Introduction

Hi Everyone,
I am Swati Bansod. I came to know about this blog by Kunal.
I work in IDBI BANK.
I like this blog because of the good and different articles. I like people who do something different from normal routine. This is something creative and i like creative people.
Even I wanted to do something creative. Hope to contribute.
:)

Tanhai to mehfil

Kya likhu raat ki is tanhai mein?
Kya sochu raat ki is tanhai mein?
Kyun kuchh karne ka dil nahi karta ,
Raat ki is tanhai mein?
Kyun mehfilo mein jane ki jageh,
Kho jata hu raat ki is tanhai mein?

Okay, before any of you start penning pep-talk, I must make it clear that the lines above came out my of lone-alone-depressed mind way back in September. (I feel fortunate to have so many friends, apart from my family, who care so much for me). No need to repeat that those were, perhaps, the toughest days of life.
The time is, for sure, a great healer.
Now, I am again doing what I do best. Being my own self. Not tanha anymore, Loving the mehfils, again.

Thanks to all those who supported me.

The new age Maratha Wars

For the past week, as the whole world celebrated Sachin’s magnificent two decades of cricket, there were whispers of disappointment from some who felt that despite his stature and credibility, Sachin never really took a stand on social issues. This was felt particularly at times like ‘Godhra’. One knew that even a few words on peace and harmony, coming from the Master, would have gone a long way in spreading the message of stopping mindless killings at the behest of selfish political hoodlums. So last week, Sachin gave us another reason to cheer, when he unequivocally clarified his allegiance to the nation. At a time when even the so called stalwarts from the Bollywood allowed themselves to be held at ransom by the Sena, Sachin’s fearless reply at the press conference came as a breather. The Master lived up to our expectations and showed “Raj the boundary” in his simple yet inimitable style. There was no drama or rhetoric patriotic jingoism but he cut right across to the point. And the barb did get through, giving the senior Mr. Thakeray another ray of hope of drawing further political mileage by getting back at Sachin. But the Master is hardly going to allow himself to be dictated by the arbitrary mandates of the Sena.

One wonders as to what and who the two Senas really stand for. Intolerance at its worst is only what they really seem to represent. And now, after the split, it has also become a rat race of outdoing each other at the game of misplaced regionalism. Essentially all are annoying rebels without a cause. Infact, are any of these Senas really qualified to represent the Maratha pride? Are they more Maharashtrian than those like Tendulkar, who makes the entire nation proud even as he remains unfalteringly loyal to his Maharashtrian roots? These are some of the questions that the people of Maharashtra should start asking themselves as well as the two Senas.

Now that the Master has stood up for his belief, it remains to be seen whether the Bombaywallaas…oops….the ‘Mumbaikars’ take a stand, come in support of their very own ‘Marathi Manoos’ and finally show all the Sena Thakerays (senior, junior, who ever ) ‘the boundary’. Infact reactions from the cricket fraternity itself left a lot to be desired. One expected a better show of solidarity at this point.

Sanjay Manjrekar in an interview with CNN IBN said that “Mumbai is about free spirited confident people”. It is time to come out in the open with all such spirit and confidence, as the nation watches.

HAPPY CHILDREN'S DAY

Through this blog, I greet all the children on the day chosen to be theirs. 

I wish food and education reach to a higher number of kids. 

I wish fewer children are forced in begging, prostitution, hazardous works, drugs, etc.

I wish The World in general and India in particular become a better (or less worse) place for those who are metaphors of the God Himself.

The girl-child in the picture (courtesy Swati) above says what must be conveyed - WE MUST OPPOSE, CONDEMN AND STOP FEMALE FOETICIDE.

Thanks Buddy

Last week I landed into the unfamiliar territory-literally. On the job training was new to me, and  I was more than excited to attend this first-of-my-life. Learning basics of banking and more options in finacle (software used in my bank) than are used in routine work was a good experience. Overall, it was more of fun than anything else. 

