My two cents

पुणेरी पाटी - चार्लोट मध्ये - Puneri Pati in Charlotte

2012-01-29T22:21:00.002-05:00

Pune, remembered you seeing this notice.

Mendu Kranti Workshop on Feb 11 (Saturday) for parents of kids (age 1 to 7)

2012-01-29T22:19:00.001-05:00

Again got a forward from my friend Ashish. People in Pune or around can check.

On Feb 11th (Saturday) there is a Program for parents of kids (age 1 to 7) by Manashakti Center for Peace of Mind at Mahatma Phule Museum on Ghole Road (between Bal Gandharva Chowk to FC road).

Topic: Mendu Kranti (Brain Revolution). Language of instruction is Marathi.
Map= http://maps.google.co.in/maps?q=mahatma+phule+museum+pune&hl=en&ll=18.52637,73.845291&spn=0.008098,0.013797&client=firefox-a&fb=1&gl=in&sqi=2&t=h&z=16

Summary: Child's brain development: Most scientists agree that Physics is a very basic and important science. However, physicists like Newton suffered from Gout etc. Why? Because he failed to apply the laws of physics to his own life. Then people point towards Neuro science. Neuro scientists say that they know a few things but they also point towards Psychology. And Psychologists do not even agree on what the definition of mid is? It gets confusing! Only Manashakti Research center has successfully combined all the above mentioned sciences for the welfare of your children.

This program is about imparting great sanskars to kids between age 1 to 7. Quick quiz: Did you know that a human brain contains 100,000,000,000,000,000,000 (aka 10 to the power 20 cells)? And 80% of these are formed by age 7 or so? What does this mean to you in terms of developing ethics and emotional bonds with your kids? And a kids learns his/ her mother tongue in 3 years while it might take him/ her another 15 years to learn a second language.

Very senior and knowledgeable sadhaks from Manashakti will come to Pune to speak.

Fees: Rs 300 per person (lunch included).

For registration, you could contact me or any sadhak from Manashakti Pune/ Pimpri Chinchwad. Please forward to people you know so that they can benefit from this.
Note: Please note that there is no arrangement on-site to take care of the kids. You are requested to plan accordingly.
Thanks!

How cruel we can get? - मुली मारण्यात ऊस पट्ट्यातील जिल्ह्यांची आघाडी

2012-01-28T10:52:00.000-05:00

Read this disturbing news on MaharashtraTimes. Sad to start the day with such news. God save माझा महाराष्ट्र!

Remember an incident my friend told me. She was there with her sister at the maternity hospital. Her sister delivered a boy. The mother next bed delivered a girl and no one used to come to see her. Not even the husband; who was a doctor himself. They did not get them food and my friend shared some with them. People can be so cruel too. Sad man. And this happened in a city and not a small town; somewhere in Chandrapur.

The positive side is the support the movement against child sex detection is getting. Things are changing; and changing for good.

(सोत्र - http://maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/11654844.cms )

लिंग निदान चाचण्या करण्यात हत्येत ऊस पट्ट्यातील जिल्हे आघाडीवर आहेत अशी खंत 'लेक वाचवा' अभियानच्या अॅड.वर्षा देशपांडे यांनी येथे बोलताना व्यत्त केली.

जिल्हाधिकारी शाळेतील कार्यशाळेत बोलताना त्या म्हणाल्या की, दर वषीर् देशातील सहा लाख मुलींची गर्भातच कत्तल होते. त्यातही देशात सर्वाधिक सोनोग्राफी केंदे असलेला महाराष्ट्रही आघाडीवर आहे, ही खरोखरीच शरमेची गोष्ट आहे. त्यातही कौतुकाची बाब म्हणजे गर्भलिंग तपासणी प्रतिबंधक कायद्याच्या अंमलबजावणीतही महाराष्ट्राच देशात अग्रेसर आहे. राज्यात एकूण ३६ सोनोग्राफी केंदावर गुन्हे दाखल झाले असल्याचे सांगून त्या म्हणाल्या की, त्यात सातारा(१०), बीड(२), सांगली(३), कोल्हापूर(४), मुंबई(३), पुणे(१), सोलापूर(२), रायगड(१), नगर(२) या जिल्ह्यांचा समावेश आहे.

सोनोग्राफी केंदांना सायलेंट ऑब्झरव्हर बसविण्यास आमचा ठाम विरोध आहे. हा अहवाल पूर्णपणे खाजगी आहे. शिवाय वैद्यकीय तपासणीचा भाग म्हणून लिंग पाहण्यापासून रोखता येणार नाही. लिंग सांगितले तर गुन्हा आहे, पाहिले तर नाही. त्यामुळे पुरावाच उभा करता येणे अशक्य आहे. ऑनलाईन माहिती नोंदविली तरी नोंद रजिस्टर अनिवार्य आहे. न्यायालयातही ऑनलाईन नोंदी पुरावा म्हणून गृहित धरल्या जात नाहीत अशी व्यथा त्यांनी मांडली.

राजहंसाचे चालणे

2012-01-25T23:33:00.000-05:00

A famous line from Saint Nyaneshwar (ज्ञानेश्वर) which I love.

कावळा म्हणे -

राजहंसाचे चालणे, जगी जालिया शहाणे,
म्हणोनि काय कवणे, चालोचि नये ?

It means - The royal swan might walk his legendary pace, but does it mean that a normal crow (common Joe) should not walk at all?

I try to remember this and with all due respect, no one is born with all the knowledge to start with, not even a राजहंस!

सखी मंद झाल्या तारका

2012-01-25T23:20:00.001-05:00

आता "सखी, मंद झाल्या तारका" हे गाणे भीमसेन जोशी गायले असतील हे मला खर वाटत नव्ह्त. पण गाणे ऐकल, संग्रही ठेवल, पुन्हा पुन्हा ऐकल. तेव्हा बार वाटल. आणि खर पण. गायक थोर का होतो हे समजणे माझ्या सारख्या किंचित कानसेनला कठीन आहे, पण प्रयत्न चालू आहेत.

बालगंधर्व,कुमारगंधर्व, भूगंधर्व, सवाईगंधर्व, आनंदगंधर्व आणि हवाइगंधर्व (भीमसेन) त्या प्रमाणे आपला किंचित गंधर्व बनण्याचा एक प्रयत्न.

आणि काय आहे ना, नेहमी त्याच त्याच हिंदी चित्रपटातील गाणी ऐकायची? जरा जुनी मर्मबंधातील ठेव पण पहावी असा विचार असतो आपला.

आता, ह्या गाण्यामधील - "सखी, मंद झाल्या तारका, आता तरी येशील का ?" कि "सखी मंद झाल्या तारका, आता तरी येशील का ?" ह्याने माझा बराच गोंधळ घातला होता. मला तर ते - "सखी, मंद झाल्या तारका, आता तरी येशील का ?" असच आहे अस वाटते. म्हणजे - सखी, (थांबा) - अग सखी -- तारका मंद झाल्या - रात्र सरत आली, आता तरी ये ना.

तुम्हाला काय वाटत?

गाण्याचे पूर्ण बोल -

(स्रोत - http://www.geetmanjusha.com/marathi/lyrics/1265.html)

सखी मंद झाल्या तारका, आता तरी येशील का ?

मधुरात्र मंथर देखणी, आली तशी गेली सुनी
हा प्रहर अंतिम राहिला, त्या अर्थ तू देशिल का ?

हृदयात आहे प्रीत अन ओठांत आहे गीत ही
ते प्रेमगाणे छेडणारा, सूर तू होशिल का ?

जे जे हवे ते जीवनी, ते सर्व आहे लाभले
तरी ही उरे काही उणे, तू पूर्तता होशिल का ?

बोलावल्यावाचूनही मृत्यू जरी आला इथे
थांबेल तो ही पळभरी, पण सांग तू येशिल का ?

याजसाठी केला होता अट्‍टहास

2012-01-25T19:46:00.000-05:00

I would like to thank Vishal Pise for sharing the correct lyrics of this Abhang. I had to search quite a bit for it.

The song is sung by Bhimsen Joshi and I have been listening to it last 2-3 weeks. Will try to translate it here. But I would want to run expert through this.

याजसाठी केला होता अट्‍टहास । शेवटचा दिस गोड व्हावा ॥१॥

I have been trying for this quite sometime, so that the end is good.

आता निश्चितीनें पावलों विसावा । खुंटलिया धांवा तृष्णेचिया ॥२॥

Now I am contend. There is no running around being thirsty.

कवतुक वाटे जालिया वेचाचें । नाव मंगळाचे तेणे गुणें ॥३॥

I am amazed and want to cherish your name and your charisma.

तुका म्हणे मुक्ति परिणिली नोवरी । आतां दिवस चारी खेळीमेळी ॥४॥

Says Tukaram I am free now and will enjoy the coming days to the fullest, remembering the Lord.

रचना - संत तुकाराम

Good old days - विद्यार्थ्यांना तिकीट सवलत नाकारणारी बस ताब्यात

2012-01-25T19:06:00.000-05:00

Read this news in Navaprabha, a Marathi Daily in Goa.

"५० टक्के सवलतीत तिकीट आकारावे लागत असल्यामुळे विद्यार्थ्यांना प्रवेश नाकारणारी पणजी - फोंडा मार्गावरील जीए ०५ टी ६६४४ ही ज्योती नामक बस काल विद्यार्थ्यांनी पणजी बसस्थानकावर अडवून धरल्यानंतर वातावरण तंग बनले.

मिळालेल्या माहितीनुसार चालकाने रागाने बस विद्यार्थ्यांच्या अंगावरून नेण्याचाही प्रयत्न केला यावेळी प्रवाशांनी मात्र बघ्याची भूमिका घेतली होती. या प्रकाराबाबत वाहतूक संचालक अरुण देसाई यांना कळताच त्यांनी ताबडतोब अधिकार्‍यांचे एक पथक घटनास्थळी पाठवले व बस ताब्यात घेतली.

आज संबंधित मालक, चालक व वाहकाला वाहतूक अधिकार्‍यांनी पुढील कारवाईसंबंधी बोलावले आहे. दरम्यान, विद्यार्थ्यांशी व प्रवाशांशी उर्मटपणे वागणार्‍या बसेसवर कडक कारवाई करण्यात येणार असल्याचे वाहतूक संचालक अरुण देसाई यांनी दूरध्वनीवरून प्रतिक्रिया देताना सांगितले."

To cut a long story short, students from Goa Engineering College, were refused entry to a bus going from Panjim to Ponda. The students protested and were threatened by the driver of the bus. The authorities confesticated the bus and action would be taken. The transport secretary Arun Deasi was looking into the matter.

It made my memories fresh. We used to take Jyoti to college every morning. It used to start at 8:15 in the morning and we used to be at Farmagudi circle by 9:15 AM. Taking Jyoti meant that we missed our first lecture, but because Jyoti was a big bus, they used to let students in. All students in Goa get 50% discount in bus fares. And most of the times its enforced without any identification proof.

