Guys here, The public schools are run by the Government. But a striking difference, the Quality and commitment - excellent. Before we moved into the house, we walked from there. It was a quick 7 minute walk, and we went in. There was a man standing in his T-Shirt and casuals in the Principals room and we asked him for admission procedure. He quickly said, "Mrs.Whitemore sits at this desk." He showed us her seat next to the principal's cabin and said.. "she is on leave today.. Come tomorrow and she will guide you. Give her a call in the morning before you come in." Akshat started playing with some stuffed toys inside the principal's cabin, and this guy, went up to Akshat and told him the name of the teddy bear he had in his hand. he asked Akshat if he wanted to come tomorrow and play with Brownie... and nice smile and a good handshake to Akshat. Then he gave us, Mrs. Whitemore's number and his card. We came out and saw, His card read... Kevin (He was the Principal).. Wow..</div><div align="justify"><br />Next day morning we called her at 9 and she said you can come in any time before 3.. We said we would come right away. She asked us to get his Vaccination chart and our address proof. We went in, she said Welcome to Canada :) Then she gave us some forms to fill and took his vaccination sheet xerox and our address proof copy. And what was in the forms that we had to fill.. All details about the child.. How does he react to new people, does he talk well, when he started to speak first, is he allergic to any food, does he need any medicines to be given during school, does he need any attention seperately, Does he eat on his own, how are his eating preferences, Is he ok to take food at school, who would come to pick him up, all details about the child.</div><div align="justify"><br />Not a single question, was about what we did, except for our names, address and contact numbers :) And she asked us which time of the day we preferred for school, morning 8:30 to 11:30 or 12:30 to 3:30 :) We had a choice. We asked her to put innto the morning batch. And she said, Ok, since it is already 11 today, he can come to school from tomorrow. Since he is just turning 5 this june, he can start the Senior Kindergarten (UKG) coming septemeber :) now for the one month, let him go to the Junior KG (our LKG)!!!!</div><div align="justify"><br />"That's it?" We asked her.. And she smiled and said .. yes. :) We asked her if she needed his school TC and report cards.. She said, no... We dont need them. If the teacher wants she can see. you can show her. But we can assess the child and take care of his needs :) And there was not a word about the fees.. Its free for all children until the end of class ten... Of course this is a government board TDSB run public school... Not a private montessori.. We wouldnt have thought about a Govt School back home... But still...</div><div align="justify"><br />I was stumped... And we went right away to buy him a school bag and snack box and water bottle. Thats all she needed. No uniforms in the Public school till high school ends. Good for us, he enjoyed it :) Next day morning, he went to school. Now the schools closed for summer in July and August and we are waiting for September, when our little fella will go into SKG here.</div><div align="justify"><br />Oh I forgot, here JKG and SKG students are equally placed inside a same class room. There are three sections and each section has only about 18 students. and in that 18, half are JKG and half belong to SKG... and the SKG guys get to walk on stage at the end of year to receive their SKG Graduation certificates :) </div><div align="justify"><br />Now to think of how different admissions were in India and how they happened here.. A saga on its own... Ofcourse a big trouble of daycare.. I finally found a very plesant family who live close by and take care of kids at home... Am content. Couple of these kids in the neighbourhood, are now going UCMAS classes. They go every friday and they are having fun.. and am glad to see how well he does additions and subtractions now :)</div><div align="justify"><br />What more could I ask for :)</div>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05214304066793194147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897781423286648526.post-89795533891317066702010-08-06T01:20:00.003+05:302010-08-06T01:26:50.521+05:30<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-9pQUGC1E3k/TFsXNFU-VmI/AAAAAAAACMQ/SakKOuTAzag/s1600/DSC01594.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502016883299079778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-9pQUGC1E3k/TFsXNFU-VmI/AAAAAAAACMQ/SakKOuTAzag/s320/DSC01594.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">A Trip to Niagara</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"><br />Like any holiday over a long weekend, this time too we planned to head out of town. It was Civic holiday on Aug 2nd in Canada and we planned to visit the most luring place we had in minds even before we moved here. Truly the magic of this place is not overstated. It is more so when you are viewing it from the Canadian side rather than the American side. Although the American part of Niagara looks subtle when you see both American side and Canadian sides at the same time, the mist as you get close to the American falls is fierce as well. Of course the depth and expanse and vastness of the Canadian Horseshoe falls is too great to explain in normal words.</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />We began on July 31st and took the quite comfortable Go Train to Niagara from Toronto. We booked at a comfortable hotel and immediately headed out for lunch. Starting to devour a great Italian Pasta Lunch, we headed straight on the Clifton hill road, slowly approaching the great gorge and falls. Such a place filled with Color and exuberance and a smile on every single face… People do enjoy summers to their full and it was a great feeling as we started.<br /><br />Ready for a unique sightseeing opportunity with breathtaking views of the Falls and beyond, we headed on down to Clifton Hill and took a ride on Canada’s largest observation wheel, the Niagara Sky Wheel. Towering 175 feet (53 metres) over the Niagara Falls horizon, the Niagara SkyWheel is the most exciting way to see Niagara Falls. From this vantage point we were treated to memorable views of the Horseshoe and American Falls, the Niagara River Niagara Parks and other landmarks.</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />The Niagara SkyWheel is in deed a world-class ride featuring fully enclosed gondolas, each equipped with heating and air conditioning for year-round comfort and enjoyment... The ride duration was from 8 to 12 minutes with spectacular aerial views for miles in every direction. Evening rides offered dazzling views of the glittering lights of Clifton Hill and the surrounding Niagara skyline.</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />With a bird’s eye view of the Niagara River, Niagara Parks and Clifton Hill, there was no better way to snap incredible photos and quickly get the lay of the land.</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />From our end we saw the American Falls on the left and The Canadian Horseshoe Falls on the right. We could see the force erupting into mist at the Canadian end while the mist stays low at the American Falls end. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">We headed next to Maid of the Mist – The exciting boat ride on the Niagara River to the footsteps of the Falls at both American and Canadian Fall drop zonesMaid of the Mist Boat tour going up close and personal to the American Falls</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />While the American falls may look like a flat cascading waterfall, it is in actual fact a little jagged. Who knows, maybe after another few centuries of erosion it will become something like the Horseshoe Falls (Canadian Part of Niagara Falls)!</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />The mesmerizing Horseshoe Falls was huge and magnificent. Staring at the gushing water almost made me feel like I was going to get washed away!