But the first day proved to be adventurous to us-at least to four of us - Ranvijay, Nikhil, Archana, and yours truly.

We had boarded route no. 492 from Gol chakkar in NOIDA. A 15 -16 year young boy, with just a hint of hair where mustaches he shall have in some years, boarded the bus and stood adjacent to me. The bus being a blueline, was 'crawling' at the speed that is associated with private ones at peak hours. In the mean time, Ranvijay got involved in a polite argument with a gentleman who was stupidly adamant on NOT shifting his bag a few inches. God knows what the man wanted. It was natural for me to keep an eye on the whole drama. 

People have some peculiar habits. I have one, of checking my pant pockets every now and then in a crowded place. Thank Heavens that I possess this one. The bus stopped at a traffic signal. I checked my pocket. God!!  My mobile was gone. The mobile that I is so precious to me. The mobile that I have NOT changed, even after repeated insistence by my dad to have a new one. The mobile that I flaunt, in spite of it being a Nokia 2300, that too in the age of N and E series.

That very mobile was gone. It took some nanoseconds to figure out my Modus operandi in such a scene. I got off the bus, shouting OYE RUK. I wasn't sure initially who the culprit was. But I followed my gut. I shouted at the guy who was going near the front door, who turned out to be the conductor. On advancing further, the BOY was there. Again I shouted OYE RUK. The Boy's walk turned into brisk walk and then into running. I started running too, but was no match for the thief. I knew I would not be able to nab him. He was smart. He may have done many 'assignments' successfully before. But this time, Ranvijay spoiled his party. My friend ran for about half a kilometer, and chased him. Not to say, the boy was poor and unlucky to have been caught by him. When I reached the scene, Ranvijay had given him enough beating. The boy begged. I took my mobile back. Then wanted to leave the scene. But the crowd had other ideas. Everyone started beating him. Even those who themselves would have picked my pocket on getting a chance, gave the boy all that they had.

Everyone wanted me to beat him. And look at the irony. I was the ONLY one who was saving him from the fury. 

Even in the bus, where the boy was dragged, I could NOT hit him.

Ranvijay kept on beating him. I kept on holding myself back. But both of us had one thing in common - ANGER, which was on the system and not on the boy. You know what, every possible human soul was a companion to the snatcher. I had followed the boy, shouting chor-chor, when he ran past a Police man. And that spineless, greedy cop showed as if he did not understand what was going on.

At the UP-Delhi border, the boy was handed over to a 'policeman' who was in plain dress. We showed some dissent, but then sensed the situation and let him go. 

I was happy to have me cell back. 

But the, for the first time, I had experienced the lawlessness that is associated with UP. It is not that Delhi is crime free. But the manner in which criminals roam around freely, it is a matter of shame.

In all this excursion, I have become  indebted to Ranvijay. He got my special mobile back. Thanks buddy.

HAPPY DEEPAWALI

Dear All,

The festival that reflects spirit of ONE INDIA is back again. The festival that shows that Indians can brighten even the darkest amavasya. The festival that sweetens the spirits.

And on this festival, I greet you, wishing a very happy, prosperous, safe and cheerful Diwali.

Eat sweets and dry fruits, Light up the houses and spirits, throw away the dirt and spread the message of unity.

Also, try staying away from crackers. And when you burst one, try recalling the children who are 'employed' in making them.

HAPPY DEEPAWALI TO ALL.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAOMI

As the title suggests, this post goes to you, birthday gal. 

Naomi, it seems like yesterday when you used to dismiss my hairstyle as horrendous and almost laughed at me wearing bathroom slippers in college.

TIME FLIES.

We have become friends. Though you still leave no chance to pull my leg;)

You have been jolly and you have been supportive. You have been an example and have been true.

I always carried admiration and respect for you. And this admiration and respect keeps on growing in my heart. 

Through this post, I take the opportunity to wish you on your birthday. May The Almighty showers HIS blessings upon you. And May you continue climbing the ladder of success, always.

