What an idea, Godji!

“What’s your take on Ayodhya verdict?” pinged me one of my juniors on Facebook chat. I went blank and could not think of a sensible answer instantaneously, so by the time I could make up an answer, I asked him the same question back. He seemed to be satisfied with what the three bench judge had passed. I thought after the verdict came, it would be over, but to my surprise the whole blogosphere was flooded with reviews on the verdict. Bloggers are busy making passionate calls for maintaining peace and harmony, the whole of cyberspace is flooded with tweets and blogs for peace within minutes after the long awaited Ayodhya verdict. I know I am doing the same but it’s just a written matter that is not related but written by one man and hence united.

In my opinion, this verdict was a test of religious tolerance. The judgment seems to have been decided in favor of Hindus and Muslims praying together, which is the hallmark of our composite culture. It seems judges have gone the extra-mile in trying to settle the case and also come up with a workable formula where no side gets absolutely heartbroken or feeling that there is any sort of injustice with them.  Sincere thanks to the public who themselves want to come out of the shackles of communal riots which have taken a lot of lives by now. Some say judges made a “diplomatic” judgment, where no one lost and no one won.

TV channels are making the scene worse. I have been avoiding watching news channels, but does it help. No!!! I think the noise decibels were getting to me. Does shouting out the news or questions/ comments make everything more credible? Most news anchors certainly seem to think so. Both TV and print media simply try to make the conditions worse by arousing the emotions. Like the next day TOI said, two parts went to Hindus and one to Muslims. It could have been presented a different way too. It is not expected of them. I wonder why they try to play tricks and give a wrong view to the public. A Newspaper reflects society and hence is expected not to misinterpret the verdict. No harm with that as long as the people remain peaceful. I hope that all sorts of media live up to our expectations.

Whatever be the restriction imposed by the authorities, the virtual world literally experienced the meaning of “freedom of expression”. They had no reservation in mocking and making fun of politicians, media and even the judiciary. Interesting, most of the blogs were spreading peace and harmony rather than hatred. One of the bloggers declares IIPM to be the rightful owners of the land. The blog mentions IIPM to own the land much before Mughals invaded India , forget Britishers, further mentions IIPM’s legacy to date back to days of Nalanda-Taxila and affirms to possess banner-ads as proofs. Funny, ain’t it? Some guarantee a better judgment than three of our esteemed qualified judges, they recommend a hospital to be made in lieu of mandir or masjid, which will serve the general public without any sort of discrimination. I liked a suggestion, which I would like to share with you. It was building of a structure which is probably visited by every sect in India, be it a Hindu or a Muslim. It is like every other religious place, where the respective religion is practiced. But it pertains to a religion which is followed unanimously by every Indian citizen. So, the religion I am talking about is cricket, and its temple is cricket stadium. It doesn’t sound feasible as the place of contention holds a lot of religious significance.

It’s time to stop acting like fools, and think like a human, a responsible citizen, for the prosperity and development of the nation. Let no one be compelled to prove his/her patriotism alone. Why should a single community suffer when all pay the same taxes, when all are governed by the same institution. It was one of the most awaited judgments in known history. Though people are satisfied with the verdict, but the fact that this dispute has invoked unprecedented frenzy and passion in the past, it was expected that no judgment can completely satisfy any of the sides. Everyone should hope that the issue is over. This, our motherland, gives equal shelter to people speaking different languages and following different faiths. After all, Ayodhya means “a place of no war”, and hence another bloodshed or conflict over the issue in future is not expected.

Before I Graduate

One sided love, silent mode mobiles, bus stand comedies, gatherings at BABA, walk on the MG road (AIT) to catch a glimpse of 'her', those embarrassing defeats in lan games, night long Aakriti practices, crossing fence, the height of water tank, bribing Rodrigues, sleep on roof after cut outs, canteen foods, escape from lectures, birthday treats, last minute preparation, night long bakar sessions, random plans to trip to Lonavala Khandala Lavassa Singhad, wait for the torrents of the new episode, feel of being an Indian when people go crazy in world cup matches in Raman Theatre, group studies when a single book is split into 6 pieces unit-wise, taking away attendance registers from teacher's drawer to increase your friend's attendace to save him from fine, taking 2 hours to sip that 500 ml packet of milk in front of the girls' volley court, overnight study for next day exam, late submissions, term work problem, waiting for 14^th February, crazy trips in search of food at 2 in the morning, standing in a queue in front of registrar office for forms, shortage of pocket money and attendance, will all become things of past.

The college experience flies by so fast that we’re often stuck standing in line for graduation wondering where the past four years went. One vaguely remembers meeting his best friend when he held your back after your first daru party and you kinda remember that all-nighter you pulled to get 3 term papers done in one night. And the rest is all a blur of arbit parties, walks of shame, and begging your friends for money.

Before one realises it, he’s out in the real world, working a real job alongside real people, wondering what happened to no-class Saturday and OMR at Mayur and I know very well that it ain’t fun.

It gets pretty easy to get caught up in it all and unfortunately we forget to be young and crazy. That’s why, with only a little time to go until we hit the pass out parade, I’ve put together the ultimate list of everything that a fun-loving and fearless man, should accomplish before he or she graduates.