</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />Dressed up in the recyclable rain coats to keep us from getting drenched, it was an exciting walk as we boarded the boat. Water rushed all around as we did "soak" in the excitement and explored the roar of the ‘Falls’. A historical ride aboard the world-famous Maid of the Mist is a half hour thrill of a lifetime! The Maid of the Mist did bring us pretty close to the Horseshoe Falls, but the towering mist made it difficult to see anything. Only by standing on the edge at the Canadian side did we fully experience the magnificence of this natural wonder called the Niagara….</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />Feeling the Thunder – A journey behind the falls</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />The sound is like thunder, the sight awe-inspiring! It’s a journey deep below and behind the heart of Niagara and stand in the mist where the mighty Horseshoe Falls tumbles from 13 storeys above!<br /><br />At Journey Behind the Falls, we did experience the awesome spectacle of one-fifth of the world’s fresh water crashing down to the basin below. During summer daylight hours, they said over 2,800 cubic meters of water thunders over the brink every second, travelling 65 kilometers per hour! Enough to fill a million bath tubs per second.....</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />The entire Journey behind the Falls visit took us about 30 to 45 minutes. We received a free souvenir biodegradable rain poncho as protection from the mist of the Falls. Elevators descended 150 feet through bedrock to tunnels that lead and to the Cataract Portal and the Great Falls Portal which is one third of the way behind the massive sheet of water. Then you walk on to the Upper and Lower Observation Decks at the very foot of the Falls. The view from standing exactly behind the fall and see the water drop in front of us… Phew! What an excitement to live in.</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />Rainbow Galore</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />As we headed out, The Rainbows that sprang up, from the waters.. spectacular scenery that I had only imagined before.. and there they were in front of our eyes.. First over the American Falls and as we moved above to the Incline Railway, The massive rainbow over the Horseshoe falls, was just too good to be true.. but it was true, for Akshat jumped in joy and stamped my feet, and made me realize I was not imagining scenes :)</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />Whirlpool Aero Car</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />Next day we landed at the Whirlpool Aero Car… High above the racing Niagara River, we were transported through the air in an antique cable car.</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />Far below, the torrent of water abruptly changed direction and created one of the world’s most mesmerizing natural phenomenons – the Niagara Whirlpool. It was frightening and as expected - unforgettable! The cable car was suspended from sturdy cables and offered a wonderful view of the Niagara Whirlpool which was formed at the end of the rapids where the gorge turned abruptly counterclockwise and the river escapes through the narrowest channel in the gorge.</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />Our Next Stop – The simulated show showing the creation of Niagara Falls over 10000 Yrs - Niagara’s Fury!</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />Water bubbled and sprayed while snow fell all around. Standing in the mist on a massive platform we felt the full wrath of Mother Nature as the floor tilted and trembled beneath us. Incredible images produced with technology previously used only in satellites and medicine immersed in a “4D” Universal Studios-style attraction. The experience started with an 8 minute animated Pre-show, where charming woodland characters explained us how the Ice Age formed Niagara Falls. Then, in a specially designed, 360 degree theatre, we witnessed the Creation of the Falls in a 6-minute, multi-sensory extravaganza!</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />SKYLON TOWER</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />From there we went up the Incline Railway and walked past the CASINO… Now don’t ask us what we did there… It was off bounds for me for Akshat was not permitted in…. We went from there to Skylon Tower. We took an ultra fast 52 second ride in the glass-fronted “Yellow Bug” elevators to the very top of the Skylon Tower, which stood an astounding 775 feet above the base of the Falls! The circular design and provision of the three observation levels within the tower allowed us to enjoy one of the best unobstructed views of Niagara Falls! The outdoor and indoor observatories are located on the third floor of the dome and are the highest vantage points. On a clear day, it mentioned that visitors can see close to 80,000 square miles far, including the skylines of Toronto and Buffalo! </div><br /><div align="justify"><br />For an extra special evening, we thought of dining at the Skylon Tower Revolving Restaurant, but it was way too costly where we were sure Akshat would hardly eat anything... We then went past the Games Zone where he played to his fill and got a flexible pencil as a gift (We only managed 55 tickets in the games). Of course we didn’t miss the 3D movie experience atop the Skylon Tower! “The Legends of Niagara Falls,” which was playing. It was a clear adventurous show with simulators and excellent 3D Graphics that featured the history of the Falls and the old Indian Legend surrounding the Maid of the Mist. </div><br /><div align="justify"><br />Day 3 – Aug 2nd - Marine Land</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />The final day, a memorable destination in mind, we checked out of the hotel. Landing at Marine Land, it was a sight to see with the Sky Screamer being visible so far from the hotel itself.<br />This park’s slogan is “Everyone Loves Marineland”.. Well we did too… Though there are not a big number of rides like how we do have at MGM or Queensland.. But the ones that were there, were just Splendid... Enormous... Very thrilling in deed. </div><br /><div align="justify"><br />The best part of course was the stroller rental available, and good we took one for Akshat, for the extensive area of the park, it would have been an overkill on the child if he had to walk. They should do this at our Indian Parks too… It just is so comfortable for the parents. Whatever, it was definitely needed here as its not like our Indian parks where every available space is used to setup a ride, but the vast expanse of land, is flourishing with Trees, Heavy dense trees to promote animals and preserve trees. There are huge picnic spots, if we want to bring in home food, lay down a carpet and enjoy within our group with excellent room for fun and picnic areas and uninterrupted privacy:) There were Ocras, Whales, Dolphins, Bears, Walruses, and we even had a chance to feed the fish :)</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />And for the rides, all the Children’s rides, parents could go along… they call them family rides here. A Little boring for us but guess was exciting for the little ones. It was amazing to see the amount of care the parents take of children here and that too without screaming or shouting or scolding or beating. Just a word, that son, you continue to do this, we are going home and the child stops all tantrums… wonder how we could teach this to the Indian Kids.</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />And the thrilling rides….</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />Dragon Mountain Roller Coaster: an Arrow roller coaster which opened as the world's largest (not longest) non-stop roller coaster (covering 30 acres). It features tunnels that lead to the queue area, has two consecutive vertical loops and the only bowtie loop of its kind in the world<br />Breathtaking… What an experience…<br />Sky Hawk: a spinning ride which also moves vertically up and down. Features one- or two-person cages without restricting belts or harnesses.