CAN the Exempted List Ever be Expandable
As i stretch and fumble to take buses that would take me to different destinations where the space would be ample, the approach to a toll plaza is greeted with big signboards of NATional Highway Authority of INdia Exempted List. On the approach road is not only a list of exempted but there is a man who has been giving round the clock commentary on all those who have shown their performance to be no less exemplary. Exemption has been granted to these individuals for the exemplary valour shown by them and the exemption they seek now and then. THe round the clock commentary by a man for those being exemplary and thus seeking exemption has been meant to broaden the list and thereby include those who give commentary and don't boast.
This exempted list has been no short of a feast and the round the clock commentary is primarily targeted to include those who repeatedly take public transport and withdraw this exemption to those who come in red beacon boat. To make the toll plaza a truly toll experience, double hike in toll rates is the need for those coming in personal car of all shapes, sizes and sense. As exempted list has stayed for long the exempted list dignitaries have truly been seeking the much-required exemption at places of their work and stay. Exemption they seek from volcanic eruption from their near ones whom they fear and the rhymes they hum. Because once their near and nativeland occupants come to know that their dignitary kin has traversed the distance courtesy exemption, they seek similar exemption for the college they are rolled in or the duty hours in place of work they are soaked in.
As for the round the clock commentary that is being heard in the corridors of toll plazas, round is the shape of the exempted dignitaries and this is making the officials go round who decided to give exemption to this round about entities. Entities shaped round abound and this has led to all masters vested with powers to make others look thin and trim fall apart as expandable exempted list is bound to bloat. Exemption would be sought at every stage and this toll plaza has set the craze. This exempted list is expandable is the refrain ; after all this is very much possible after application of little brain.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Three hoardings i come across in the city.
First clothing for students going abroad. What it intends to arouse is clothing is a necessity if going to another country which is not receptive to a change of your residential status. Second is on discover the country in a city with 2 bhk from 31 lakh onwards and 3bhk from 50.5 lakh onwards. Third is on discover the genius within. Amply it states that we all are genius except the temperamental generosity that we are battling with.
First clothing for students going abroad. What it intends to arouse is clothing is a necessity if going to another country which is not receptive to a change of your residential status. Second is on discover the country in a city with 2 bhk from 31 lakh onwards and 3bhk from 50.5 lakh onwards. Third is on discover the genius within. Amply it states that we all are genius except the temperamental generosity that we are battling with.
The ride to Okha and beyond
The ride to OKha and beyond
Having been to Bet Dwarka on the second day of a six-day stay in Dwarka and its suburbs, the third day began on the note of taking a bus from Dwarka bus depot for Okha at 10.38 in the morning. Having seized a seat with no resistance whatsoever from near and distant co-passengers, the one seated adjacent to me was carrying agreement paper for hiring of a locker facility in a public sector bank. The locker facility paper was an alibi for taking the trip as the actual terms of movement had been fashioned by reasons best known to him.
Just two minutes ride and you are face to face with a board showing Okha 28 and mithapur 18, with Rukmini Mandir 1 km away. Just one and a half kms later a poster of Lord Govinda is sighted on the national highway. Sighting of not that equitable proportion in Mithapur is LIC Premium Collection Centre and Bharat stores .
As i inch towards the Okha beach (some prefer to call it Mithapur beach) the signboard of Okha Nagar Palika welcomes you is the sign of times we live in and a sureshot indication that visits by outsiders are welcome. Perhaps the fear of coming across dogged refusal by unsurpassable entities won't come true is the consolation.
Post Jetty transition, i come across Gujarat Maritime Board Okha Port Office. Head straight, turn left and from Dwarkadish Centre shop turn right and 200 metres away is the Okha beach, with the glow of the sea as enticing as ever. There is a Khodiyara Mata Mandir; some tracing its 25-year-old roots and adjacent to that is a SHiva idol in proximity to an idol of a saint. Two light houses can be spotted; one amidst the sea and other near the seashore. For a crystal clear view of the one near the seashore one has to trek a bit before getting the commanding view. Some make enquiries about why i intend to see the light house when one is there in DWARKA. That is truly and a testing case of getting inquisitive details.
With no commands whatsoever i take the view and head towards the railway station. Adjacent to the station is MAHadev Mandir; something that gets me inside and stay there for a while. Being the first visit to Mahadev CEntre, i relish the stay and head towards STation. Opposite to that is Western Railway Health Unit Okha and Officer Rest House; inaugurated in 2008.
Inside the station there are declarations holding true round the clock and round the year. All type of ticket and platform ticket available round the clock; there is a current reservation and enquiry centre; Working hrs Mon to Sat (8 to 2 and 2.15 to 8 pm) and on Sunday (8 to 2pm).