1. Do an illegal drug :- You spin my head right round, right round. When you go down, when you go down down !

2. Confront a fear :- Doesn’t matter if it’s a fear of heights or a fear of ragging, figure out a way to face it head on just once.

3. Apologize to someone you were mean to in school or college :- A quick Facebook message apology will brighten his/her day. You have seen my doing so, believe me it feels good.

4. Make a real girl friend who is really just a friend :- Let me be clear, it should be like as you don’t want to ever see her naked and she doesn’t ever want to see you naked. No points if you’re related.

5. Get a job :- Something very essential. To unplaced friends, I want to you to be positive. You weren't hired doesn't mean that you weren't qualified. It was not your loss, it was their loss, that they missed you. It's impossible to know why exactly employers choose one candidate over another.

6. Figure out what kind of drink you actually like :- Guys, life is beyond Mayur. You should be so mature and adult that you can tell your date, why you prefer one over another.

7. Take a road trip with friends :-The destination doesn’t matter. Nothing brings friends closer than an endless road trip.

8. Try an exotic food you can’t pronounce :- I don't have an explanation as to why did I include this in the list. But recently I had gone to a restaurant, “Marakkese”, and this name made me include this in the list. Please comment below in case you know of any such exotic dish.

9. See a band show :- I am not talking of usual band performances that almost every AITian must have seen. I am talking here for something big, some known band.

10. Go 24 hours media-free :- Try this, the most difficult thing to do. That means turn off your cell phone and shut down your computer. With the exception of getting tagged in photos of nude children, that you can’t de-tag right away because one of your friends has done it, you won’t miss anything.

11. Run for a cause :- You’ll have an awesome time and feel really, really good about yourself. Do it, after a 12 hour nap, of course.

12. Learn to manage your own money:- It will make that transition into real life and make it smoother.

13. Take your parents out, probably for a nice dinner, because they deserve it.

14. Start a blog about your life and update it regularly :- Sure it seems self-centred now, but you’ll be grateful ten years from now when you can reflect on your life when you were really living it up.

15. Learn to drive :- This is the easiest in the list, I guess and most of us already have already accomplished it.

16. Donate blood :- There were only 15 in the list, but this was suggested by one my my close friends. AITans very well know the reason, but its a humble appeal to all reading this blog post, donate but do not get caught in any awkward posing photograph, but in case you get caught, please do not let your friends analyse the photograph, and if they do so, please stop them from editing it and make some weird marks on it. Till now it was acceptable, you still are safe, but please stop that daring guy from uploading it on some social networking site, because my dear friend after a while you are about to get hurt very bad. For those who don't know what I am talking about, that is a long story, could eat up the whole blog post. But dear readers, If you think donating is scary, imagine being the person who needs it during a blood shortage.

I myself can boast of completing 11 of them, eagerly waiting for my first salary, to take parents out for a dinner. Haven’t run a marathon yet, going media-free seems impossible and there are some others in the list too, yet incomplete. I would love, if people respond by sending their scores.

P.S :: Dear readers please feel free to add to the list, I know many things are left that one should accomplish at least once before graduating. Comment below and I would add it to the list, if it is worth it. This blog post seems incomplete and yes it is. But sincere thanks to all those who contributed to this post. Many were approached, but few turned up for help. If Sood can help, so can 'you'. :P

Thank you...

Ye MuMbAI Hai...meri JaaN

Seeing the title of this post, you must have guessed what this post is about. Well no prizes for right guesses, but congratulations!! You have guessed it right, it’s about Mumbai. Let me share with you my experience of four days stay in Mumbai. Let me share with you my experience of four days stay in Mumbai. The occasion was an international seminar in IIT Mumbai, so being the maths secretary of college, I was told to take of team of 6 from college to attend it. Let’s start and what best could be than to start with the local train. They say local trains Mumbai ki dhadkan hai.

“yeh ha Mumbai, yeh hai Mumbai, yeh hai  Mumbai, meri jaan...”

This was the song along with little thought which came to my mind...when I successfully managed to get into the Mumbai local at the peak hours as they say...’managed’ because getting into and out of the local is no less than a task assigned to you...hmmmm..now that if you have managed to get in taking all the pain surviving the thrust and push by the people getting down is also not just a step from the train...In fact, all you have to do is align yourself with the line of passengers getting down and before you realise you already have got down...isn’t that coll!! I was new to this city and the first experience of local was something that will remain with me for years to come.

After reaching there, I came to know that what we see in movies is real Mumbai, though didn’t get to see that ‘Bhai stuff’, but everything else was true. We know that life in Mumbai is fast. Mumbai has forgotten to walk. Yes, it is true; you’ll find people moving in a hurry to reach their destination in time. So, when people wake up in the morning, the one thing over their mind is to reach their work-place in time. In all this early morning rush, they don’t get time to pray (might be...). But, that doesn’t mean they are atheists. They do pray, but were...? Well, they pray while travelling. Yes, in busy local trains, where one hardly gets place to stand, you’ll find people taking out their spiritual books (in the tiniest form available on market) and start reading. Some people who have already by-hearted the whole book, just recite in mind.