<br />Wave Swinger: a swing ride with a moving top that allows the swings to move up and down. The first adult ride the park ever had.<br />The only major adult ride thriller that Akshat had a chance to be in coz of height restrictions… now that is an incentive to me, for the past two days I am tricking him to eat without making a fuss, that only if he grows quite tall soon, we can take him along in all thrillers next time J<br />Lady Bug Coaster: children's roller coaster features a lady bug cart. …<br />Well I need to admit it was the most thrilling of all family rides<br />Tivoli Wheel: a "hanging" Ferris wheel.<br />Magic: a spinning ride located near the bear area; features statues of bears on the ride.<br />Kandu's Twister: a "teacup" style ride that features orcas on the sides of the cups.<br />Space Avenger: a spinning ride that features a control panel in the cages allowing the rider to move vertically up and down.<br />Dragon Boats: a simple carousel with a Viking boat theme.<br />Flying Dragon a ride that offers thrills for a lot of ages, goes up into the air then falls back down without inversion.<br />Sky Screamer: It is situated on a 150 foot tall hill, making the total height of the ride 450 feet, which affords the rider an impressive view of the city and the falls. It is a recognizable landmark with the Marineland logo at the top clearly visible at night.<br />Topple Tower: This ride has a circular gondola where the passengers sit, is elevated into the air and then starts spinning, and the tower rocks back and forth on a 60 degree angle, giving it a 30 degree angle with the ground, and its scenery features a walrus on top of the tower.<br />Viking Adventure: it is a small sized Viking boat ride that operates on a track to rock passengers back and forth and spin them around.<br />Orca Screamer: this is a miniature, child size one-tower version of the famous Sky Screamer.<br />Bumble Bee: this brightly coloured children's ride allows parents and children to sit in a car together a bee elevated and spun around. </div><br /><div align="justify"><br />The day ended with a Show of Walruses, bottle nose dolphins and California Sea lions showing tricks and splashes to an wonderstruck audience… and then we were on our way to catch the Go Train back to Toronto…</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />Finally to conclude, Niagara Falls is such an idyllic place, and the holiday setting that truly makes everyone happy, and live in a sight of smiley people ..</div><br /><div align="justify"><br />Our Full Photos Link<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.ca/Jaysvimal/NiagaraFalls#">picasaweb.google.ca/Jaysvimal/NiagaraFalls#</a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.ca/Jaysvimal/NiagaraFalls?feat=directlink">http://picasaweb.google.ca/Jaysvimal/NiagaraFalls?feat=directlink</a> </div><br /><div align="justify"><br />Btw.. You can browse through our other Toronto Weekend outing pics too in the gallery :) </div>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05214304066793194147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897781423286648526.post-23926942106385610512010-06-24T23:58:00.000+05:302010-06-24T23:58:41.051+05:30Chennai mother's blog- My Life after marriage .. Alaipayudhae style !!!<a href="http://www.chennaimoms.com/blogs/1017/posts/24455-my-life-after-marriage--alaipayudhae-style-">Chennai mother's blog- My Life after marriage .. Alaipayudhae style !!!</a><br /><br />Looks like everyone sails the same boatJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05214304066793194147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897781423286648526.post-74027053585097374402010-03-23T17:14:00.003+05:302010-03-23T17:51:59.416+05:30My nostalgic trip to GCT<div style="text-align: justify;">Heading back to GCT I was kind of thinking how the place would be... Quite anxious to see the place that I had left behind 9 yrs ago.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Reaching Coimbatore was a bit tiring for me. I had planned the visit too short of notice and could get only Mangalore Express ticket... Starting to wonder why they call it an express... It stopped at all places on the way and chennai to coimbatore took just 12:30 hrs! The waiting room at the coimbatore junction was still the same. What to say.. I even recognized the man who collected 2 rs for resting in the waiting room :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Took an auto and went straight to GCT. Got down near the auditorium. New posters ....one model of a ship.. all reminiscent of the Graduation Day ceremony for 2009 passouts. One look around and the old hostels looked even older. Went to the COE office, gave the application. The erstwhile SBI extension counter is no more the same. Its a full fledged branch looking all sophisticated with netbanking enabled kiosks, atm center and a well managed banking system... Now how different was paying mess bills all those years back :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Roamed a little and tried to meet our old professors and lecturers.... Not many still at GCT... Of all those whom I met, half of them said they didnt remember me :) But half of them said werent you wearing spectacles then! They remembered me... Yipee !</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Shanthi mam was saying I still look the same except for the little cheeks that are prominent now. Some said I don't look like a mother of an almost 5 yr old :) Now.. werent they being sweet. Everyone were like sit .. you are no more a student.. ofcourse I have been out for 9 yrs complete. What more our dear Chemistry sir of first year .. he recognised me promptly.. of course he didnt forget the spectacles too... They all said they were happy to see me come back and meet them.. and wished me luck :) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our geology Natarajan sir is the MBA MCA admission cell secretary now. He called Rajagopalan sir and made me talk to him. Though he didnt remember our set when I gave him the set students names, he said that the names sound familiar though he couldnt place the year :) I met our Survey lab attenders and even our Strength of Materials lab store keeper... Of all the people I ever met in college today, she was the only one who remembered by name and face and I didnt need to give any introduction to her. They all said they were proud of us... though noted most of us are not in India now. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Am proud of all of them too ..... They look still the same... They teach still the same. :) Valuation time... so couldnt meet another group of professors. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Seeing the girls and guys teasing each other.. the boyish talk :) wondering we did all that too all those years back :) but today it all looked funny to me. Perceptions have changed.. for the better? Who knows. Exposure does a lot of refining. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Young girls and guys coming out from classes.. workshop uniforms. ..But there was not that much of life in the college.... I felt it looked full of energy and color when we were there... It looked very mechanical to me. All buildings looked old.. wonder if they renovated at all.. A little changes in the infrastructure here and there.. But it was well maintained and preserved when we were studying.... Only big difference.. There's an alumni building, department of civil engineering block with seminar hall opposite Computer Science building just outside the workshops and labs. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">and the new Alumni building thats being constructed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Went around the walls behind the pelton wheel in front of the Gandhiji's picture frame... All our set college medalists' names are all included. Moved around the hostel roads... palaru illam's visitors hall now had the board as Internet Center! but locked.