MANY MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY.

Change

More often than not, a change instills freshness in life. And I experienced it last week on a two day trip to Chandigarh.

I had always frowned upon my dad's suggestions on accompanying him to the city. To a person living in a metro, a change could never be a trip to another city. "What can I get in Chandigarh that is not available in Delhi?", I asked my dad everytime. To me, mountains or beaches or jungles or countryside. These were the definition of change.

But the trip came as fresh breeze to me. I was amused by the magnificent beauty of the city. Clean roads cutting at right angles. Planned colonies, planned market. Sector 17 was icing on the cake.

The most important thing, I came out of my emotional trough ( read my last post).

Now my dad has asked me to have a trip to Ludhiana. But Mumbai is where I plan to head off to. 

Let's see.

Out of the Vacuum

I am back friends. Rejuvenated and re-invented. It is NOT that things have become better now. But I have stopped thinking about them. I have started enjoying the life. And I have started doing the trivial things that I like to do. It is not that it changed all of a sudden. It took time. And the trip to Chandigarh proved to be last nail in the coffin of my emotional vacuum. I feel good now. 

My people who supported me throughout this emotional trough deserve my thanks. But I am short of words to do so. Dad and Deepu, you have always been beside me. This time was no exception. I feel blessed. 

Sanjeev, Swati, Gary, Pooja mam. You held me when I was down. Thank you. 

Naomi, I thank you for listening whatever I shared.

Friends, I apologize for being on pills. But I discontinued them on Friday only.  Now I do not let negative thoughts enter my mind.  I shall never take them again in my life. And I can say it because I have changed my views and approach towards living.

Shall write about Chandigarh trip in my next post. 

Now feeling sleepy. Goodnight.

Positive!!! HOW?????

Friends, I am grateful to all of you for going through this blog and providing with your valuable feedback. Believe me, I never knew that my writings could ever be appreciated. I am no intellectual, I do not hold any degree/ diploma in literature. Moreover, I do not possess the hobby of reading. Yes friends, I do not read. Of the very few books that I have read, all were gifted. I mention reading because I always thought 'reading' was an indispensable recipe to write well.

Okay okay, let me NOT brag much. 

Through this post, I take an opportunity to thank those who consistently encourage me to write more and more.

I just noticed, I start my posts well, but end up pointing the negatives. That is why I want to write something positive. 

But friends, I am going through the toughest times of my life. Yes, I make no bones in sharing that I am in the worst mindset since I remember. We, a family of four, have seen days much worse. But I never lost heart. Today, I stand on crossroads, professional life refuses to take off. As if not getting a call for the IAS interview was not enough, I keep on getting bugged. Personally, I have never been so lonely among so many friends. 

I do not put the details. But I think my condition can be understood by the fact that since Monday, I have been taking anti-depression pills. And it took me great efforts to write my last post, where I thanked all of you for wishing me on my birthday. But now I believe I must share. The doctor says that I must bring ONLY positive thoughts. 

But friends, when those who are close to you, they become the source of depression, then what can be done?

Now Swati, please tell me, where can I get positive topics from. I am sorry Sanjeev. I lied. I am still on pills. Shall discontinue them soon. May be a day or two. 

In the end, I can only thank all those who have been so supportive all this while.

A special thanks to my boss Pooja Mam. Your support in the office was so healing. Deepak, Gary, Vaibhav, Ranvijay, Swati, and all those who took care of me, I thank all of you.

No friends, I do NOT need your sympathies. Just wishes, that I come out of it.

I promise to come out of it. Very soon. 

Thanks for your wishes

Sanjeev, Swati, Dr Mona, all those who wished me on my birthday through their valuable comments on this blog, I say Thank You to all . I also thank those who wished me through other fora. My family, my sister, Saurav, Michael, Tarun, Anjor, Gaurav bhai, Anna, Alka, Ruchi, Sanchi, Rajni, Farah, Shivani, Mannu, Pooja mam, Satya sir, Vaibhav, Gary, Ankit, Vijay, Sanya, Bala, Navdha, Monika, Ashis, Roshan sir, Dhiraj,Arti, Manmohan, Ranvijay, and my whole team. The list is endless. Apologies called for, if I have forgotten any name.