But running bused at the time students go to college is not a profitable exercise. So the conductor of the bus choose not to allow students get in. We have faced it many times.

The incidents happening tell a lot about privatization. Since maximizing profits is the sole aim of a private enterprise, government's welfare objectives don't mean anything to the bus owner. All he is concerned is to charge more and more people and earn maximum profits. The state gains in the 50% discount as it has nothing to lose. And many a times the bus owners don't object much as the buses are never full. But the time between 8-10 between Panjim and Ponda is busy one. More so because of the Kundaim Industrial estate.

What is the optimal solution? Have good hostels at the college. That will discorage students going home everyday.

One more note, students used to pay more than the full ticket to ride the State Owned Kadamba buses. And one more piece of information - Arun Desai's wife used to work in our college and she had arranged for a special Kadamba bus running from Ponda to Panjim. But it used to go only in the evening. Or it used to start too early from Panjim. I am not sure of that.

म्हणून भारतीय मुले नॉर्वे सरकारकडे

2012-01-22T17:27:00.002-05:00

मटा मधील ही बातमी वाचली.

नॉर्वे सरकारने पालक आपल्या मुलांचे पालन योग्य प्रकारे करत नसल्या मुले त्यांना आपल्या ताब्यात घेवून ठेवले आहे. भारत सरकारने ह्या वरती वरच्या पातळीवर प्रयत्न करून, त्यांची सुटका करांयाचा प्रयत्न चालू केला आहे.

मला हे वाचून अचंबा वाटला. आणि सुधारित देश असला तर तो आपल्या नागरिकांची किती काळजी घेवू शकतो हेही समजले. आणि मला तर नॉर्वे सरकारची काही चूक वाटत नाही. एवढी मोठी कारवाई करण्या पूर्वी त्यांनी सगळ्या गोष्टींचा विचार केला असणारच.

आणखी एक मित्र त्याच्या मित्राची गोष्ट सांगत होता. गरठ्णारी थंडी असताना, तो आपल्या मुलीला गाडी मध्ये झोपवून, फक्त पाच मिनिटा करता दूध कि काही तरी आनायाला गेला होता. लहान पोरीला गाडीत एकटी पाहून, कोणी तरी पोलीसाला फोन केला, आणि मित्राला अटक करण्यात आली.

सगळ जरा अवघड आहे.

More on Drive - "Film Appreciation Session" 101

2012-01-21T22:04:00.000-05:00

I wrote that I found the movie Drive predictable.

Came across this review of the movie. Reading it, I am confused. Guess there is more to film appreciation or understanding and need to do a 101 on it.

Thanks Ganesh for the review.

मावू आणि तिची पिल्लं

2012-01-21T21:15:00.002-05:00

आजकाल घरी बोलताना फक्त मनी मावूची कवतुक ऐकायला मिळतात.

ही आमच्या घरी दोन एक महिन्या पूर्वी आली. तशी मोठी होती, वर्षा दीड वर्षा ची असेल. सुरवातीला दिवसातून एक दोनदा येणे, कधी दिवसा आड येणे असे प्रकार करून झाल्या नंतर ती अगदी नियमित यायला लागली. मग तिला भात, तूप, रोटी, चिवडा देणे हे ही सुरु झाले. आता एवढी मस्त गुबगुबीत, गोरी पण आणि मोठी मांजर आली म्हणून घरचे पण खूष. कारण छोट्या पिल्लं पासून मांजर तयार करणे जरा कठीन काम असता. विशेस करून जर तिची आई बरोबर नसेल तेव्हा. अगदी म्हणजे कापसाच्या बोल्यातून दूध वैगरे पाजणे, रात्री जागरणे करणे वैगरे.

आणि ह्या मनीने काही दिवसांपूर्वी तर चमत्कारच केला. आता हे होणार हे जरा वाटत होताच. कारण तिच पोट मोठ आणि चाल मंद झली होती. आणि ती सर्वांशी एकदम जवळ येत होती. बहुदा चाचपणी करत असावी. आणि तिचा विश्वास बसला एकदाचा. आणि एक दिवस आमच्या घरी तीन पिले घेवून आली.

आता ह्या पिलांसाठी तिने बिछाना पण तयार केला. अगदी वरच्या मजल्यावरून गोंन, जुने कपडे वैगरे आपल्या तोंडातून आणले. मस्त गरम आणि उबदार बिछाना तयार केला. आणि आता तर म्हने तिच्या बाळंततीनीच्या जागेत कुणालाच येवू नाही देत. फक्त आईला येवू देते.

मुक्या प्राण्याची माया आणि ती व्यक्त कारायच्या पद्धती किती सहज आणि सोप्या असतात नाही?

आणि ह्या वर्षी गोव्यात थंडी जरा जास्त असल्यामुळे, तिने घरातील सर्वात उबदार जागा शोधली आहे हे सांगणे न लागे!

मेओव मेओव मेओव.

Drive - A predictable movie

2012-01-21T21:02:00.000-05:00

The movie Drive, starring Ryan Gosling, did not appeal to me as it did not have anything to tell.

I think its a outwardly predictable and except for awesome screen appearance of Ryan has nothing to admire about.

I liked the role played by Ryan in, "Ides of March" though.

Zen Garden - Something to follow ardently

2012-01-21T18:17:00.000-05:00

Please read and follow Subrato Baghchi's column in Forbes India Magazine.

It's a regular column on entrepreneurs story and the stories shared so much of inspiration and words of wisdom.

A must read.

लहाब , डोहोन, तिहींन - One, Two, Three

2012-01-20T19:16:00.003-05:00

I vividly remember the my old grandfather measure rice, in पायली (a wooden instrument to measure rice) and saying लहाब , डोहोन, तिहींन in a serious tone. It was done repeatedly to keep correct count. Once one पायली is measured he used to repeat लहाब (One), till the second one is filled.

It is important to keep count.

Remembered it as I was adding water to make rice and had to do it three times as I was losing count each time, as I was talking to friends.

लहाब , डोहोन, तिहींन, लहाब , डोहोन, तिहींन, लहाब , डोहोन, तिहींन

Working with excel spreadsheets on Dual Monitors

2012-01-20T19:02:00.001-05:00

I have problems with working with excel spreadsheets on Dual Monitors. If happens at least with Office 2007. When I double click on excel files I cannot view one on one monitor and second on other.

However there is a resolution for it.

Go to Office and Microsoft Excel.
Individually open the files, using File --> Open.
Now we can drag each of the files on the individual monitors.
I hear that this functionality can be achieved even on double clicking on the file names in Office 2010.
Try it and let me know if you succeed.

लोकप्रभा - आयुष्यावर वाचू काही - अनिरुद्ध अभ्यंकर

2012-01-20T18:58:00.002-05:00

लोकप्रभा मासिका मध्ये आयुष्यावर वाचू काही हे अनिरुद्ध अभ्यंकर ह्यांनी लिहिलेले सदर येते. त्यात लेखकाने वाचलेल्या पुस्तकामधील वेचून ठेवलेला आणि त्यांना भावलेला मजकुर दिला जातो.

आणि तो भाग वाचनीय आणि विचारांणा प्रेरणा देणारा असतो.

धन्यवाद अनिरुद्ध.

भक्ताने दिलेले तेल आता थेट शनिमूर्तीवर - अचाट आम्ही

2012-01-20T17:46:00.000-05:00

भक्ताने दिलेले तेल आता थेट शनिमूर्तीवर जाण्याची सोय आणि त्या बद्दलचे कवतुक लोकसत्ता मध्ये वाचता येईल.

मला तर हा प्रकार एकदम अचाट आणि अद्भूभूत वाटला. आणि ह्याची एवढी प्रसिद्धी करून आपण काय सांगू पाहतो? एक तर शनी मंदिरात बायकांना मुळीच प्रवेश नाही. बरे तिकडे सकाळी सकाळी पाहटे गार पाण्याची अंघोळ करून, फक्त मुकटा लावून देवाला तेल वहायला जाव लागत. सगळा प्रकार त्रासदायक असतो. आपण सुधरत नाही हेच ही बातमी सांगते.

जाता जाता, माझ्या एका मित्राची गोष्ट आठवली. मित्र आणि त्याच्या भावाला त्यांच्या आईने ५० रुपये प्रत्येकी दिले होते आणि भटजींना द्यायला सागितले होते. मित्र गुपचूप ५० रुपये देवून, नमस्कार करून आला. आता छोटा भाऊ म्हणाला कि, मी भक्त तर आहेच. म्हणून हळूच ५० रुपये स्वत: जवळ ठेवून, मस्त लोटांगण घालून आला. आता ह्याला मी चतुराई व बदल करण्याची योग्य पद्धती म्हणेन!

आई

2012-01-20T12:21:00.002-05:00

And here is the mother. See her whiskers.

New Members

2012-01-20T12:13:00.001-05:00

गोंडस.

And Aai says, "We will name them in a months time".

Invitation to Manashakti's Program on 29th january, 2012

2012-01-19T09:55:00.001-05:00

My friend Ashish Gawde has sent an invite to all of us to join the program. Please have a look the flyer and the invite.

Hi All,
Please see the flyer attached. Here are the details of an innovative and entertaining program for youngsters by Manashakti Research Center.

You may choose to:

Circulate this info amongst your employees

via email
via notice board
via internal posting etc

Give passes to this event as an internal reward or giveaway (just like company sponsored lunches etc)
Have new joinees attend this as a morale booster.

This program is being repeated because of popular demand.
Thanks!
Ashish

******************************************************************************************
Nature’s dear ,

                          We are pleased to announce that the program of Constructive 31st December, 2011
‘I’ for ‘I’dea will be held once again on 29th January, 2012 at Ramkrishna More Auditorium, Chinchwad from
5 - 8.30 pm. This program will comprise of skits, dance performances, human pyramids and video messages from experts of various fields through which the above mentioned theme will be conveyed.

The messages throughout the program include;

* Failure being the source of ideas
* Out of the box thinking
* Weird and impossible ideas can become reality
* Genius is infinite capacity to take pain
* Confidence is the key to success
* Be open minded and in receiving mode
* Have the wiilingness to learn from any source
* Being true to oneself and always introspect oneself than pointing finger on
   others

You might have already attended this program and got inspired here’s an opportunity to let your friends and acquaintances experience the same. The details of the program and invitation card is attached along with this draft.

Prayer's for World Peace!

Nature's truly,

  MANASHAKTI YUVA SPANDAN

In Defense of Globalization

2012-01-18T23:23:00.001-05:00

Due to lack of attention, too much media consumption or mere lethargy, I was almost letting the good habit of reading go. And good habits are difficult to posses over a period of time, so alarmist in me reminded me that, some things need to be taken seriously.

Finally glad that I read the book, "In Defense of Globalization". I took a while to read it and I remember taking it with me, on one flight, where I had plenty of time, but spent it just wondering on the airport. And mind you the wait was over 16 hours stretched over two days. Longest I have waited for something at one shot.