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dispensary and the hostel office.. still the same....</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As I walked out of the college.. I was amazed at the number of Xerox shops that have sprung up. Every where I turned there were so many of them! Our old telephone shop which sold the greeting cards and had the public telephone booth.. the catalog is different now. They sell all mobile sim cards, recharge cards... the next shop sells traveler's bags. Every one in the college seemed to sport a mobile phone. no wonder there is no need for a telephone booth... and not many cycles on the hostel road too.. Saw many scooters plying inside the college.... no wonder there is a two wheeler service center just outside.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My biggest disappointment....... Home Bakers were no longer at home :( The nice shop we loved to visit.. is now taken over KR Bakers. It looks a big chain and every road in Coimbatore seems to have the KR Bakers outlet. And the only decent hotel in the area was opposite Avila convent near the Venkitapuram bus stop. From the times we saw college students filling the roads, today.. it was full of school students.. So many schools around GCT! the effect of it was seen no where else than Baba stores the most. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Remember the shop where we used to go for stationary.. HB, 2B all silly pencil stuff... It sports all kiddoo stuff, like what I buy for my son's school assignments every week or month. stickers of leaders, plants, exam pads and etc etc.... Wow.. Life has changed so much here.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Took some photos. Will share after some time. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I came back to the railway station. Still 3 hrs to go... Killing the time.. writing my blog...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Phew! what a day it has been... </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some mixed feelings. Missing friends with whom I roamed around. but life has changed. So much that the distance we easily walked from college to the bus stop seemed ages long to me.. May be the heat.. May be I have got too used to driving than walking now.. May be I have become too used to comfort now... </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Life has definitely changed :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05214304066793194147noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897781423286648526.post-24830605221501292472010-01-30T20:46:00.002+05:302010-01-30T20:51:10.535+05:30Open Source or Cut, Copy and Paste?<div style="text-align: justify;">"The migration has to go in tomorrow, Alok", said Ram, the project manager. Even though his voice was soft, Alok really couldn't miss the steely edge in Ram's voice. "I will try my best" managed Alok.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Late in the night, almost alone, Alok ran his fingers through his hair. "Migration code" - That was the only thing in his mind. And then it struck him. He quickly browsed the open source repository. Somewhere he had seen that bit of code to make it all fit together. It was in that now retired application. Alok had a smile on the corner of his lips now. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">He carefully read the code and did a cut and then a paste onto his workspace. Lo! the Migration code is all set for testing and MTP tomorrow. He called Ram and said, 'Ram, I've fixed the migration code now. We are good to go for the show tomorrow.!" Ram chuckled at the other end. He was a programmer too before he took over as a manager. He knew, Alok would have got up, stretched and bent down to lock his computer for the day by now.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now to think of the best things to ever happen to a programmer... Isn't that Open Source and even better was Cut, Copy & Paste :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05214304066793194147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897781423286648526.post-30516395259152118922009-12-30T17:41:00.001+05:302009-12-30T17:43:06.835+05:30My Dreamthe train moved swiftly<br />gently along with the breeze<br />all in sleep so softly<br />the chillness around to freeze<br /><br />tick tick tick on the cabin door<br />forcing me out of sleep<br />The man at door forced me to floor<br />my balance i could not keep<br /><br />Edge of knife pointed at me<br />your favourite possesions part with<br />was told to me at cost so free<br />shattering in me the humanity myth<br /><br />I tried not to succumb<br />But else what could I do then<br />My courage reduced to a tiny crumb<br />My life over the edge of knife, driven<br /><br />Faint overcame me and I didnt know<br />As an angel came rescuing me<br />It was my friend after all i didnt know<br />with care so ample just so free<br /><br />Little did I know that I would<br />Come home all so unharmed<br />with him to care for me I could<br />overcome this whole world just love armed.<br /><br />© Jaysvimal ...<br />This was a dream I dreamt last night ;) Now what does that mean!!!Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05214304066793194147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897781423286648526.post-12882922251865032992009-12-15T15:41:00.008+05:302009-12-15T17:06:14.555+05:30Darkness and Shadows<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Every day, there is one point of time when men cast no shadows. In the evening , after the sun sets but before the light fades completely, the world stands out in a sharpness and clarity misleading to those who do not foresee coming darkness.</span></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><div align="justify"><br />There exists a peacefulness in that time, when the day's creatures retreat to safety and those of night have yet to emerge. This time belongs to the ghosts of the past, who, visiting again the world they once knew, depart their attics and spirit-dwellings to wander. Humanity treads here also, bravely or foolishly ignoring the last warnings of the dying day. But if the workings of humanity were to be silenced, no sounds would remain except the rustling of the wind and the fleeing footsteps of the shadows.</div><div align="justify"><br />Even those flighty figures - hazy, distorted reflections of ourselves - know when they have outstayed their welcome. Shadows: insubstantial, invulnerable. Yet each evening they flee westward with the setting sun, staying within the safety and warmth of the light while their solid portions remain to fend off the darkness.</div><div align="justify"><br />Humans will never rule the night. As the darkness closes over the planet, we lose our grip, our power to control our surroundings. We can light our candles, shine our torches, point our lanterns out into the night, but we cannot drive away the blackness. It is an invincible force that surrounds the universe, waiting for each source of radiance to be extinguished. Light is only temporary; darkness, once established, is eternal.</div><div align="justify"><br />It is the darkness. Yes. The darkness is the one that changes the world. Not physically: our constructions remain the same, as do the land and the people upon it. The distortion is much more intangible, more insidious than a simple transmutation of matter. The transformation is one of the mind and the soul. Our fears come out to play at night. Our mental state alters, as does our perception of our surroundings. The dangers of the world increase, and the beasts hidden behind the human form emerge.</div><div align="justify"><br />Perhaps the shadows are not our reflection; perhaps they are the soul and we their images. Without them, we lose our humanity, become like the animals we were in ages past. The fear returns. So, too, the feeling of being hunted, the violence, and the evil in our beings.