I also thank those who wished me in their hearts and shall tell their feelings the next time I meet them. And shall tell how busy they were to .........

Hehehehehe.

A special thanks to the person who introduced me to a new dimension of celebration. I always thought that the birthday boy/ gal has to throw a party. But this time, i was treated to a marvellous lunch. Custard was YUMMY. Thanks Naomi.

Ok buddies, till next time, ciao.

P.S. Do NOT forget to take a bite of THIS cake. :P

Ironical

HAPPY NAVRATRI TO ALL.

Yet again I am posting a post. And yet again I am late in doing this. I must change this habit.

The navratris have started and are being celebrated all over the country. I need NOT tell anyone that these navratris are considered to be the MOST pious days among Hindus. It is the GODDESS SHAKTI in her 9 forms who is worshipped.

FINE. GOOD.

But look who is worshipping the Goddess. A lady who worships her so that her daugher-in-law shall be 'blessed' with a male child.

Take this. There is a group of bhakts in my area, who would NOT leave any chance at a crowded place to brush against the body of a female. Boys in this group seem to carry permanent lust in their eyes. I wonder whether they do carry the same feelings for their own sisters and mothers. And this so called group of bhakts is 'organising' a jagaran of MAA DURGA. Give me a break.

There is this man in my locality who would beat his wife at any instance. Abusing must accompany the beatings. He has become a saint these days. Chanting Jai Mata Di.

I feel so helpless.

It is NOT that good people do not observe navratris. But then good becomes a relative word when we make comparisons. What is the use of worshipping a female deity, when our females do not feel safe while travelling in our cities? What is the bloody use of observing fasts when female foetuses can be found in backyards, and that too in scores?

I know I should NOT be getting too much negative. I should be sharing good thoughts on the holy occasion. And that is why I have NOT spoken for other issues like dowry deaths, molestation, discrimination, and numerous crimes that are committed against the fairer sex every single second.

I am not able to think of remedies to these problems. I really feel bad and helpless. Confronting the culprits at the metro or in a bus is something that does not kill demon once and for all.

I can only wish that Every single girl is allowed to take birth, achieve equal opportunities.

Happy Navratris.

Happy Independence Day

... ab ke baras tujhe dharti ki rani kar denge, ab ke baras...

I was enjoying my breakfast when this line from Manoj Kumar's Kranti fell into my jolly ears. The hitherto upbeat heart started an introspection of sorts. And this line proves to be a dream even today.

But then, I swore back at myself. 15th August should be a day to celebrate. And celebrations in my heart still continue, till writing of this post. Sixty two years since we became soverign. WOW!

But yes, we MUST learn to value this independence. We must tackle the threats to our Motherland that come in different faces. Terrorism, failed monsoon, rising prices, Swine flu, public peeing, eve-teasing, caste-system, corruption.. the list goes on.

Ooppsss........... again I took the track that seems inappropriate when the mood should be merry. Okays, let me put rest to my mind, that is speaking through my fingers at the moment.

Hey hang on! I am NOT done yet.

Okay, I wind up by saying that let us celebrate our nation's independence.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL FELLOW INDIANS.

And yeah, we have to keep humming..... ab ke baras tujhe darti ki rani kar denge..... and mean it , too.

Ever given a thought?? Have we?

On my way to office today, I saw someone "special" in the bus. Someone who would never attract anyone. Instead would cause some frowns. I was no different. I did opt for standing, rather than sitting beside her. I did not look at her. Wondering who she was? She was a Leper. Those 10 odd minutes in the bus seemed tortorous to me. My conscinece said, "Kunal, u were never like this." Anyway, I do not intend to express my feelings for myself or for the poor gal. All i can say is that now I hate myself for the said feelings. What I get to learn here is that...... we always cribb for something or the other. We are always ready with complaints. and we hardly thank the Almighty for giving us what we have.
Isnt it worth a thought?