The book justified how globalization is good and in many ways inevitable. Jagdish Bhagwati argues in favor of Globalization and rightly alarms about the ways to make it work. One thing that is stressed throughout the book is that optimization is more important than speed of execution when it comes to liberalization. And globalization is assumed to always have a human face. If you remember Reforms with a human face was the cliche statement made by the Manmohan Government in its first term. Now both the government and the opposition have lost the reform agenda. And that is how bad politics in our country has turned to be. To quote Sharad Pawar, "When certain things go out of hands, people and even the authorities forget the power of a healthy discussion." And discussion and a common consensus, agreeing to disagree is something that all civil societies should have in common.

This power of democratic societies to choose what is in their best interest is also stressed in the book. But there are many places where one cannot resist but to ask why and what happens when you have someone as strong as the US on the other side of the table. But that is the way world works. But it is the case then writing a book and we reading it, justifying certain benefits makes no sense. But there are some parts in the book which are hard to comprehend. They will require more study. And I have taken care to mark them.

The book has everything for everyone. To the economist, bureaucrat, farmer, teacher and social activist in you. And one more book which I saw in Infosys library Pune and read in the US. It was a pleasure.

And that reminds me that I still have to understand the concepts in the book, "CLR via C#" suggested by Somesh long back. And the book is available on books24X7 too.

Rolling rotis

2012-01-15T12:48:00.000-05:00

Just came across a thought.

Rolling and making rotis is good because:

1)Takes almost the same time to make them, as it takes to cook the frozen bread. And think about the the taste. Time factor becomes equal when you get skilled at it. And like everything it takes time to excel.
2)Its more energy efficient, saves the electricity needed to refrigerate and then bake once again.
3)You can tweak and make good deal of things with it.

Need to learn it this year.

Every Second Counts

2012-01-15T11:27:00.000-05:00

(Image Source - http://img.docstoccdn.com/thumb/orig/33979408.png)

Read a book, sitting on desk, sofa, bed, changing positions as body got sore, importantly in one go after so many days.

Of course it is damn easy to read and do soul thinking then getting on the saddle and cycle. Miss some action on my rusty bike and I am trying to get back in shape so that I am prepared when I get chance to ride again. Though my ultimate feat on the bike restricts to completing a long distance ride. Even not a amateur, with the standards set by some amateurs, I personally know.

But as Lance said it over and over in his first book, "It's not about the bike." It never is. It is what you do beyond it that matters and makes a difference.

I know and remember I have had this discussion with the person, I am said to loath so much, criticize so much, many many times. That it's about making a difference. And that is even when I know what I am, what I can and can't.

The book is like a good meal. It has its highs, trepidations, uneasy questions, anecdotes and things to act and worry for a better future. After all its a wholesome experience that all of us yearn for. We want a little bit of this and a little bit of that, and at the same time it should look all connected. The book exactly does that.

Lance tells the story of his life as he won the five consecutive Tour de France.There is constant mention of his cancer fears and the struggle he is going through to wear so many hats at the same time. The story of how difficult it was for him to prove innocence is touchy. Sadly it is rather difficult to prove a negative. To prove something which doesn't exist. There were times when the results of his drug test were delayed only because they did not find anything in the sample. The French authorities were testing just to check and prove that Lance was guilty. One can relate it to the cases in many daily interactions when someone has a bias on you and judges everything you do with respect to some discrete incidents in the past. And it hurts when you have to prove your mantle, when there are so many good things to do.

The lesson to take home from his story is that the best way to fight your critics is to work hard and keep climbing. Its not the words but constant actions that make a difference. One may get sensitive and down with a few spats, but need to imagine the ones faced by the ones great like Lance or Sachin. Every time they skipped something - a chat, a gossip, nap or plainly "so called having a good time" for a gym session or a solo ride. Respect.

Also check some paragraphs from the book, mentioning what we can do when we know that there are somethings out of control. And that is called making a difference.

(Got the images from Google Books)

पुणे - काही गुणे काही उणे

2012-01-14T14:59:00.000-05:00

पुणे - काही गुणे काही उणे व्याखान. वेळ असला तर जरूर या.

टिचकी मारलीत तर फोटो मोठा होईल.

पंचनामा - Names we gave our classmates

2012-01-14T14:56:00.001-05:00

Found this interesting list while surfying today. Made me laugh. Have a look.

From:	BE COMP
To:	all our batchmates
Msg:	suvidha--------------zaadu resha----------------gundi brijesh---------------bhoma yeshwant--------------bavlo,x-ray ashish-----------------boklo,maruti,khete,khaddo pradee---------------packo,pathan',rajesh khanna khanna prachi-------tanushree datta sarin-------union jack,xerox man somesh---------phb,tapat,kakka,australian mite ravikant-------vakdo,ramakant,balaji,ramlo,randikant, omkar------omleete,bhopkekar,oscar, keshav---bluffmaster,bhopkeshwar, mandar---true engico,ashok saraf,ajjo,mandi,gandu priyaranjan----haathi,motto,bulldozwer shrikant-daddy,chedi,langdo raghoba---gobro,bhokoba chitra-----mhuss,buffello,problematic,ravan,bhoma austina- ------------amonkehairstyle neswin-rumers,saarin chain malli,he he he,karate lata---------tekovni,ghaste,kg-level,bhurgi siddha----------bhurge seena,thushara----mamoo, bhatiker and sanil----chantu and buntu,gandmari,fodyee, ganpat---------mummy,michael holding santosh------kaala madhumita------------ghoter puja and vinay----------,kirkir,farfer aarti------------shanne,pakle, darshana-----------dasru somya----------giraff,badia without a kadi anant-kusdo,ajjo,bhujgavne,modko,kamal hasan akshay naik-----himesh,sarak,sorry-pi akshay padiyer---------padi,kaifu,bhiknakar pranav---------bebdo,zao baik,dada bhai naoroji kintio---------gandu sala abhishek---ajka dajiba himanshu----------popot,peon diago------------c++ ajay------------khapree madura----------heroine,vap, priyanka------fare fare part 2,galle padu preeti-----------bhopk queen high standard, ninoska-----------------kaich kari na bindiya-----------chloromint devita--------pagita devi ranjeeta--------radve,chupke chupke viresh----------fighter,panjo,fokto naresh-------narru pp-----------pips,small nut nick-------chicuuu nadia----------fadia makarand--------tatya vinchu,mahataro hemal------what man? archana---------bhirmut asavari------deemlight preeta-----------oggi manis supriya---------batatvadsa,bhiknakar avadhut----------ahhey,digitalll,voice mail,newspaper,virus thandi,kitanu lace maddy---madhuri agri,mother,bank,guujji,chael chabile yashi-----------matchstick ashish-suko,mandar-parto,keshav-melo from pradeep

Bhag Bhag Boss - Citius, Altius, Fortius - All the Best Dude!

2012-01-14T14:54:00.002-05:00

All the best to my buddies for their run today at the Mumbai Marathon.

Maheshwar - Hit his best time in Delhi, in November. It was not the best time for him at least professionally, but he did it. Vouching for excellent times from him this time. I am sure he will say, "Kya, kuch nahi re. Aise hi ho gaya". And then tell a Rajnikant joke to all. BTW Mahesh are there any updated Rajni jokes? I want to add to my collection.

(Maheshwar at the Kaveri Trail Marthon - 2011)

Neswin Barreto: Running his first marathon. Neswin is known for his humor and intelligence. I am sure after this Marathon he will be known for his running skills. And the update is that he has done the full marathon in 5.20.Also as meticulous as he gets, Neswin pointed that there are many grammatical mistakes in this post. I am correcting them to the best of knowledge and understanding, hope he passes them.

(Space for Neswin's photo)

Neswin - The space is (was) left empty for your photo and the time must be less than 3 hours. But because you did a full marathon, the smile on your face is hard earned. Well done dude! And you are a real dude, for running a full marathon on the go. Ashish Sir started with a half marathon.

Somesh - तुम्हारा जवाब नाही सोमेश! There are several questions asked on why is he doing the Half Marathon at Pondicherry? The update is that he did the full marathon in usual grace, this time too.4.19 to be exact.

(Somesh going strong at the Kaveri Trail Marathon. He did his first full marathon there. Proud of you man!)

Vivekanand : दबंग! Running the full marathon this year. And I am sure he will do it with a bang. He did it again. And all set for the Pondicherry Marathon. Brave man.

(Vivek's story tells us what determination is. Also he is the president of all Dandekar association of Pune, India)

Ashish : Now the official pace keeper of the Mumbai Marathon. All the best dude and all the best to your students. You are their sir now!

(Ashish during the Mumbai Marathon of 2008. That was his first Marathon)

Missing action : Sucheta. She is the first Indian women to cross the Gobi Desert. She got injured and doing some soul searching right now. All the best Su and you inspire us all.

And me at the Mumbai Marathon of 2008. Did not run much then, and got lazy now. 2012 is the year to get back in shape. So all the best to me as well.

(Ranjan - As Paresh rightly said I was seen walking this Marathon. :). Paresh will try to prove you wrong soon.)

Kill Bill in 30 Seconds

2012-01-14T14:07:00.002-05:00

See this animation explaining "Kill Bill" in 30 seconds.

I liked the story telling and music scores in the movie. The dialogues are good and elegant.

Solid as the old school techniques.

Year 2011 in Innovation - Compilation by Pavan Soni

2012-01-13T21:27:00.000-05:00

I follow Pavan Soni's blog. Pavan used to work as Innovation Evangelist at WIPRO. He left job and is studying at Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. He is pursuing doctorate program at IIMB.

As a part of his yearly custom, Pavan shared the list of top 120 articles that made news in the Innovation arena. And he asked it to share it, that will be a new year gift for him.

Here is the article. Please have a look. I intend to read through it, at least by January end.

Thoughts while dish washing - How can you call her dumb?

2012-01-13T21:21:00.000-05:00

Dish washing is therapeutic. You need to be quite as the tap water makes enough noise, and if you have a pile to do it gives one sometime to think.

Today while discussing about the girl at the cash counter of the pastry shop, I said that she was dumb. To which one of my friends said that I have no right in calling her dumb. I argued my point and just chucked off the point.

Given more thought my friend was right. What right do I have to call her dumb? You never know, she might be new and may be her question was genuine. Also she might be a masters student, who has cleared the grueling exams like the GRE, TOFEL or GMAT and working part time at the store. I really felt sorry.

Need to be more thoughtful going forward.

गारंबीचा बापू, तुंबाडचे खोत - सहज जाग्या झलेल्या आठवणी

2012-01-12T21:00:00.000-05:00

शाळेत असताना गारंबीचा बापू हा चित्रपट अंधुकसा पाहिलेला आठवतो. कोकनामधील शिव्या, बापूचे कर्तुत्व हे पाहून काही नातेवाईक पण आठवले. पुढे पुण्यात एका मित्राने श्री ना पेंडसे च्या तुंबाडचे खोत ह्या पुस्तकाचा उल्लेख केला होता. मित्र जबाबदार वाचक. म्हणजे एवढा कि, एकदा मित्राच्या गावी लग्ना साठी गेलेला असताना, तिकडच्या वाचनालयत सापडलेले पुस्तक शायाप्रती करणारा. आता त्याने एवधे सांगितल्यामुळे हे पुस्तक आठवणे साहजिकच.