</div><div align="justify"><br />The night belongs to murderers and thieves. It is the realm of the vampire, the werewolf, ghosts and witches. The lunatic and his namesake moon belong here, as do monsters under the bed and the things that go bump in the night. The land of nightmares awaits humanity with open arms, and we foolishly meet its embrace, all the while feeling a foreboding sense of dread that we will never see the light again.</div><div align="justify"><br />It is not the beasts, real or imaginary, that frighten us, however. No, it is a far more horrifying thing that chills our hearts and causes our breath to catch. It is a truth we all know but none have come to accept. Within us all there is a monster: a stalker, a rapist, a murderer or even more vile creatures whose natures it is best not to contemplate. As the darkness surges forth, so do our inner demons. Each night we fight to keep them in check, but we realize the time may come when we fail: when our sanity goes the way of our shadows. Then we will finally become that from which we have hidden and run blindly, and that against which we have fought, and lost ourselves in sleep to guard against.</div><div align="justify"><br />And that is what we fear the most. To one day awaken to life as something we have condemned and see no harm in the change. Nothing compares to the fear and revulsion a human being feels at the thought of being subverted to the point that he no longer realizes he is a victim of subversion. Darkness instigates this process. It misleads, misinforms, alters our reality to create other than what was. Once the fatal step is made in believing the lies of the night, it is far too late. A hold on the mind is formed, one that cannot be broken, one that continues to spread.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Beware the night; its tricks, its lies. It is a time better left to the moon, the unknown, the vampire. Shun the night, and rejoice at shadow's return each morn.</div><div align="justify"><br />© 2001. This is a prologue to my novel written many years ago. The Story is set to take shape. May be in a decade or so ;) I had posted the prose earlier at different portals. But then, why not at my own weblog :) </span></div>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05214304066793194147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897781423286648526.post-19068801618552300162009-12-03T11:19:00.003+05:302009-12-03T11:33:41.768+05:30When you think someone is wrong... Think again...<div align="justify"></div><p align="justify">The secret of one's success, lies in the ability to get the other person's point of view and see things from that person's angle as well as from your own. </p><p align="justify">Henry Ford once said, 'The best angle from which to approach a problem is the Try-angle'.</p><p align="justify">How does that matter now? Well, read on...</p><p align="justify">Once an LKG Class Teacher was teaching counting to the little children in her class. She thought happily that all the children had now mastered the concept of counting. But then.. there was little Riya who kept answering differently than the whole class. </p><p align="justify">The dismayed teacher was expecting an effortless correct answer (three). Maybe the child did not listen properly, she thought. She repeated, 'Riya, please listen carefully." If I give you one apple and one apple and one apple, how many apples will you have? Riya had seen the disappointment on her teacher's face. She now calculated again on her little fingers. But within her she was also searching for the answer that will make the teacher happy. Her search for the answer was not for the correct one, but the one that would make her teacher happy. This time hesitatingly she replied, "Four". The disappointment stayed on the teacher's face. She remembered that Riya liked Mangoes. She thought maybe she didn't like apples and that was making her loose focus. This time with an exaggerated excitement and twinkling in her eyes she asked, "If I give you one mango and one mango and one mango, then how many you will have?" </p><p align="justify">Seeing the teacher happy, young Riya calculated on her fingers again. There was no pressure on her, but a little on the teacher. She wanted her new approach to succeed. With a hesitating smile young Riya enquired, "Three?" The teacher now had a victorious smile. Her approach had succeeded. She wanted to congratulate herself. But one last thing remained. Once again she asked her, "Now if I give you one apple and one apple and one more apple how many will you have?" Promptly Riya answered, "Four!" The teacher was aghast. "How Riya? How?", she demanded in a little stern and irritated voice. In a voice that was low and hesitating young Riya replied, "Because I already have one apple in my bag." </p><p align="justify">Cool enough?</p><p align="justify">When someone gives you an answer that is different from what you expect, dont think they are wrong. There maybe an angle that you have not understood at all. You will have to listen and understand, but never listen with a predetermined notion. When you are in doubt, just ask!</p>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05214304066793194147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897781423286648526.post-48406592215840298072009-08-10T12:29:00.005+05:302009-08-10T12:53:53.519+05:30Fight Against Swine Flu -<div align="justify">'Swine flu' brings up a lot of extra fear and worry, but it is important to note that swine flu is just an influenza A H1N1 virus.</div><div align="justify"><br />That means that it is just another type of flu virus, just like that causes our typical seasonal flu symptoms. The big difference is that the current swine influenza A (H1N1) virus has components of pig and bird influenza viruses in it, so that humans don't have any immunity to it. That is what has made it more likely that it would become a pandemic virus (have the ability to cause a global outbreak) because it could easily spread from person-to-person.</div><div align="justify"><br />So far, even as you see swine flu cases increase, experts don't know if this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus will return in the fall for another wave. It could or we just continue to see sporadic cases for a few weeks or months until it stops.</div><div align="justify"><br />We do know that swine flu symptoms are just like seasonal flu symptoms.</div><div align="justify"><br /><u><strong>Swine Flu Symptoms</strong> </u><br />According to the CDC, like seasonal flu, symptoms of swine flu infections can include:<br />· fever, which is usually high, but unlike seasonal flu, is sometimes absent<br />· cough<br />· runny nose or stuffy nose<br />· sore throat<br />· body aches<br />· headache<br />· chills<br />· fatigue or tiredness, which can be extreme<br />· diarrhea and vomiting, sometimes, but more commonly seen than with seasonal flu </div><div align="justify"><br />Signs of a more serious swine flu infection might include pneumonia and respiratory failure. If your child has symptoms of swine flu, you should avoid other people and call your pediatrician who might do a rapid flu test to see if he has an influenza A infection. Of course, rapid testing is always not accurate and it is best tested at the Government authorized centers listed towards the end of this blog.</div><div align="justify"><br /><strong><u>Swine Flu High Risk Groups</u></strong> </div><div align="justify">With regular seasonal flu, infants and the elderly are usually thought to be most at risk for serious infections, in addition to people with chronic medical problems. Swine flu high risk groups, people who are thought to be at risk for serious, life-threatening infections, are a little different and can include: </div><div align="justify"><br />· pregnant women<br />· people with chronic medical problems, such as chronic lung disease, like asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and immunosuppression<br />· children and adults with obesity </div><div align="justify"><br /><strong><u>Serious Swine Flu Symptoms</u><br /></strong>More serious symptoms that would indicate that a child with swine flu would need urgent medical attention include:<br />· Fast breathing or trouble breathing<br />· Bluish or gray skin color<br />· Not drinking enough fluids<br />· Severe or persistent vomiting<br />· Not waking up or not interacting<br />· Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held<br />· Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough<br />Swine Flu Symptoms vs. a Cold or Sinus Infection<br />It is important to keep in mind most children with a runny nose or cough will not have swine flu and will not have to see their pediatrician for swine flu testing.