Mumbai is the highest tax paying city in India. The real-estate people are biggest profit-makers. Mumbai is a amalgamation of different religion in Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Parsis.....and each religion with their different cultures, thus making it a great cosmopolitan city of India. This is my shallow insight into the lives of Mumbaikar’s.

Thank you for reading.

Sprints @ Bombay

6 AITians at IITB’s Gulmohar Restaurant, eating their lunch (which was of course, provided free of cost by IIT, Bombay) could be the most significant feature of this blog post.  Actually, “eating the lunch” would be an understatement. Let’s get over with it, since any person who’s been living on AIT’s mess food would have hogged.

As mentioned in the previous post, the reason of we, 6 at IITB, was “SAGE DAYS 25”, an international seminar on open source software, SAGE.  Though none of us had any genuine interest in it, but still we went just because it was like killing two birds with one stone, always had an urge to see IIT and luckily it happened to be IIT Mumbai, so IIT and Mumbai, the two birds, and SAGE DAYS being the ”stone”.  Luckily, my college AIT got ready to fund the trip.

We started from Pune at 12 midnight of 9^th Aug.  The leader immediately had to come in action, in deciding the means of transport, either comfy Volvo or general compartment of train. Looking at the track record of AIT, in financial aspect, we decided to minimise our expenditures and chose train. This time we were lucky and each of us could get a seat and hence we had a nice journey. We reached CST at 4 am and then took a cab for our guest house SAGARIKA . We had an idea of the NAVY guest house SAGAR and so made out that it will also be grand like SAGAR. The accommodation was arranged by the JD, dear readers, it won’t be difficult for you to judge the quality if I tell you that we paid Rs. 15 per head for 1 day. Fortunately, the place was in Colaba, so TAJ, Leopold Cafe and Gateway of India kept us away from our room.

Travelling in Mumbai can be as hectic as attending our JD’s long talks or as simple as passing a practical in Computer Department [PRODIGY]. First day, when we 6 went out for our destination, it took us 4 hours to reach there (thanks to that Rs. 25 wala ticket). But return journey was easy, since we took Mumbai ki Dhadkan, local train. It took us 1 hour which is 75% less than the previous timing. IIT Bombay was established in 1952 and the buildings do give you an idea of that fact. The most exciting feature of “SAGE DAYS 25” was the lunch. Registration fee was Rs. 200 and we would have gulped food worth Rs. 400 on the first day itself.

I saw a male and a female standing at a crossing (common scene in AIT), but when we passed by, it was no flirty stuff or strategy for Aakriti, to my surprise they were discussing Robots. “Welcome to IIT”. I wondered if they ever watched porn, and if yes, it must be Robot porn. They were least bothered about their surroundings, everyone is busy. In AIT, its the other way round, no one is bothered about himself. An AITian does not know about his own progress, but tell him that his roommate has done 2 units, I bet he’ll be at the 3^rd one in the next couple of hours.

The 3rd day was off at IITB. The Maths Club went out chilling @ Juhu and at Marine Drive. This could be the most romantic place, I guess. A lot of couples can be seen sitting on the Marine drive stretch. Trident is also on the same road. Then is the Circuit Point (place where circuit sat down after he got annoyed with Munna Bhai). This is near to Nariman Point. At Juhu, couples get involved so much into each other that, they forget the presence of others. Rest, I don’t need to mention, Samajhdar ke liye Ishara hi Kaffi hai. Watch out for the rates of various eatables at Chaupati, looks like you are holding a menu card of some 5-star hotel.

Something annoying was, people now have stopped going to Elephanta Caves and other places of historical importance, instead they like discussing the 26/11 attack with locals and staring at these 5-star hotels, standing in front of them. We too, are no born ideals. We did the same. After that what happened is something, that is not clear is any of our minds. Don’t worry I was absolutely sober. We all had a party in Leopold cafe. All then went to bed without letting anyone else to know of anything. I am sorry readers, I had to skip a few things here. They aren’t worth writing.

The last day, we set off once again but with a new frame of mind. Today was the day, when we had to collect our certificates. Luckily, thanks to our hard work in the lecture hall during SPRINTS(the competition part), though for a few amount of time, but mind it, it was hard. Our hard work paid off, and we got the certificates and hopefully will get the T-Shirts too.

This was it, but something I forgot to mention, is the people out there who gave the lectures. The word “Genius”, will probably fall short if I address them with it. Believe me, they were updated, even up to what had happened in the field of Mathematics just 1 day back. I am from college, where a teacher cannot even explain the differential equation in one go. So the difference was quite clear in the standard of infrastructure and the faculty.

But when it comes to students, AITians in fact are the most intelligent people born on the face of the earth. It quite obvious from the fact that, we solved 12 questions each, which was above average, and that too after directly sitting into the Sprints, without attending the lectures. Kudos to the Mathematics Club and its president of course. I fear someone from management and especially my Maths Teacher, does not see this post, or I can get into a serious problem. That was it. Over all, it was an awesome experience with loads of masti and fun.

I hope you enjoy reading the post and ya remember, Mumbai Rocks simply as AITans do!!!