तर श्री ना आठवण्याचे कारण म्हणजे "कातळावरची हिरवळ" हा लोकसत्ते मधील लेख.

खरच चागली लिहिलेली समीक्षा, बरीच वाचनीय असते. गंगाधर गाडगीळ तर समीक्षेला एक साहित्यप्रकारच म्हणतात.

आणि पु ला म्हनायचे कि गाडगीळांचा विनोद साहित्यप्रकार नाही!

Black - What a movie

2012-01-12T20:32:00.000-05:00

Finally saw the movie Black. Wanted to see it since long, I think third year at college. It is one of the movies on the must see Bollywood movies list. Many of my friends were amused when I saw Sholay for the first time last July.

Amitji and Rani Mukherjea's acting is really awesome. The dialogues are great and so are the sets.

There are many instances where learning is explained and made me remember the audio books we had worked on last year.

Also a reminder to learn more on using technology in learning, especially for the specially enabled.

The dialogues in the movie are here.

And well one for the road is - Debraj Sahai: The alphabets of the world start with A, B, C, D, E but yours start with B, L, A, C, K... Black.

Dijkstra's quote on simplicity

2012-01-11T21:20:00.000-05:00

Read this thought from Dijkstra. Yes he is the man known for "Dijkstra's algorithm".

"Simplicity is a great virtue but it requires hard work to achieve it and education to appreciate it. And to make matters worse: complexity sells better."

Simplicity and minimalism go hand in hand.

I still remember the days when we thought that we will get more marks if we write more. And sometimes instead of expression our writing was mere verbose repetition of the facts. Simplicity is something to learn, right?

वोही काटे जो कभी जीजस के सरताज बन गये थे

2012-01-11T00:54:00.001-05:00

(Image source - http://drawingsofjesus.com/Drawings/images/drawings/JesusChrist/jesus-with-crown-of-thorns.jpg)

The second line is from the movie Black.

काटे वो है जो हमेशा चुभते है
वो भी काटे है जो कभी जीजस के सरताज बन गये थे

Need to see the movie, "Passion of the Christ" and make reading a page from the Bible (Old Testament particularly) part of the schedule.

Days Inn - Good case of - Seeking feedback, responding and accepting the mistake

2012-01-10T18:27:00.000-05:00

We went to Orlando for Christmas Vacations this time. We stayed in Days Inn there for five days. Days Inn is an Inn and after reading over the Internet, I came to realize that one should not expect a hotel kind of treatment in an Inn. Especially in an International tourist destination like Orlando. Also it was a 1 Star Hotel.

This Monday they invited me to submit a feedback on what I thought their service was. After a discussion with my friend last October I make it a point to provide timely and correct feedback. Moreover I think feedback is an opportunity to tell what really matters to you and what doesn't. And although at the first site negative feedback may look bad but the improve it brings can be really fulfilling for all the parties involved. Now to conclude, I replied the survey and told them what I felt. I did not expect any reply from Days Inn. To my surprise I got quite a personal reply.

I felt good because:

1)They respected my opinion and at least promised to change in the future.
2)Someone actually seems to take notice.
3)Made me think that I might book a room in Days Inn sometime.The email was as below:

Dear Priyaranjan Anand Marathe:

Thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to complete our Guest Survey.

I apologize that your experience was anything less than satisfying. Our goal is to not only meet the needs of each and every guest we serve, but to exceed your expectations to make your stay as pleasant and comfortable as possible.Please know that your feedback is extremely valuable to us.

Feedback such as yours assists us in improving our service and property on a daily basis. In addition, please know that your comments and issues will be addressed.It is our hope that you will give us another opportunity to serve you. Again, I apologize for the inconvenience during your stay and hope to see you during your next visit.If I can provide any assistance, don't hesitate to contact me directly at XXX.XXX.XXXX.

Sincerely,
XXX XXXXXXXXX
DOS
Days Inn and Suites Davenport, FL

Support Mohim Everest

2012-01-09T20:35:00.003-05:00

All the best to the Everst Veer. The video is awesome.

Kanimoli and Karunanidhi

2012-01-09T20:24:00.001-05:00

(Image Source - http://www.psychobabyonline.com/site/scpics/med/3290/3---Daddys-Girl.jpg)

Kanimoli was in jail, this Diwali.

I was wondering what Karunanidhi must be thinking. Would he regret, even for a minute think that she is in there because of what he is and did all these years? Or are these people at the top really like the Don as shown in Godfather?

Or is it true that - "Behind every great fortune there is a great crime".

गोतावळ्याचे राजकारण थांबवा! - पवार काका, काय हे?

2012-01-09T20:11:00.001-05:00

गोतावळ्याचे राजकारण थांबवा ही बातमी आज लक्ष वेधून गेली. पवार काका आणि गडकरी साहेब दोघानीही नेत्यांना विकासाचे राजकारण करण्याचा सल्ला दिला. आणि गम्मत म्हणजे ह्या वेळी तर त्यांनी जरा घराबाहेर पण विकास होवू द्या असा सल्ला दिला.

आता नितीन साहेब आणि त्यांचा पक्ष तसा तरुण असल्यामुळे त्यांनी हे असे फंडे देणे समजू सकतो. पण स्वताच्या घरी मुलगी सुप्रिया आणि पुतण्या अजितदादा हे राजकारणाचे फड रंगवत असताना पवार काकांनी अशी भाषणे ठोकणे म्हणजे जरा अतीच नाही का? बर मल्ल आणि तुरुंगात असताना पाळतीवर असलेल्या पोलिसांना घाम काढणारे पदमसिंह पाटील तर साहेबांचे दाजीच. आणि एक सासवड मध्ये राहून पाणी पंचायतीचे "सु" राजकारण करणारे "विलासराव साळुंखे" हे पण साहेबांचे दुसरे दाजी. आता साहेबांच्या धोरण पासून फारकत घेणारे काम करणारे विलासराव, विधानसभा निवडणूक हरतात हे ही सायुन्तिक. पण पाणी प्रश्न आणि त्या वरील उपाय शोधून काढणारे म्हणून "विलासराव" पूर्ण भारतात सुपरिचित आहेत. आणि पु ला देशपांडेनी पण त्यांच्या वरती लेख लिहिला आहे. आपले आवडते लेखक मिलिंद बोकील तर PHD करता सासवड मुक्कामीच होते. आणि एक विलासरावांना साहेब सत्तेवर असताना निरा धरणाच्या पाण्यासाठी उपोषण/आंदोलन पण कराव लागल होता. आता एक फरक आहे बरा का. खालिल चित्र पहा.

(उन्हा तनात हिंडून आणि लोकांशी संपर्क साधून विलासराव कसे प्रसन्न वादन आणि Sun Tanned होते.)

(Image Source - http://www.downtoearth.org.in/image/20020531/49.jpg)

आणि आपले जाडजूड साहेब!

(Image Source - http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00007/IN10_SHARAD_PAWAR_7519f.jpg)

आता आपल्याकडे कंपनी पासून अगदी गायकी पर्यंत घरानेसही असल्या मुले ही सगळी अतापीत व्यर्थ आहे साहेब.

१) अजूनही राजकारणात पैसा नाही. साधा माणूस एक योग्य व्यावसाय म्हणून कधीही राजकारण करू शकत नाही.
२)वयाची ७० उलटून ही साहेब अजून सक्रीय राजकारण करत आहेत, भलेही २०१४ मध्ये नसतील. पण आपली पकड जावू देणार नाहीत. आणि ह्याला काही आपण निवृत्ती म्हणत नाही.
३)गडकरी आज काळ अडून अडून आपल्या पंतप्रधानाची स्वप्ने रंगवण्याची तयारी करत आहेत. पण पक्षात आणि मित्रा पक्षात मोदी, नितीश कुमार सारखी मातबर मंडळी असताना ह्यांची दल शिजणे कठीन आहे. आणि लालजी तर बाशिंग बांधून तयार आहेत ना?
४)थोडक्यात ह्या भाषणाचा काहीही लाभ होवू शकत नाही. लोकसत्ता ने ही बातमी शापली तरी.

I asked Ashish a question and he gracefully replied.

2012-01-09T19:45:00.000-05:00

I asked Ashish a question to which he gracefully replied.

Like many things Ashish does, thoughtful and clean! Kudos bro.

"Hello Ashish Sir,

I have gained a lot of weight in couple of years. Will running Marathon help to reduce it?

BTW impressive profile and keep in touch.

--
Thanks,
Priyaranjan Anand Marathe"

Dear Priyaranjan,

Good things comes slowly , I am not sure whether it will reduce weight but one thing i will assure you is it will keep you fit , fresh and active.

Once you start enjoying running , everything will be awesome.

Regards

Ashish

ASHISH GAUNKAR - Sir you inspire me

2012-01-08T12:18:00.000-05:00

See this profile of Ashish Gaunkar. And it inspires me, the text is below and the photo with red muffler is awesome!

Ashish has run more than 15 half marathons and for him running has been a passion ever since he started running after his graduation.

Running helps to stay focused, concentrate, think positive & feel good about himself. It keeps himfit & active, physically and mentally.

'My brother inspired me to take up to running initially& has been a constant motivator. Mumbai 2008 was my first half marathon. It felt amazing after the finish. I would really like as many people to take up running and to fall in love with runningfor a sheer pleasure of it. I want tohelp, guide people who are taking up running. Doing pace setter’s role at Mumbai was my dream, and I am very delighted to have got the opportunity. It’s a great responsibility and a challenge. I will be motivating runners and keep them spirited throughout the run'- says Ashish

Mumbai is like an annual pilgrimage for most of the runners across India. This event is the most awaited event for many runners.

To join Ashish’s bus, write to him at pacerashish@procamrunning.in

खारुताइची शेपटी - रामाची शाबासकी नाही इकडे!

2012-01-06T22:50:00.000-05:00

मैदानात चालताना खारुताइची शेपटी सापडली. बिचारी गेली असावी. आणि तिच्या वरती रामाची शाबासकी नाही. कारण पण साहजिकच आहे, राम तर कधी अमेरिकेत गेले नाहीत ना!

Florence Nightingale, Black Movie and Fun Facts

2012-01-05T22:57:00.001-05:00

It's very important for an author to provide fun facts in the course of discussion of the topic. These fun facts bring the readers attention back to the topic and make remember and take a note of the important areas.

I have seen this method being used in the non-fiction books I have been reading for some time. The books like Freakonomics, The Worldly Philosophers, The Lexus and the Olive Tree, The World is Flat are full of anecdotes.

Found many such fun facts in the book I am currently reading. It's called, "Against the Gods". I saw the book in Infosys library in Pune, but did not read it then. Trying to read it chapter by chapter for the last six months.

The book mentions Florence Nightingale as a passionate statistician. This article confirms the assertion.