<br />This time of year, many other childhood conditions are common, including:<br />· spring allergies - runny nose, congestion, and cough<br />· common cold - runny nose, cough, and low grade fever<br />· sinus infections - lingering runny nose, cough, and fever<br />· strep throat - sore throat, fever, and a positive strep test </div><div align="justify"><br /><strong><u>What You Need To Know</u></strong><br />· Swine flu likely spreads by direct contact with respiratory secretions of someone that is sick with swine flu, like if they were coughing and sneezing close to you.<br />· People with swine flu are likely contagious for one day before and up to seven days after they began to get sick with swine flu symptoms.<br />· Droplets from a cough or sneeze can also contaminate surfaces, such as a doorknob, drinking glass, or kitchen counter, although these germs likely don't survive for more than a few hours.<br />· Anti-flu medications, including <a href="http://drugsaz.about.com/od/drugs/tamiflu.htm">Tamiflu</a> (oseltamivir) and <a href="http://drugsaz.about.com/od/drugs/relenza.htm">Relenza</a> (zanamivir), are available to prevent and treat swine flu.<br />· The latest swine flu news from the CDC includes advice that children should not attend summer camps if they have had swine flu symptoms in the previous seven days and that camp staff should be quick to identify campers with swine flu symptoms and separate them from well campers. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong><u>GOVERNMENT AUTHORIZED HOSPITALS FOR TREATMENT OF SWINE FLU</u> </strong></div><div align="justify"><strong> </div></strong><div align="left"><strong><em>Chennai</em></strong></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><strong><em></em></strong></div><div align="justify">King Institute of Preventive Medicine (24/7 Service)<br />Guindy, Chennai – 32<br />(044) 22501520, 22501521 & 22501522</div><div align="justify"><br />Communicable Diseases Hospital<br />Thondiarpet, Chennai<br />(044) 25912686/87/88, 9444459543</div><div align="justify"><br />Government General Hospital<br />Opp. Central Railway Station, Chennai – 03<br />(044) 25305000, 25305723, 25305721, 25330300</div><div align="left"><br /><strong><em>Pune</em></strong> </div><div align="left"><br />Naidu Hospital<br />Nr Le'Meridian, Raja Bahadur Mill, GPO, Pune - 01<br />(020) 26058243</div><div align="justify"><br />National Institute of Virology<br />20A Ambedkar Road, Pune - 11<br />(020) 26006290</div><div align="justify"><br /><em><strong>Kolkata</strong> </em></div><div align="justify"><em><br /></em>ID Hospital<br />57,Beliaghata, Beliaghata Road, Kolkata - 10<br />(033) 23701252</div><div align="justify"><br /><em><strong>Coimbatore</strong> </em></div><div align="justify"><em></em><br />Government General Hospital<br />Near Railway Station,Trichy Road, Coimbatore - 18<br />(0422) 2301393, 2301394, 2301395, 2301396 </div><div align="justify"><br /><strong><em>Hyderabad</em> </strong></div><div align="justify"><strong><br /></strong>Govt. General and Chest Diseases Hospital,<br />Erragadda, Hyderabad<br />(040) 23814939</div><div align="justify"><br /><em><strong>Mumbai</strong> </em></div><div align="justify"><em></em><br />Kasturba Gandhi Hospital<br />Arthur Road, N M Joshi Marg, Jacob Circle, Mumbai - 11<br />(022) 23083901, 23092458, 23004512</div><div align="justify"><br />Sir J J Hospital<br />J J Marg, Byculla, Mumbai - 08<br />(022) 23735555, 23739031, 23760943, 23768400 / 23731144 / 5555 / 23701393 / 1366</div><div align="justify"><br />Haffkine Institute<br />Acharya Donde Marg, Parel, Mumbai - 12<br />(022) 24160947, 24160961, 24160962</div><div align="justify"><br /><strong><em>Kerala</em></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong><em></em></strong></div><div align="justify">Government Medical College<br />Gandhi Nagar P O, Kottayam - 08<br />(0481) 2597311,2597312</div><div align="justify"><br />Government Medical College<br />Vandanam P O, Allapuzha - 05<br />(0477) 2282015</div><div align="justify"><br />Taluk Hospital<br />Railway Station Road, Alwaye, Ernakulam<br />(0484) 2624040 Sathyajit - 09847840051</div><div align="justify"><br />Taluk Hospital<br />Perumbavoor PO, Ernakulam 542<br />(0484) 2523138 Vipin - 09447305200</div><div align="justify"><br /><strong><em>Gurgaon & Delhi</em> </strong></div><div align="justify"><strong><br /></strong>All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)<br />Ansari Nagar, Aurobindo Marg Ring Road, New Delhi - 29<br />(011) 26594404, 26861698 Prof. R C Deka - 9868397464</div><div align="justify"><br />National Institute for Communicable Diseases<br />22, Sham Nath Marg,New Delhi - 54<br />(011) 23971272/060/344/524/449/326 </div><div align="justify"><br />Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital<br />Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi - 01<br />(011) 23741640, 23741649, 23741639Dr. N K Chaturvedi – 9811101704</div><div align="justify"><br />Vallabhai Patel Chest Institute<br />University Enclave, New Delhi- 07<br />(011) 27667102, 27667441, 27667667, 27666182</div><div align="justify"><br /><em><strong>Bangalore</strong> </em></div><div align="justify"><em><br /></em>Victoria Hospital<br />K R Market, Kalasipalayam, Bangalore - 02<br />(080) 26703294 Dr. Gangadhar - 94480-49863</div><div align="justify"><br />SDS Tuberculosis & Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases<br />Hosur Road, Hombegowda Nagar, Bangalore - 29<br />(080) 26631923 Dr. Shivaraj - 99801-48780 </div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>Don't PANIC...</strong></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Close your mouth with a handkerchief and immediately consult a doctor. </div><div align="justify"><br />Take second opinions on the diagnosis, because a victim of Swine Flu died in Pune due to a wrong diagnosis. </div><div align="justify"><br />If you see any of your housemaids having any of the symptoms ask them to get it checked immediately. Help them as they are the ones who are painfully unaware of this dreadful flu and its consequences. </div><div align="justify"><br />Please be aware that it spreads through air and hence it spreads very fast to anyone around the infected person. </div><div align="justify"><br />Spread the news to your friends family or anyone who you see with the symptoms and are not taking the necessary steps. </div>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05214304066793194147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897781423286648526.post-19795603197562677082009-07-08T11:42:00.004+05:302009-07-08T11:47:14.905+05:30Is a Mother the Live God on Land?<div align="justify">I was once posed a discussion. And the topic? The Greatness of Motherhood... It was on the ranks of: Motherness never touches the religion, beauty, money and fame. Only women can be praised as the next god who takes her second life after giving birth to the new infant life.