An unplanned trip

Hey, it's yours truly in the centre, with Sunny on your right and Nikhil is the third one. We had visited Damdama lake on that day. It was turning out to be a boring Sunday. I was sure of not touching any book. Sunny and Nikhil didn't want cricket, for a change. So we had this sudden trip to the lake.
The place is in Gurgaon district, some 50 kms from our house in Safdarjang Enclave. It was a typical hot summer day. But the very thought of visiting Aravallis kept us going. And when I told the two dudes that our mobiles shall be on roaming there, I could see excitment in their eyes. Everything was very exciting, very pleasant. Even the weather gods came to party with us. So much so that we had a boating session - although the summer season made the lake look more like the water stretches that we see during train journeys, with buffaloes giving us company, from a distance.
Sunny and I even did some 'mountaineering' and reached a height of around 100 feet :)
On the way back, the laddoos and maththees were icing on the cake.....

Sometimes, unplanned events can spell magic. I felt recharged due to this trip, with all the mental fatigue gone.

India - 2 Nations in One

Walking through the streets
Often do I smile, with a tear in my Eye.

Inequality galores.
And I do get nightmares, That it Is here to stay.
But we have achieved, too.
That is something i can proudly say.
Sometimes the smile hides the tear,
Sometimes it is the other way.

Confused often as I am
Do wonder, what lies ahead.......
Glorious years to come,
Or fight for water and bread.

But then my heart speaks up
This is OUR country
and We have to keep it pious
Come what may.


I wrote these lines a couple of years back, and chose them to represent me in my Orkut and Facebook profiles. Now when I feel like changing the profile, these lines are too valuable to be lost. Hence, you see my creation in this blog.

Happy Birthday :)

Smile, frown, grin and tear
I have been through all this in the last year!!!!

Yes!!!! It's the first anniversary of my blog......
Though I love to write, but the number of posts on this blog, till date, reflect otherwise.

Today, i have kinda rediscovered myself, through this blog. Though not posting anything special at the moment, but shall be doing that now, more often than not.

Till then, Happy Birthday, My blog.....
:)

Jai Ho

It is March 1, and I am late to write on the fairytale story of Slumdog Millionaire. Till now, millions of words have been written on the topic, and I am sure billions are yet to come.

At the outset, congratulations to 'The Slumdog Family', as they like to be addressed. My selection of an AR Rehman pic to represent this post should make it clear that I am particularly excited about his success. Also, greetings to Gulzar and Pookutty.

Let's hope that this is just a beginning, and that we see many more Oscars, coming to India. And one day it is an Indian movie that gets the naked lady.
But how big is the probability to see it come true in the near future? Answer is, very low.

And let me throw reasons, before all those yet-to-come-out-of-euphoria people start coming for my head. Well, let us accept this. Slumdog...... is a british movie. True, it is shot in India. But so was Gandhi. It is worth mentioning that Gandhi claimed the same number of Oscars as Slumdog - 8. This time, 3 Indians share the pie.
So, we have to accept that West, especially Hollywood is not yet ready to entertain the movies meant to entertain the Indians. True, there are many 'Class' people in our society, who would find Nandita Das sexier than Bipasha Basu and who think Amitabh Bachchan should take some acting lessons from Amol Palekar. But such people are a minority. Most of the Indians still love the naach-gaana, the romance, the action, which is so easily ridiculed by the 'intellectuals'.
And I am sure that most of the Indian Filmmakers are still making movies for Indians. And they shall not compromise on that, in order to lure goraa log. There may be target viewers -multiplex goers, urban young, rural families, etc. But essentially, a Farhaan Akhtar, a Mahesh Bhatt, an Ashutosh Gowariker, an AB, an SRK, an AK, all of them target those Indians who do not confuse themselves with Americans or Europeans.