Its important to have fun facts in everything we do. It makes learning fun! And reminds me that I have to watch the movie Black and read the biography of Florence Nightingale. Another insert in the wishlist for 2012.

हसावे कि रडावे - पोर्टेबल सोनोग्राफी मशीनवर जिल्ह्यात बंदी

2012-01-03T20:21:00.003-05:00

पोर्टेबल सोनोग्राफी मशीनवर जिल्ह्यात बंदी ही बातमी वाचली. आता मागणी तसा पुरवठा असे तत्व असल्या मुले, डॉक्टर्स लोक विचारतात म्हणूनच एवढी मोठी रक्कम देवून ही मशीनस घेतात हे नक्की. त्यामुळे मुठभर लोकांना शिक्षा करून काही फरक पडणार नाही. बरे ही रक्कम बरीच असल्यामुळे डॉक्टर ती वसुल करणार ही तर काळ्या दगडावरील रेघच.

आता ज्याने मुलांना दुरून पाहण्या शिवाय इतर काहीही केलेले नाही असा मी, ह्या समस्येवर भाष्य करावे हे कशी इस्त नाही. पण माझ्या मते वरून वाटतो तेवढा हा प्रश्न सोपा नाही.

मुलीना लोक एवढे का तालत असावेत?

असुरक्षिता - आपला समाज मुलीना सव्ररक्षण देवू शकत नाही. तसेच मुलीना स्वयंम बचाव करण्यासाठी पण प्रोत्साहन देत नाही. फार मोजके लोक मुली त्यांच्या चुका दाखवू लागल्या तर ते सहन करू शकतात.
लग्नातील हुंडा - लग्नात हल्ली १ करोड एवढा पण हुंडा मागतात म्हणे. आणि मग ती मुलगी कितीही गुणी असली आणि पोरगा कितीही बावळट असला तरी! आता मारे PHD आणि Master मुलगा अशी मागणी करू लागला कि मग काय घ्या?

आणि असंख्य कारणामुळे लोक स्वताच्या पोटाच्या गोळ्यांना मारत असावेत. आणि हे सगळे दिवसा, स्वच प्रकाशात होत असत.

मी तर असे प्रकार पार अमेरिका आणि कॅनडा मध्ये पण होतात असे वाचले आहे. आणि त्यात आघाडीवरती आपली भारतियच आहेत हे सांगावे न लागणे. सुधरत नाहीत, सुधरत नाही, हे मात्र खरे.

तर जाता जाता, मागे २ महन्या पूर्वी व्यायामशाळेत पाहिलेली मस्त घटना सांगतो. एक २५ - ३० छोट्या मुली परी सारख्या सजून बहुदा नृत्य शिकून आपल्या आई वडिलांची वाट पाहत थांबल्या होत्या. आता मुली आणि त्यात एवढ्या म्हणजे त्या चिवचिवणार हे नक्की. त्यांना तस पाहून मी आणि माझा मित्र म्हणालो कि बारा आहे कि इकडे मुलींना मस्त वाढवतात. विचार केला तर चिमणे चिवचिवाट नाही करू शकत, आपण करणार तो राडाच.

तर पाखरानो परत या!

Frozen Fountain

2012-01-03T19:11:00.003-05:00

It was quite cold today.

The art of doing nothing

2012-01-01T15:05:00.000-05:00

It's important to do nothing sometimes. We are boggled my music, videos, breaking news, alerts, new email messages on blackberry. It leaves us with little or no time for learning and introspection.

Pico Iyer argues in this article that it takes some causal time with our self for deep reflective feeling like empathy . And recommends shutting down from the pocking from alerts and other distractions. I am aware of software which tracks the web sites you are visiting and depending on the settings you configure it to, blocks certain content during the time you want to focus. I have been victim of sleepless nights surfing unnecessarily too.

Also I think it is very important to put our basic instincts to work every day. We need to walk a mile, read a couple of pages, engage in verbal communication each day. The only reason why music (sound) appeals us more than videos is because making sounds is what we have been doing since we lived in those dark caves.

So in this new year, I will be more cautious about the content I surf, time I spend there, and check if I do reflection on the things I observed during the course of the day.

Good night prayers anyone?

जैत रे जैत

2011-12-31T13:11:00.000-05:00

सुजाण आणि चिकित्सक स्वभावाच्या सोमेश ने संगीताल्यामुळे "जैत रे जैत" हा चित्रपट पाहायला घेतला. बार कि तो २०११ मधेच पाहून झाला. उगीच २०१२ मधे यादी लांबायला नको.

मोहन आगाशे आणि स्मिता पाटील ह्यांची मुख्य भूमिका असलेला हा चित्रपट, बराच नावाजलेला आहे. हृदयनाथ मंगेशकर ह्यांच संगीत आणि आशा भोसले ह्यांनी गायलेली काही गाणी ह्या मुले बराच दबदबा राखून असलेला. आणि जब्बार पटेल ह्यांच दिग्दर्शन आणि धा न महानोर ह्यांची गाणी. म्हणजे एकदम दुग्धशर्करा योगच्. आता जाता जाता, जब्बार पटेल ह्यांना लबाड पटेल म्हणतात, व धा न म्हणजे ये रे घना वाले कवी हे सांगणे आलेच. भरीस भर म्हणजे धा न हे शेतकरी सुद्धा आहेत, आणि आपल्या पवार काकांचे लाडके पण आहेत. आता साहेबांचे लाडके म्हणजे शेतीवरती बिले वैगरे शुल्लक गोष्टी कशाला भारतील म्हणा? आता हे मेडियावाले त्याचा बाऊ करणार, पण कवी आणि त्यात शेतकरी, कुठे आहे हो वेळ बिले वैगरे भरायला?

एवढ्या विशायातरानंतर मुख्य मुद्या कळे वळू. आता बऱ्याच लोकांनी नावाजलेला चित्रपट असल्यामुळे मला आवडला नाही असे म्हणणे सैयुक्तिक नाही होणार. म्हणजे आवडला, पण समजा नसता आवडला तरीही, प्रामाणिक कथा वस्तू, नेटके सादरीकरण असले फंडे देवून वेळ मारली असतीच ना आपण. तर ह्या चित्रपटात काय आवडले, ह्या पेक्ष्या काय समजले ते लिहिणे इस्त.

माझ्या मते ही एक सुंदर प्रेमकथा आहे. गो नि दांडेकर ह्यांच्या कादंबरीवर आधारित. गो नि तर गडांचे मित्र, त्या मुले निसर्गाचे भक्त. आणि ठाकर तर रानाची पाखरेच. ठाकरानच्या चाली रिती दाखवल्या आहेत. ही कथा म्हणजे नाग्या आणि चिंधी ह्यांच्या मिलनाची गोष्ट. आणि ही गोष्ट घडते ती ठाकरवाडीत, लीन्गोबाच्या सानिध्यात. ह्या कथेत स्त्री प्रणीत समाज आहे, नवरा पसंद नसला तर त्याला सोड चिती देणारी चिंधी आहे, जीव लागलेल्या पुरुषाशी लग्न करण्यासाठी खपणारी स्त्री आहे. आणि हे सर्व चालवून घेणारे वाडीतील लोक आहेत. ठाकर जमातीची वैशिस्ते म्हणजे, मोर, उंदीर खाने, शेती करण्याइतकी अक्कल नसणे, आणि नाच आणि संगीत ह्याच्याशी असलेली आदिम संगती दाखवली आहेत. ठाकर काय करीत, किंवा त्याच्या राहणीमानाच्या पद्धती मला माहित नाहीत, पण चित्रपटात त्यांच्याशी प्रामाणिक राहण्याचा प्रयत्न केला आहे, असा वाटत. सागलयात आवडलेला भाग म्हणजे चीन्धीचा बाणेदारपणा. मला पसंद असलेल्या मुलांशी मी लग करीन म्हणणे आणि नंतर तो घायाळ आणि कुरूप झालेला असताना ही त्याच्यवर निस्सीम प्रेम करणे. निसर्गाशी लढणारा नाग्या तर ध्येयवादाचे उदाहरण आहे. नाग्याला पुण्यवान होण्याची तालीम देणारा त्याचा साधा भोला बाप आणि बापाच्या मरणानंतर खपणारी त्याची आई ही पण त्यांच्या संस्कृती बद्दल बरेच सांगून जातात.

गाणी तर अप्रतिमच आहेत. मी कात टाकली, हे गाणे तर साय्युक्तिक आहे. आणि आता मला त्याचा खरा अर्थ समजला. स्मिता पाटीलांचा रापलेला चेहरा तर लाजवाबच. आरस्पानी सौदर्या पेक्ष्या अस शेतातील कृतीशील सौदर्य किती बेस असत नाही?

हा चित्रपट पाहताना आठवणारी एक गोष्ट म्हणजे आपली बरीच गावे अश्या संक्रमणातून जात असतील. जागतिकीकरणामुळे व वाढलेल्या शहरीकरणामुळे गावकरी बरेच भाबवलेले असतील. जाता जाता मिलिंद बोकील ह्याच वाचण्यासाठी ठेवलेले "कातकरी - विकास कि विस्तापन" हे पुस्तक आठवल. आणि मित्र अविनाश वीर ह्यांनी गाव आणि शहर ह्या वर केलेले हे भाष्य.

सोलोमन आयलंड्स - तारे ज़मीन पर - Soloman Islands - Touchy Dialogue from the movie Tare Zameen Par

2011-12-31T10:06:00.000-05:00

A touchy dialogue from the movie "Taare Zameen Par". Tells a lot about parenting and what is education really.

Dal Khichadi - Finally Made It - Production Ready

2011-12-31T01:54:00.001-05:00

I have been missing the perfect touch for almost three years now. I knew the recipe, had tried several options and was meticulous with all the steps. Followed a simple change in the preparation method and got the same smooth touch as the Khichadi I ate at a restaurant in Thakur Village in Kandivali, before Mumbai Marathon 2009.

Recipe

Ingredients (for one serving)

Rice (1/2 vati)

(Image Source - http://www.foodsubs.com/Photos/rice-instant.jpg )

Moong Dal (1/2 Vati)

(Image Source - http://www.foodsubs.com/Photos/lentils-moong.jpg)

Oil, Ghee, Curry Leaves, Jeera, Cumin Powder, Green Chilies, Red Chilies, Red Chili Powder, Garam Masala, Cilantro Leaves, Onions , Tomatoes, Green Peas

Chop onions, tomatoes. Adding onion is optional, some people don't like to make Khichadi spicy. So one may skip the "spicier" elements. But it is highly recommended to add them.
Prepare tadka in the cooker base itself. Add salt and all the masala mentioned above. Allow the tadka to form real good and consistent. Keep on low flame and let it boil for about 5 minutes.
Soak moong dal and rice in water for about an hour. Add these to the tadka. Add 3 times and little extra water.
Use the same cooker for boiling the khichadi. Blow 6 whistles, and allow it to cook till there is no sound made by the cooker. The part I was missing was using the same cooker base. I used to make tadka and keep the rice and dal mixture in some other vessel or electric rice cooker. It gave the same taste, but not the smooth feel of the khichadi.
Garnish with ghee, kurkure and whatever you like.
Its awesome to add fried Garlic and eat the Khichadi with Papad and Mango Pickle.
Then you ought to say "Annadata Sukhi Bhava".