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Now how much do I agree to it and feel about it... </div><div align="justify"><br />All said might be true.. to an extent that the care and concern of a mother knows no bounds. Does that qualify ourselves to be paralleled to God? and only us too? </div><div align="justify"><br />Frankly I think, its an emotional bonding that comes from within. We may be taking a second life with our little one's birth. But come to think of it. This talk had its roots when the medical advancement was not much and every woman during delivery was at a risk of loosing life. Are we facing the same situation today? Exceptions and criticality may be there here and there. but we definitely are in a state where we only look forward to being with the child without even a little thought of the life at risk. Women had that tension before but not prevalent now. We are safe. We are secure. </div><div align="justify"><br />Motherhood and motherly love springs from the very day we realize that we are pregnant. Something is beginning within us. A life is starting to evolve. Naturally we who love our own things externally, tend to be extra emotional when it is sprouting from within. And a mother is born the day a baby is born. There is no surprise or something great when the mother feels attached to the being she has given birth to.</div><div align="justify"><br />But come to think of it. Except for being the reason for the child, what else does the man do for it... Care for his wife?. Trust me, all men are cautious and concerned about their children and care for their wives. Share as much as they can. Most men do. And beyond everything, even a father is as old as the child and as old as a woman turned into a mother. When a father who doesnt carry the little one within him, can shower so much of love, care and affection on the child, why not the mother? and why equal only the woman to the God.. Just because we give birth? </div><div align="justify"><br />I am proud being a mother. I love my child, be it in our good times or bad. I care not for anything material when it comes to him. But I dont consider myself Godly nor do I think, only a mother is entitled to be Godly or feel proud. Though the child may take sides from time to time, being close to one parent than the other, the love is no different. Its just a time based favoritism.</div><div align="justify"><br />I feel both the mother and father are as old as a child. Coz they both are born as a father and mother only when the child is born. Its a new life to everyone. For a child, the mother and father are both equally important. Now that was a chance for me to think, if I am the only person to be proud of our son or both me and my husband share the pride! </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Excuse me folks for the rant. Am I being too modest now ;)</div>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05214304066793194147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897781423286648526.post-64000802650240006142009-07-07T10:20:00.003+05:302009-07-07T18:58:34.238+05:30Scrapping 10th Board Exams...<div align="justify">Scrapping 10th Board Exams...Is it for the good? I would say NO. why are the suicides happening? who is responsible for the Stress? Competition? Pressure? Children not ready to accept failure?<br /><br />Who puts all these on the child? Studies is not everything. Its basic to everything. Parents should overcome the rankgame and give the children breathing space to face it with clear minds. They should love to learn. If not in 10th , they are still gonna face exams in 12th. Those that are not being prepared to face 10th itself by parents, how are they gonna be ready for 12th? And parents are going to be even more anxious for they dont know how they are going to perform in their first board exams and they will only add extra pressure on the students.<br /><br />And as many point out, not everyone who aspires is able to make it big. Given their financial strata or social responsibility many children do leave studies after 10th. Now for minimum qualification, they need to study for another 2 yrs and how many can afford that, if they are in such a case. We can afford, so we say let them do.<br /><br />And this same government that says that every child necessarily needs to study till 5th class atleast. Are they going to support?<br /><br />As per UN's India Education update on<br />http://www.un.org.in/JANSHALA/jan1999/compedu.htm<br /><br />Free Education<br />All State Governments have abolished tuition fees in Government schools up to upper primary level Education in schools run by local bodies and private aided institutions is also mostly free. However, unaided institutions (3.7%) do charge fees. Other costs of education such as textbooks, stationery, school uniforms, transport, etc. are borne by States mainly for primary school children belonging to SC/ST categories and girls.<br /><br />Now are they going to extend funding till 12th??<br /><br />Constitutional Directive<br />Article 45 of the Constitution directs that the State shall endeavour to provide, within a period of 10 years from the commencement of the Constitution, free and compulsory education for all children until they complete the age of 14 years.<br /><br />National Policy on Education, 1986<br />Reiterating the Constitutional Directive, the National Policy on Education, 1986, provides that free and compulsory education of satisfactory quality shall be provided to all children up to the age of 14 years before we enter the 21st century. The Programme of Action, 1992 outlines various strategies for achieving this goal.<br /><br />The children who get the education soaps till 14, can prove themselves at 10th and get a qualification in their names. But if the soaps as these are not extended, how are they gonna study the extra two years? and what is the basic qualification they can achieve beyond their scope of expenditure?<br /><br />If our education system is so worse, that a child's calibre cannot be found out by one exam like 10th, we are forgetting, 10th actually gives us an idea to decide which area is our better faring area so that we can take up for 12th's specialization and thereby a career. Now we are falling to one single exam at 12th that's going to decide everything blindly.<br /><br />I some how think, there should be an opportunity for kids to take up the 10th exams. Atleast make it kind of a grade system. Also, this enables them to perform when put to task and also make them individuals who can face any situation instead of buckling down at some glitches of life. Its in each and every parent's hands and the school's outlook to lessen the pressure on children than backing away from hurdles like scrapping exams off<br /><br />This is a good move for the harassed kids whose parents attach so much importance to marks. But definitely a bang on the other strata who prefer learning and challenges than just writing exams.</div>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05214304066793194147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897781423286648526.post-21091814046556327782009-02-06T12:19:00.000+05:302009-02-06T12:25:30.141+05:30'SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE' - What the world wants to see Vs What the reality stands to be?<div align="justify">First the Golden Globe awards and now 10 Oscar nominations. Similar to the storyline, Slumdog Millionaire has become a celebrity overnight. When Danny Boyle decided to adapt the Vikas Swarup book Q&A he would have least expected to be showered with awards. However highly SM is acclaimed, at heart it is just a commercial movie. </div><div align="justify"><br />It is not a rags-to-riches story as the title may suggest. It is the story of how Jamal Malik (played by Dev Patel, who does a good job) finds different ways to win back his childhood love, Latika. It is the story of two brothers from the slums who follow two different paths, one evil and the other good. Eventually, goodness triumphs and the hope of Jamal, a mad and unrealistic hope, helps him get what he wants. </div><div align="justify"><br />Maybe, the average American found this interesting as “Yes, We Can” seems to be their new national anthem. But, to us, the average Indian, there is nothing new in the storyline. It is just like any other average Indian movie. (Indian, here, does not comprise Bollywood alone). The movie starts with the cops (Irrfan Khan and Saurabh Shukla) interrogating Jamal on the charge that he cheated his way towards Rs. 10 million on the popular game show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire? They try all kinds of tricks, including shock treatment, to make Jamal accept that he cheated. </div><div align="justify"><br />But Jamal is a tough guy and that is the point the director is trying to prove with those scenes, which do not make any sense. (A request here would be to use Irrfan Khan in a better way next time). In fact, Jamal is portrayed as a boy who does not buckle under pressure easily and the director has done a decent job in trying to achieve that goal. </div><div align="justify"><br />The ‘O Saya’ song provides a glimpse of what is in store for us with its lyrics suggesting that Jamal cannot be touched by anyone. This is a movie about Indians and the director has rightfully pointed out our obsession with cricket and Bollywood by showing the boys from slums playing cricket in an air strip and how Jamal knowingly misses a customer for their toilet business but does not miss a glimpse of Amitabh Bachchan, beating all odds. </div><div align="justify"><br />The scene is humorous and makes us smile. But, Danny boy, the next time you decide to make a film on India, think about our other areas of interest too. The past and the present rub shoulders with each other, quite emphatically, as Prem Kumar’s (Anil Kapoor) booming poses questions to Jamal on the show and Jamal answers each one. Anil Kapoor plays his role in the best possible way. </div><div align="justify"><br />Everything about Prem Kumar is perfect, which includes his voice, too. Amitabh was the original choice for the role. But he refused it and one can understand the reason behind that decision as we watch the movie. Right from the start when Prem Kumar mocks Jamal as “chaiwallah” till the end when he hands over Jamal to the police, the slum dog is not made to feel at home on the show. The average Indian may hate him for those antics and that is a big price for Bachchan sahib to pay for a role in a Hollywood movie. Every time Jamal has to answer a question on the show, he has to relive his troubled past. Nothing is more difficult for a man and Jamal does that without a tear in his eyes (Further proof to the fact that he is tough). But, there are a few things which have been blown out of proportion. </div><div align="justify"><br />Jamal can relate to seven out of a total of nine questions. Too many coincidences for comfort. Or, the time when Salim recognises Jamal’s voice over phone. Considering the fact that they had separated at a time when Jamal’s voice had not broken, the scene looks illogical. The religious fanaticism in India is shown well when the Hindus attack the Muslims and the police (read state) turn a blind eye to the brothers’ appeal to save them. </div><div align="justify"><br />But, considering its global appeal, to the unknowing foreigner, it would look like Hindus in India beat/kill Muslims at sight. The scene in which the two brothers meet Latika for the first time, the elder brother wields his authority over the younger. This is better portrayed in a scene where they part ways in a fight for her, Salim emerging the winner. The entire sequence where the two brothers become beggars is heart-rending. The cruelty and gruesomeness is portrayed brilliantly and so is the affection between the brothers at that point of time in their lives. </div><div align="justify"><br />Their escape from that life is a journey for us, thanks to A.R. Rahman’s background score. The time when Salim consoles Jamal when the latter thinks about Latika is that point in the movie when we feel it has been rightfully nominated for the Oscars. But, it stops there and we are never made to feel the same again. </div><div align="justify"><br />After that, it is a story about the lives of two boys. One goes in search of money and power and the other, love. The boys playing the role of teenage boys act too cool for that role. Maybe, the director wanted to glorify that part of their lives. But, it is not in synchronisation with the slum dog roles they are playing. The scene in which Jamal finds Latika for a second time in his life shows why Jamal participated in Who Wants to be a Millionaire?. When Jamal asks Latika to come with him, she asks him, “And live with what?” Jamal says, “Love”. </div><div align="justify"><br />In the scene where 20 million is at stake, Jamal calls Salim as it is the only phone number he knows. Latika answers his call and he is more than happy with that, even though she does not help him in his cause. Just like the good, old days, the “pyaar hua, iqraar hua” days when the script suggested only one thing to the public. The scenes before Jamal has to answer the question, which will win him twenty million rupees, show the nature of Indian public. </div><div align="justify"><br />The nation, starved for celebrities, goes gaga over the event, where one amongst them is going to make history. Just like us, who hold nothing back to put a deserving man on the pedestal. Just like us, who accept such men as one in our family, irrespective of caste, colour and creed. </div><div align="justify"><br />So, are the nominations, awards and the hype surrounding the movie worth it? NO. An Englishman makes a movie about India, the centre of the world at present, as one character points out, and gives the American audience what they want to see. The unclean slums and crowded streets of India are packaged properly and presented to the global audience (One must admit, grudgingly though, that it is true). </div><div align="justify"><br />Rahman, though, deserves the honour, although his score in SM is definitely not his best. It is quite similar to 2007, when Martin Scorsese was awarded the Best Director award for The Departed. The award though, if given, will be a definite boost to the creative talent in India, as Rahman himself pointed out.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Here's wishing Rahman the best at the Oscars...</div>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05214304066793194147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897781423286648526.post-44230599754292575662008-08-22T15:29:00.000+05:302008-10-14T16:51:51.111+05:30Why beetroot became redHad read this little story.... funny and cute for kids to learn :)<br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Long ago in the woods of Sundarbans delta there lived a beetroot family. It was a small family with the Mother beetroot, the Father beetroot and a son beetroot.</div><div align="justify"><br />While the mother beetroot and father beetroot believed in God and never told lies, the son beetroot was a very big liar. He used to lie for no reason. Even to his parents.</div><div align="justify"><br />Because the son beetroot was a liar, the other beetroots in his school refused to become his friends. He tried to make friends with cucumber, but cucumber just liked to relax in the sun. When the son beetroot went to make friends with drumstick, it beat him up for being a liar. With no friends in the school, beetroot did not feel like going to the school and stopped attending school.</div><div align="justify"><br />Everyday, he would leave the house at eight in the morning and come back by four in the evening. He spent the whole day playing in the park. He lied to his mother beetroot and father beetroot that he was going to school.</div><div align="justify"><br />One Sunday the son beetroot and the mother beetroot were going to the vegetable market. They met son beetroot’s schoolteacher and she immediately asked, “Son, why don’t you come to school?” At this the son beetroot could not say anything.</div><div align="justify"><br />Then the mother beetroot asked her son, “I thought you were going to school?” At this, the son beetroot was very ashamed. He was caught lying. He became red with shame. He became shy, and his face turned redder and redder and redder. He became even redder when his teacher asked him why he lied to his parents.</div><div align="justify"><br />Soon, everybody in the vegetable market was asking him why he had lied. The son beetroot did not know what to answer. He decided that day, that he will never tell lies again.<br />As a punishment for telling so many lies he is still very red.</div>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05214304066793194147noreply@blogger.com1