One more thing. POVERTY in India and movies on it. I know it has been discussed at many fora. So let it be another one. It is true that poverty exists in our country, which is painful and shameful. And to depict reality should not be criticized. But figure this ------ Mother India, Salaam Bombay and Lagaan. Only 3 movies till date to make it to the final five. And they had one thing in common - depiction of poverty. Now Slumdog.... almost clarifies what does the West like to see in our films.

There is no denying that Indian filmmakers should learn to be more creative. They should find new themes to make cinema on. And books should always be looked upon as a better option to get 'inspired', rather than Hollywood. And the new breed of filmmakers are doing the same. But in order to woo the Hollywood...... they should never forget that they are making movies for India and Indians. Karan Johar can be exempted.

In the end, I would like to tell everyone that I am NOT among those who a call a rose a 'thorny rose'. I would call it a rose, and that's it. So, Congratulations, once again to all the Indians who won the Oscar. And mentioning Smile Pinki is imperative. Greetings to the documentary team.

Till next Oscars, let us cherish the success, hoping for more. Till next Oscars, Jai Ho.

New JOB

Now this one is a classic example to show the effectiveness in the working of Govt Departments in our country. It highlights the 'coordination' between them.
Friday, January 16, 2009. The clock was saying 'quarter to five' in the evening. Ding-dong. The speed-post guy. My brother received it, which was a letter meant for me. He told me that I was selected in IDBI bank as an executive, for which I had taken a written test and an interview, and it was my appointment letter sent by the bank. Okay people, IDBI is 52.3% govt. For more, read
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_Development_Bank_of_India

The news came as a slight shock to me, although a happy one. Shock because they declared me 'not qualified' when I had checked results on the net. I thought that some factors other than my performance were responsible. But now, I became happy and started reading the letter, only to discover that a bigger shock was in store for me.
On turning the pages, I came to know that last day to report for the job was January 15, 2009. Are you getting the effectiveness and coordination that i was talking about? I got the letter a day later than the last date. In fact, it was dispatched on 16th. At least the stamp on envelope yelled that. It was just 10 minutes to 5. I had to report at Pusa Road branch, which would have got closed by 6. It was told on phone.Without wasting any time, I picked my certificates,and headed off for the office in an auto. My auto walla was a gem, who understood my situation and took me to the branch. He even took the pain of asking the whereabouts of the place. He was a very fine human being at heart, as he did not forget to wish me luck. And for all his wishes and contributions, Rs 150/- that he charged, for picking me from Safdarjang Enclave and dropping at Pusa, was just an offering, the farz that I had to fulfill.
Anyway, back to my appointment. They said that I was late. I was also prepared. To fight. To have heated arguments. But nothing of the sort happened. I explained the situation just once. And I was recruited, albeit next day, with some red tape involved.
And now, I am working there. Not for money. Not to make a career out of it. Being honest, I do not like the work. Though I am getting applause on daily basis. And i am getting it from the source that matters. My boss. She is a very sweet person. Many people have called me lucky to have Pooja Mam, as everyone calls her, as my boss. Other bosses are more interested in bossing around, rather than getting the things done. I noticed it today, when she said, "Yeah! No problem" when I asked whether tomorrow I could leave early.


I realize that I have been writing this post in a manner akin to sas bahu serials. Story starts at a place, then takes a digression. Then back. Then digression.
Anyway, coming back to my job, I have joined the bank because two years of studies at home has taken a toll on me. And by interacting with people, I hope to come out of the emotional vacuum that has got created around me. As for why this job, which is nowhere near the level of UPSC, well, I do not have marks to sit in Bank PO type exams. And SSC exams I have not taken. Corporate jobs shall pay me well. But then, time left to me shall be too less to be in touch with my books. So, this job has put me on an optimum place, if not the best....
Let's see what happens.