Donating Cloths for Goonj - Dabaang Vivekaanand

2011-12-29T22:47:00.002-05:00

Vivekanand has been our Dabaang for quite sometime now. He sent us email below and told to spread the word.

Great job Vivek!

"Hi,

Today I donated my old but usable clothes to goonj collection center in mumbai.

You can do it too

Goonj distributes the clothes to people in delhi who are suffering due to intense cold.
Its not necessary only to give away only winter clothes.. your old clothes but in good condition can be given too..

They have a center near wagholi.. We can collect the clothes and give them on weekend..

Read more about goonj here http://goonj.org/

Spread the word ...

Thanks"

Tuaki Hill - Going green day by day!

2011-12-29T22:14:00.000-05:00

Had been to the new year celebrations on Tukai Hill in 2009. It was fun. Got an email from my friend Mahesh to attend the same. I cannot attend it, but it would be great if anyone of you want to. Please check the below invitation and please call the numbers mentioned below to confirm that you are joining.

"Dear Earth Warriors,

Season's Greetings!

There have been a fabulous five years of sustained efforts of Baner
based eco-group Clean Earth Movement (CEM). During this period, group
has met numerous volunteers who have been helping in this eco-service
& have helped grow bio-diversity on Baner hill.
The group celebrates this association by having a get-together on 30th
Dec every year.

Inviting you, your family members & friends in this event & welcome
new year 2012 with CEM.

Agenda of the programme:
1. Swagatam: Welcome & brief of event
2. Salaam: Tribute to our Tree Plantation Guide - Late Mr. Vasantrao Takalkar
3. Geetanjali: Programme of songs on Nature
4. Hum Apke Hain Kaun: Introduction of volunteers
5. Khana-Khajana: Enjoy Indian Cuisine

Kindly provide your confirmation by replying to this email or by
contacting any of the following members:
Dr. Garudkar: +91 9822 060 259 / Bhujbal Sir: +91 9552 874 078 / Appa
Tamhane: +91 9767 725 691

Looking forward to have your continued patronage in coming years too.

Green Regards,
CEM Team"

अति झाल आणि हसू आल - The Case of Anna Hazare

2011-12-29T20:37:00.000-05:00

The thing going on with Anna Hazare and the whole movement around the "India Against Corruption" may be said to be illustration of the Marathi saying, "अति झाल आणि हसू आल" in action.

People support something new always. As Harivashrai Bacchan says, in his poem, बुद्ध और नाचघर -

सुनने को नई बात

हमेशा रहता है तैयार इंसान,

कहनेवाला भले ही हो शैतान,

तुम तो थे भगवान।

The way the moment took path of personal allegations, lack of transparency and most importantly lack of maturity from Anna Hazare on the way he handled conflicts in his team and the whole Sharad Pawar issue.

And as always in the long run, everything matters. And rather than a movement, small individual steps will make changes in the system. And we owe Anna one for making us realize it once again.

Sicko - An analysis of the healthcare system in the United States

2011-12-29T20:18:00.000-05:00

I recently saw the documentary, Sicko by Michael Moore. Morre is known for his attack on the war against terror. My friend Nikhil had recommended this movie.

I understood the concept presented in the movie. It says that healthcare like education, defense and police should be a governance function and not a revenue function. Moore has presented several case studies from UK, France, Scandinavia Countries and the neighbor Canada. He shows how the government operated health care systems work great in these countries. He has also contrasted it with the dire state of affair of the Insurance companies and their approval before any important surgical procedures.

In the end, it is shown how health care system in Cuba is far better than the one in US.

I have several questions which need to be inspected on the facts presented. All these years I have been given to understand that free spending makes people lazy and there is lack of incentive to eat healthy and live healthy. Healthcare expenditures are said to cripple nations, large and small. And this gets worse for ageing economies, especially the western ones.

And as the higher ups always say its important to take a more holistic look at the statistics. Need to spend more time and check the facts.

For now, think that health should be number one priority for individuals and societies alike.

Jimmy Wales wrote me an email

2011-12-29T11:12:00.000-05:00

Well I know its an auto email. Although I don't believe that everything on Wiki is divine, it's a great place to start. And it is something which must live. Please check and contribute.

Dear Priyaranjan,

Here's how the Wikipedia fundraiser works: Every year we raise just the funds that we need, and then we stop.

Because you and so many other Wikipedia readers donated over the past weeks, we are very close to raising our goal for this year by December 31 -- but we're not quite there yet.

You've already done your part this year. Thank you so much. But you can help us again by forwarding this email to a friend who you know relies on Wikipedia and asking that person to help us reach our goal today by clicking here and making a donation.

If everyone reading this email forwarded it to just one friend, we think that would be enough to let us end the fundraiser today.

Of course, we wouldn't turn you down if you wanted to make a second donation or a monthly gift.

Google might have close to a million servers. Yahoo has something like 13,000 staff. We have 679 servers and 95 staff.

Wikipedia is the #5 site on the web and serves 470 million different people every month – with billions of page views.

Commerce is fine. Advertising is not evil. But it doesn't belong here. Not in Wikipedia. Wikipedia is something special. It is like a library or a public park. It is like a temple for the mind. It is a place we can all go to think, to learn, to share our knowledge with others.

When I founded Wikipedia, I could have made it into a for-profit company with advertising, but I decided to do something different. We’ve worked hard over the years to keep it lean and tight. We fulfill our mission, and leave waste to others.

Thanks again for your support this year. Please help spread the word by forwarding this email to someone you know.

Thanks,
Jimmy Wales
Wikipedia Founder

Dr Nicholas Rohde, Sachin Tendulkar, Don Bradman - The professor is smart marketer too.

2011-12-22T23:34:00.001-05:00

So the news is, Tendulkar greater than Bradman. Dr. Nicholas Rohde at the University of Griffith in Australia performed some calculations and came up with this list of all time great batsman.

I don't know what value such kind of comparison has. It's like comparing apples and mangoes. Both are awesome on their own.

Having said that we must acknowledge that the professor is very good marketer, for his study results are out when Sachin and the entire India is awaiting his 10o th ton. I am sure he will get it in Hobart test.

Also its keen to note that the summer has started in Australia when it is winter in entire Northern hemisphere. Realized this as I talked to my friend in Melbourne the other day.

My best wishes to the Indian team, have a great summer in Australia.

गुढ, दुर्बोध, शब्द अभियांत्रिकी कि भावना पोचवण्यासाठी केलेली निर्मिती?

2011-12-21T22:33:00.000-05:00

माझा मित्र आशिष नेहमी त्याच्या एका मित्राची गोष्ट सांगतो. संजय बारावीत असताना कुठलेही गणित, कठीण, उलट्या पद्धतीने सोडवायचा. बार हे करताना त्याला आम्हा सर्वांपेक्षा कमी वेळ लागायचा. म्हणजे बहुतेक तो नवीन, इतर सर्व न वापरणाऱ्या पद्धती वापरून गणिते सोडवायचा.

तर हे सर्व आठ्वायचा कारण म्हणजे कवी ग्रेस ह्यांना मिळालेला, साहित्य अकादमी पुरस्कार. सगळे जन म्हणंत आहेत कि त्यांना हा पुरस्कार बराच उशिरा मिळाला. बाकी काही असो पण कोणतीही गोष्ट वेळच्या वेळी नाही मिळाली कि तिच काही अप्रूप नाही राहत.

ज्यांची गाणी लाखो मराठी रसिकांच्या कानात आहेत असे ग्रेस, ह्या पुरस्काराने हुरळून जातील असे मला वाटत नाही. त्यांना तर त्याची नवलाई पण नाही वाटणार. पण त्यांच्या काही मोजक्या कविता वाचून एक जाणवत कि हा माणूस काही तरी नवीन करत आहे.

वानगीदाखल सांगायच तर, त्यांची "तुला पहिले मी" ही कविता घ्या. आता गेले २ वर्ष मी श्रीधर फडके ह्यांनी गायलेल हे गाणं ऐकतोय. मागील शनिवारी गाण्याचे बोल पहिले आणि गण आणखीन आवडून गेले. आणि योगायोग म्हणजे आत्ता कालच त्यांना पुरस्कार मिळाला. आणि इथे पहा, महेश एलकुंचवार काय म्हणतात ते.

आता टीकाकार म्हणतात कि ग्रेस, कठीण शब्द वापरून कवितेत दुर्भोधता आणतात. त्या मुले कवितेच्या नाका पेक्षा मोती जास्त जड होती. पण त्यांच्या वाचलेल्या कविता वरून एक गोष्ट स्पष्ट आहे कि त्यांची शब्द कला नजकेदार आहे, त्यात शब्द दिमाकेदार आहेत, जड नाहीत. आणि फार फार वर्षा पूर्वी तर शेकस्पेअर ने तर स्वताची शब्द रचना केली होतीच कि!

जाता जाता ग्रेस आणि हृदयनाथ मंगेशकर ह्याची दोस्ती आठवली.

हे सगले मोठे लोक! आपण फक्त ह्यांच्या रचनांचा मजा घायचा. बाकी चिंतन नको.

ग्रेस ची गाणी, स्वर बद्ध केलेली इकडे पहा.

http://kahigani.blogspot.com/search/label/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%80%20%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B8

Krishnani Begane Baro - ಕೃಷ್ನ ನೀ ಬೇಗನೆ ಬಾರೋ - कृष्णानी बेगाने बारो

2011-12-21T00:13:00.000-05:00

Wanted to know what this song means. It is sung beautifully by Chitra, Yesudas,

Maharajapuram Santhanam (I came to know about this great singer today) and Hariharan.

It's in Kannada. A language which my mami, my friend Mandar's mother, Girish Karnad, U. R. Anantmoorthy and S. L. Bhairappa speak. I so much want to learn at least one South Indian Language. Learn it so that I can read and understand a novel in it.

Check the lyrics of the amazing song, this song soothes me when I am tensed, angry and thinking a lot over petty issues.

I loved Hariharan's video. The story line is amazing.

(Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishna_Ni_Begane_Baaro)

Lyrics

pallavi

krishna née bEganE baarO

anupallavi

bEganE baarO mukavanne tOrO (krishna née bEganE baarO)

caraNam 1

kaalaalandhugE gejje niladhabaavuli nilavarNane naaTyavanaadutta baarO (krishna née bEganE baarO)

caraNam 2

Udiyalli udugejje beraLalli ungura koraLalli haakidha vajayantimaalE (krishna née bEganE baarO)

caraNam 3

kaashi peeTambara kaiyalli koLalu pUsida shreegandha mayyOLagamma! (krishna née bEganE baarO)

caraNam 4

taayige baayalli jagavannu toridha jagadhOdhaaraka namma uDupi shree krishna (krishna née bEganE baarO)

[edit]Meaning

अबीर गुलाल उधळीत रंग

2011-12-16T20:12:00.000-05:00

My father loves this Abhag very much. It is written by Saint Chokhamela and sung by Jitendra Abhisheki. It has mentions to the evils of un touch-ability.

I guess this abhang created some controversies when sung in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in 2009. It had racist mentions. My friend Yogesh had blogged on it. It was sung by Vijay Gatlewar.

अबीर गुलाल उधळीत रंग ।
नाथा घरी नाचे माझा सखा पांडुरंग ॥१॥

We are celebrating the glories of Pandurang, by making use of colors (as we celebrate the festival of colors - Holi)

उंबरठ्यासी कैसे शिवू आम्ही जाती हीन ।
रूप तुझे कैसे पाहू त्यात आम्ही दीन ।
पायरीशी होऊ दंग गावूनी अभंग ॥२॥

We being untouchables cannot enter your temple and hence cannot see your face. We will confine ourselves to the steps of the temple and sing Abhangs to your glory.

वाळवंटी गावू आम्ही वाळवंटी नाचू ।
चंद्रभागेच्या पाण्याने अंग अंग न्हाऊ ।
विठ्ठलाचे नाम घेऊ हो‌उनी निःसंग ॥३॥

We will dance and sing on the sands of Chandrabhaga, and will immerse our sins in the holy waters. We will take solace in devoting our attention to the Lord Vitthal, without any doubts.

आषाढी कार्तिकी भक्तजन येती ।
पंढरीच्या वाळवंटी संत गोळा होती ।
चोखा म्हणे नाम घेता भक्त होती दंग ॥४॥

Says Chokhamela, every year devotees come on Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadeshi,dance on the banks of Chandrabhaga and experience ecstasy in offering the services to the Lord Vitthal.

Project Fall Colors - Week 15+ - Fall is over and winter has set.

2011-12-16T00:32:00.000-05:00

The days are small, but nights are not colder.

Is it related to Global Warming? The snaps are from Crowders mountain, North Carolina. I had a walk in the woods after so many days.

रंध्रात पेरिली मी

2011-12-15T20:36:00.001-05:00

सध्या कामावर चालत जात असल्यामुळे, निवांत शांत विचार करत, गप्प बसत, काही आठवायचे प्रसंग कमी येतात. पण जेव्हा येतात तेव्हा फार मजा येते. कधी कधी एकाद्या गाण्याची सय लागते. वाटते कि आत्ता हे गाणे, किंवा कविता आयकायला पाहिजे बुवा. पण एवढी सारी गाणी आणि कविता सोबत बाळगणे म्हणजे जरा कठीण आहे, पण मनात गाण्याचे बोल नादवत असतातच!

तर आज "रंध्रात पेरिली मी" हे गाणे सतवत होत. अभिषेकी बुवांचे संगीत आणि शंकर रामानींचे संगीत. दोघेही माझ्या गोव्याचे असल्यामुळे आणखी जिव्हाळा! अथक परीश्रमाने बोल पण मिळाले. आणि मग पंडितजी, त्यांचे सुपुत्र शौनक, शिष्य राजा काले, आणि सारेगमप वरील गायिका ऋजुता लाड ह्यांनी गायलेली रचना ऐकली. अभिषेकी बुवांची रचना तर पुन्हा पुन्हा ऐकतोय! राग, ताल वैगरे आपल्यालाला काही काळत नाही, पण रमणीचे शब्द आणि बुवांचा स्वर काहीतरी जादू करत आहेत. बरा इतर नाट्यगीते व चित्रपटगीते ह्या सारखे काही ह्या गाण्याचे माझ्यावर आजोबा, मित्र, दूरदर्शन ह्या मार्फत संस्कार झालेले नाहीत. हे गाणे आहे "स्वराभिषेक" ह्या रेकॉर्ड मधील. संगीत प्रेमी मित्रा सोमेश ने दिलेले. त्या मुले हे गाणे मी स्वत: भिनवलेली रुची आहे अस म्हणू शकतो.

तर शब्द हे, सुरानएवढे महत्वाचे असतात अशी माझी धारणा असल्यामुळे, रामाणी काय म्हणतात ते पहावे लागेल!

(बोल - http://manik-moti.blogspot.com/2010/03/blog-post_15.html इथून मिळाले. धन्यवाद.)

रंध्रात पेरिली मी आषाढ दर्द गाणी
उन्मादल्या सरींची उमजून घे कहाणी

पुसणार तू कुणाला मिटलीत सर्द दारे
धारांत नाहणारी धरतीच गे ईमानी

पानातुनी मनाच्या माझेच हे शहारे
मातीत मातलेला आवेगही तुफानी

सोसून सोसवेना गात्री अलक्ष धारा
प्राशून पाप येते डोळ्यांत मूढ पाणी

प्राणात हूड वारे हलतेच झाड आहेत्यानीच ढाळलेली तू माळिली विराणी

गौर फारमाया तो - समजते कि ही तर एक विराणी गाझल आहे. "Melancholic Ecstasy" म्हणू अस काही तरी.

संध्याकाळची वेळ आहे, बोलायला आणखी कुणी नाहिये, तुम्ही इंग्रजी मध्ये numb म्हणतात तसे आहात. आणि अशा वेळी तुम्ही जुने फोटो पाहता, खिडकीतून बाहेर चालणारे लोक पाहता, अश्रू पुसणारे लोक आठवता, आणि मग असे काही क्षण आठवतात कि उफाडलेल्या पावसाच्या सरींची पण एक कहाणी, कविता असेल असे वाटू लागते. आणि आपण रामानिच्या शब्दाप्रमाणे इमानी आवेग शोधतो.

जाता जाता आठवले, कि रमणी गेले तेव्हा आमचे इंग्राची सर त्याच्या बद्दल एकदम भरभरून बोलत होते. एक कवी एवढीच ओळख होती न आमची तेव्हा रामानींची. आणि काही नाही. पण सरांनी जास्त पावसाळे, आणि त्यातील जास्त सरी आणि हूड वारे सोसले असल्यामुळे त्यांना रामानींची जास्त ओळख असणार. आणि म्हणूनच ते गदगद झाले होते.

खरेच कवी शब्द्रराजे असतात, आणि त्यांच्या कवितांना चाली बांधणारे बुवानसारखे संगीतकार अवलीये. सलाम.

A personal appeal from Wikipedia founders

2011-12-11T19:23:00.001-05:00

Wikinomics is a best selling book on how crowds can work as a movement to build something good and change the world in a better way.

Its a book on my to read list. I wish I read it soon.

But as they say, An Army Marches on its Stomach, every good thing requires money to sustain. There is an option to donate to the good cause of Wikipedia. Please check the personal appeal here.

And I think we owe something which makes us ज्ञानी instantly. Can something match the instant gratification one gets on knowing something on Wiki. Be it the place where Silk Smitha was born or how many kilometers are there from Washington DC to Florida?

For those who don't know the latter is a famous dialogue from Malayalam movie, Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu.

And finally न्यानेश्वर

(Image source - http://www.diagrams.punemobile.net/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=367&g2_serialNumber=4)

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation - Something to read, understand and do?

2011-12-11T19:00:00.002-05:00

Last week an email was sent to our official emails requesting to register to donate bone marrow cells.

Amit Gupta's site tells on the procedure to register as a donor.

First of all need to know what a bone marrow is? The Wikipedia article is not so simple to understand.

And reading the responsibility the signing up procedure puts on the donors, I think it's a tough call to take. And for sure one needs to talk to the family members first.

But if I am convinced something I would like to do in 2012.

Anyone knows more. And here I mean practical, dirt guide type of information. Please let me know.

But for now, what bone marrow looks like.

(Image source - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/74/Gray72-en.svg/250px-Gray72-en.svg.png)

Children of Heaven - गुणाची पोर

2011-12-05T01:43:00.001-05:00

(Image source - http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xnrY0IDHFSg/TiwDmScMbKI/AAAAAAAAABI/6BVjx913EFI/s1600/page_5659_user_384914_1306780397children-of-heaven-3.jpg)

If you ever had secret arrangements with your siblings, you should watch this movie. If you shared something dear with your sister you should watch this movie and if you grew in neighborhoods which were not so affluent and majority of your class mates used to walk to school, you should watch the movie.

The plot is simple. A elder brother loses shoes of his sister. They come in an arrangement where sister wears the brother's shoes during her day school and runs back home so that the brother can wear them for evening school. Their struggle, hassles, quarrels and deep understanding makes the movie beautiful.

Ali and Zhora are the siblings. They are responsible enough to understand that they cannot afford luxuries of life. Ali skips football so that he can be at home and help his ill mother. Zhora takes care of her little sister and helps her mother in household chores and cleaning. Their father finds it difficult to meet the families daily needs, but is a God fearing man.

Ali does good at school and runs a race in the end, the race is supposed to bring pair of sneakers as a prize for the third position. But coincidentally Ali wins the race is not so happy about it.

It's such a simple story. But the picturization is smooth and real. And Ali and Zhora, you will love them. The scene I loved was when both of them stand still to discover that the girl who had Zhora's shoes on; was a blind rag picker. The look in their eyes was so kind and warm.

I should thank my friend Asavari for suggesting this awesome movie.

Some trivia about the movie :

Priyadarshan made a movie - Bumm Bumm Bole based entirely on the movie in 2010.
The movie has passing references to the income inequalities in the town of Tehran. The contrast you see in every town in India especially in Mumbai.
This movie lost the Academy Award for best foreign film against Roberto Benigni's Life is Beautiful.
Life is beautiful and The Bicycle Thieves are the movies next to be watched. The latter second time in fact.

Back to the basics - Learning from nature.

2011-12-02T18:55:00.001-05:00

Found this board in a zoo in Birmingham, Alabama.

Gauss and Laplace

2011-12-02T18:44:00.001-05:00

The full story is here.

Experts :

"Gauss's first years at Gottingen were troubled by the deaths of his father in 1807, and his wife in 1809. He was also subject to a heavy tax imposed by Napoleon, which made him liable for two thousand francs. The famed mathematical physicist Pierre-Simon Laplace paid this for him, but Gauss, who felt uncomfortable with the unsolicited gesture, returned the amount to Laplace with interest for the time elapsed."

Makes me wonder that we don't have such stories on lives and times of our great man. Especially lives of mathematicians. Apart from the story of Aryabhatta and his daughter Lilavati, I am not aware of many. Is anyone aware of them? Please share if you do.

"Respect" Aryabhatta and pavam Lilawati manytimes.

Lilavati was charming and intelligent. See the visual below.

(Image source - http://www.eb23-cmdt-conceicao-silva.rcts.pt/sev/mat/lilavati.jpg)

Gauss : A mathematician of fame and an interesting note on him.