मर वे

updesh sandesh aadesh janadesh adhyadesh samavesh aavesh nivesh pravesh and roadways railways busways hillways takeaways doorways more-ways nowadays always faraway surveys Burveys karvey bharve marve ladve marve ladve marve

"Cheap Thrills" Diaries- Dilli Haat!

The weather is perfect and the place is colourful and vivacious….just as life ought to be!! I am writing about going to Dilli Haat (INA Market) one of these days. The Dastkar festival is on and it is the perfect time of the year to check out this place. The entry is Rs.15 per adult and Rs.10 for a child below 12 years of age. Start with the mandatory round of the haat, going from stall to stall. As you enter, starting from the left side of the market, there is a stall selling art de facts made from iron which are beautiful and affordable. If buying huge wall hangings is not your cup of tea, you could make do with a small souvenirs comprising of a bunch of tribal people dancing or a single tribal man beating the drums! They look beautiful and make for good gifts as well. Moving on, one comes across the hand crafted works and paintings from Orissa and Bihar. Madhubani, and other such styles of paintings. There are stalls for Pashmina’s from Kashmir and silks from Chanderi. Everything from carpets, to pearl and silver jewellery to woodcrafts and handicrafts are available in intricate designs and styles.

The food area starts somewhere around the middle of the market and offers a decent variety to gorge into. The scheme of the food court is such that one can explore food options from different States. Though with the passage of time, what remains is a loose segregation into ‘chaat-dosa type of food’ and the ‘ Indian chinese type of food’. Not much scope for trying out too many authentic dishes. I guess that is because there were’nt too many takers for it in a largely Punjabi-vaishnavi food loving Delhi!
Hygiene and cleanliness is not exactly the high point but the place does make for a good hang out zone for those who enjoy dhaba like ambience. There are lots of stall selling momos, fruit beer, chaat, north Indian meals etc. One has to explore to find out what is good where. But I do highly recommend the spicy Rajasthani thali at the Rajsthan food stall. It is as close as one can come to getting a taste of authentic Rajsthani food. For Rs.120 you can get a taste of dal-baati, rajasthani kadhi, bajra roti, rice, choorma, halwa and more! Two people can easily share the thali by ordering an extra roti. The Rajasthani kachori is also quiet popular. Infact, I noticed that the Rajsthan food stall itself is quiet a hit as compared to the rest of the food stalls. Oh yes, do not forget to polish it off with a steaming cup of tea served in an earthen kullar adding to the rustic feel!

The place has been done up nicely with colourful décor. It is particularly nice during the day when it is cold and the sun is pleasantly shining.

Continue exploring and interact with the artists and artisans sitting at the stalls. Most of them come from their native states and it’s a good break from the seasoned sales persons of Delhi!!

Go with a big gang or enjoy it in solitude. One can never get bored at this favourite hang out of mine. It is an open air locale and is not the same during the hot Delhi summers. So go right away and enjoy!

Jo beet gayi so baat gayi

Jo beet gayi so baat gayi
Jeevan mein ek sitara tha
Maana woh behad pyara tha
Woh doob gaya toe doob gaya
Ambar ke anan ko dekho
Kitney iske taarey tootey
Kitney iske pyarey chhootey
Jo chhoot gaye fir kahan miley?
Par bolo tootey taaron par
Kab ambar shok manata hai???

An extract from a poem by Harivansh Rai Bachchan that we had, so innocently read in school, without understanding the meaning. The spirit of the whole poem is very zindadil, urging the real man to go ahead. It rightly asks the man to live in present, thus paving foundation for a better future, by forgetting the past mis-haps. The poet has rightly asked not to have any regrets. Just to carry on.

But is it that easy to bring these lines to our lives? Is it possible for me NOT to think and get saddened in such a case? Sky has millions and billions of stars. Is that the case with me, too? NO. So why should I sport a fake smile? I don't intend to present a grim face. Still..............

BUT yeah! I believe that time is the best healer. And it shall heal me, too.

Tab tak, koshishein jaari rahengi , to live life, to the fullest.