2011-12-02T18:29:00.001-05:00

(Image source - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9b/Carl_Friedrich_Gauss.jpg)

We learnt about the Gauss's theorem of vector graphics. We used to draw some figures like the following:

(Image source - http://cnx.org/content/m12858/latest/Gauss_Law_Drawings_4.gif)

Read this note on the great Gauss.

"When the French army under Napoleon moved near Gauss's town of Brunswick, the emperor himself gave the command to spare Brunswick because "the foremost mathematician of all time lives there". The range of his scientific work is very extensive and without any doubt he is ranked as the last of the three great all-rounders of mathematics : Archimedes, Newton and Gauss himself."

And when the French army won the battle, he was asked to pay a fine equivalent of $5000. It was too much for a professor. And another mathematician Laplace came to bailout Gauss.

Remember Laplace and his transforms?

Mathematics and mathematicians are amusing. Aren't they?

भजी - कांदा, पालक आणि मिरची

2011-11-29T23:46:00.001-05:00

Boss! Bhajii nahi bheche wo log!!!

लेकिन हम तो बनाते है ना! :)

Somesh told me that भजी are served as prasad for सत्यहनुमान पूजा. (Satyahanuman Pooja).

उस डोंगा परी रस नये डोंगा - Don't go by only by looks silly!

2011-11-27T21:11:00.000-05:00

Saint Chokhamela Samadhi, Pandharpur

(Image source - http://www.meriyatrra.com/photos/images/chokhamela-samadhi.jpg)

We had this Abhang in our curricula. I like it so much and try to follow what it preaches.

It teaches that its not about external appearance, but the beauty within.

उस डोंगा परी रस नये डोंगा काय भुललासी वरलिया रंगा

उस - Sugarcane, डोंगा - twisted, परी - but, रस - juice, नये डोंगा - is not twisted, काय -what, भुललासी - disguised, वरलिया - external, रंगा - appearance

Although the sugarcane is crooked the juice out of it is so sweet, why are you baffled by the external appearance?

नदी डोंगी परी जल नये डोंगा काय भुललासी वरलिया रंगा

नदी - River, डोंगी - crooked, जल - water

The river might be taking a curved path, but the water in it is life freshening, why are you baffled by the external appearance?

कमान डोंगी परी तीर नये डोंगा काय भुललासी वरलिया रंगा

कमान - bow, तीर - arrow out of the bow

The bow is twisted, but an arrow from it goes straight into the target, why are you baffled by the external appearance?

चोख डोंगा परी भाव नये डोंगा काय भुललासी वरलिया रंगा

चोख - Saint Chokhamela, भाव - devotion

Chokhamela might be a untouchable, but his devotion to God is true, then why are you baffled by the external appearances?

उस डोंगा परी रस नये डोंगा has tought me a lot and continues to teach whenever I have biases for people, circumstances and events.

One more Abhang I like written by Chokhamela is अबीर गुलाल उधळीत रंग, नाथा घरी नाचे माझा सखा पांडुरंग. Will want to write more on it soon.

Honey Bee Membership form - A way to contribute

2011-11-19T10:43:00.001-05:00

As you must be aware of, the Honey Bee Network is a network aimed at promoting innovation at the local level and giving back to people, the source of our knowledge.

You must listen to Prof. Anil K. Gupta on TED.

The things he mentions and which I liked are :

People may be poor in kind, but they are not poor in knowledge. If someone has been living sustainability in a desert ecosystems for hundreds of years they certainly have the knowledge of coping with nature and living in harmony. In fact the adivasis have some traditions which are far superior than the so called modern world. Also their knowledge of medicinal plants is commendable but less documented.
The question of scalability. Only because something cannot be produced in mass numbers, it does not mean that it is not worth producing. Having issues of water scarcity (clean drinking water included), sanitation and people dying of cholera in an area near Pune indicate that our engineering, governance and social sense have failed.
There are many subtle points in his presentation which makes one think.

Anil also conducts a course in IIMA. The course contents are available online too. He conducts the course with Dr. Abdul Kalam. Understanding the material is something I want to do before fall 2012.

Honey Bee network has a newsletter. One can subscribe to it. The details are in the form here.

The bank account details are as follows:

SRISTI Innovations A/c No. 032010100568227

Axis bank LTd, vastrapur branch, Aghmedabad

IFS Code: UTIBB 0000032

Shaheen Mistri's Advice to Entrepreneurs

2011-11-18T22:23:00.001-05:00

I am currently reading the book, "I have a Dream" by Rashmi Bansal. I should thank Vivekanand for sending the book and Vishwanath for carrying the book to US.

Read this piece of advice from Shaheen Mistri.

"The days when nobody cares and nobody wants to sit and interview you and you have to carry trunk loads of books to the slum and walk - that's where the true learning comes from and I think being open to going through that really difficult phase is really important."

A kind gesture I am going to cherish for some time to come

2011-11-18T22:18:00.001-05:00

It was really a kind gesture and I am going to cherish it for a while. I am glad that I could take a snap. It made me remember some of my good friends and my father. I wonder if there is any bus ride where he did not offer seat to old people and ladies with kids.

Please email me at marathepa@gmail.com if you want to know the entire use case.

Lokpal Bill, Raju Parulekar and How Smart Politicians Are.

2011-11-18T17:43:00.001-05:00

समर्थ रामदास (Saint Ramdas) has said

सामर्थ्य आहे चळवळीचे,
जे जे करणार त्यांचे,
परंतु तेथे,
परमेश्वराचे अधिष्टान पाहिजे.

It means lot can be done via a struggle, provided that it is backed with ethical and moral support.

Anna Hazare and his moment to bring about Lokpal bill making politicians accountable targeted the entire political system. It went to such extreme route that people began to say, साला चाय से ज्यादा गरम तो किटली है! In literal terms the tea kettle is hotter than the tea. The medicine is more intoxicating and causing more harm than the diseases.

And probably what can happen to a moment, which has someone like Raju Parulekar on board. Raju has flair for creative writing, but he is notoriously know for his views on Sachin Tendulkar, Raj Thackery and the whole system as a whole. I see a cynic in him. Every time one reads him, you feel that he is trying to tell how well meaning he is and how well read he is. And this is real problem my friend. As they say, चोर के दाढी मे तिनका.

Judge Raju yourself by reading the following articles. Click on the links

सचिन एक महान फलंदाज आहे यात वादच नाही. ज्यांना क्रिकेट पाहून आनंद मिळतो त्यांना तो देव वाटतो. हेही ठीकच. कारण समाजात रिअॅलिटी शोजनासुद्धा हात वर करून हलवणाऱ्या प्रौढांची कमी पडत नाही तिथे क्रिकेटचं काय घेऊन बसलात?

And lately his letter to Anna Hazare on what really happened!

अण्णा, यानंतर तुम्ही जेव्हा उपोषणाला बसाल तेव्हा मीसुद्धा उपोषणाला बसेन. कारण मलाही न्याय हवा आहे.

Hail Raju! Integrity LOL.

Picture Evidence - The Wisdom of Whores: Bureaucrats, Brothels, and the Business of AIDS

2011-11-15T23:06:00.001-05:00

The advice given by Elizabeth Pisani implemented here.

In her book, The Wisdom of Whores, Elizabeth tells us that decisions based on facts rather than mass appeal do a lot better to the society.

With a simple thing like supplying clean needles to the drug addicts can stop the spread of AIDS to a large extent.

She spoke in a TED video too.

Wachovia, Wells Fargo now and the complexity involved.

2011-11-14T23:52:00.001-05:00

Wachovia is Wells Fargo now in the Carolinas now. Everywhere we see the Bojangles color.

The takeover of Wachovia took place in September 2008 and it took three years for the branding to change.

I had read a story earlier on the complexity of the acquisition process and how hard it was difficult for the two systems to talk. The article talked on how Oracle products on both sides helped to arrive correctly at the numbers for the higher management. The article can be read here. It is called, Real Crisis, Real Opportunities.

A photo I liked

2011-11-10T08:47:00.001-05:00

I forgot her name. But she was so awesome.

Project Fall Colors - Week 11

2011-11-08T23:07:00.000-05:00

It gets dark so early. The trees are getting bare. The evening melancholy has set in.

Remember the song, Shama Tanha by Agnee.

विठ्ठल गीती गावा - संत तुकाराम - पंडित भिंमसेन जोशींनी अमर केलेली रचना

2011-11-07T23:27:00.000-05:00

(Image Source - http://maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com/photo/3165479.cms)

Another brilliant song अभंग sung by Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.

We are so used to these अभंगs, that they form a part of daily humming, thinking for me sometimes. I have them on my phone and find it hard if my friends can't appreciate them as much as I do. And Panditji's singing has a major role to play. I am not such a pious person to listen to listen to prayers on regular basis.

It reminds me of an observation made by V.S. Naipaul on an old Brahmin in India reciting the mantras. He said that he recited them because it was his way to relax and had hardly to do anything with God and prayers.

All said and done, one cannot undermine the great poetry of Dyaneshwar and Tukaram. I want to understand them all one day.

Coming back to the अभंग.

विठ्ठल गीती गावा विठ्ठल चित्ति ध्यावा
विठ्ठल उभा पहावा विटेवरी ॥ धृ ॥

विठ्ठल - Lord Vitthal, गीती - in song, गावा - sing, चित्ति - in mind, ध्यावा - recite, think about
उभा - stands, पहावा - see, विटेवरी - on the brick

One should sings songs to the glory of Vitthal and think about Vitthal all the times.
Vithhal stands firm on the brick.

अनाथांचा बंधू विठ्ठल कृपा सिंधु
तोडी भवबंधु यम पाश ॥१॥

अनाथांचा - Destitute, बंधू - Brother, कृपा सिंधु - kind, तोडी - breaks, भवबंधु - bonds, यम पाश - fear of death

Vitthal is savior of the destitute and is full or mercy. Vitthal can break the bonds of greed and crave and also gets rid from the fear of death.

तोची शरणागता विठ्ठल मुक्ति दाता
विठ्ठल हा संता समागमे ॥२॥

तोची - He alone, शरणागता - the one stop person to surrender, मुक्ति - freedom, दाता - giver, संता समागमे - presence of saints

Vitthal is the only kind one who will forgive me and free me from all my sins. Vitthal is the one who one feels when is in the presence of saints.

विठ्ठल गुण निधी विठ्ठल सर्वसिद्धि
लागली समाधी विठ्ठल नामे ॥३॥

गुण - vices, निधी - corpus, सर्वसिद्धि - dexterous, लागली समाधी - Got into a trance, forget about the world and the worries around, विठ्ठल नामे - Thinking of the God Vitthal

Vitthal is the body of vices and dexterous. I get into a trance when I take his name and forget all the worries in the world.

विठ्ठलाचे नाव घेता झाले सुख
गोडावले मुख तुका म्हणे ॥४॥

नाव घेता - recite the name of, झाले सुख - felt elated, गोडावले मुख - felt like eating sweets, तुका म्हणे - says Tukaram

I felt elated reciting Vitthal's name. Says Tukaram, it gives the same feeling as eating a delicacy.