WHen i step out of the railway station, not having stepped inside the platforms of any durability and demeanour, the tea stall from where i took the tea is probably manned by others. During my turn there is an old tall guy taking care and handed the tea cup after bringing it close to his glasses. A bit strange but i don't find it offensive or intimidating as he is a man with a heart. This tea shop also serves as STD/ISD centre. There is a Vaishali Pan and cold drinks shop . Here atop the machine is written Jai Shri Krishna. It serves jeera soda, masala soda, orange, cola, lemon, fruit beer, kachi keri. One fill all for five, i settle for no less than four. Adjacent to this Aashapura restaurant and a SBI ATM centre. The wait for the bus makes me see a declaration by a declared entity who has discovered that the train to Rajkot is at 2.30 in the afternoon. But i declare in no uncertain terms the readiness to take the bus.
The return journey takes the bus through Welcome to Gujarat Maritime Board, Main Gate Okha Port. From GMB, the bus turns right and 500 metres away is jetty on the left. Then it turns right and heads straight. There on a wall is etched "Thanks for visit, Okha Gram Panchayat". Few minutes later on a house on the right side is etched "Hare Krishna Hare Rama Hare Hare" message and this is followed by spotting the Poster of Maha Param Dham Shri Tirupati Balaji Mandir, Highway Road , Barwala Dwarka ( 9825485235) .
THat was the third day followed by other three days during which i chanced upon the Dwarka station and the trains bound for Mumbai and Howrah. The interesting bit being they had fewer coaches from five to eight as they were supposed to get the big load from Rajkot. THe Dwarka station has had an entire makeover incurring an expenditure of Rs 312 lakh. The visit to Platform 1 after taking the platform ticket was interspersed with the sighting of a crowd sitting and standing waiting for their respective trains. If possible one should avoid the tea served on PF No 1 as it leaves you with enough thoughts of what all you could have done to avoid it.
As for other possible sighting made plausible once i stepped out of lodge in Dwarka were Mashak selection, vashtralaya selection, saray dharamsala, hotel shreejee (they are all near the Jawahar Road). On the same road is Adhunik hair art, hotel radha madhav and two different carts selling bombay masala puri, shreenath icecream.
Rest of the sighting on this road includes shreeram xerox, chetan selection and a board showing videocon, airtel, reliance. The Kismat Vinay hotel board shows chai, doodh coffee bournvita garam garam yahan se milega. Adjacent to mangalam shop is rudraksh gifts. Near mangalam shop is a tea cart from where i had tea in August is what all i can recall.
Having been to Bet Dwarka on the second day of a six-day stay in Dwarka and its suburbs, the third day began on the note of taking a bus from Dwarka bus depot for Okha at 10.38 in the morning. Having seized a seat with no resistance whatsoever from near and distant co-passengers, the one seated adjacent to me was carrying agreement paper for hiring of a locker facility in a public sector bank. The locker facility paper was an alibi for taking the trip as the actual terms of movement had been fashioned by reasons best known to him.
Just two minutes ride and you are face to face with a board showing Okha 28 and mithapur 18, with Rukmini Mandir 1 km away. Just one and a half kms later a poster of Lord Govinda is sighted on the national highway. Sighting of not that equitable proportion in Mithapur is LIC Premium Collection Centre and Bharat stores .
As i inch towards the Okha beach (some prefer to call it Mithapur beach) the signboard of Okha Nagar Palika welcomes you is the sign of times we live in and a sureshot indication that visits by outsiders are welcome. Perhaps the fear of coming across dogged refusal by unsurpassable entities won't come true is the consolation.
Post Jetty transition, i come across Gujarat Maritime Board Okha Port Office. Head straight, turn left and from Dwarkadish Centre shop turn right and 200 metres away is the Okha beach, with the glow of the sea as enticing as ever. There is a Khodiyara Mata Mandir; some tracing its 25-year-old roots and adjacent to that is a SHiva idol in proximity to an idol of a saint. Two light houses can be spotted; one amidst the sea and other near the seashore. For a crystal clear view of the one near the seashore one has to trek a bit before getting the commanding view. Some make enquiries about why i intend to see the light house when one is there in DWARKA. That is truly and a testing case of getting inquisitive details.
With no commands whatsoever i take the view and head towards the railway station. Adjacent to the station is MAHadev Mandir; something that gets me inside and stay there for a while. Being the first visit to Mahadev CEntre, i relish the stay and head towards STation. Opposite to that is Western Railway Health Unit Okha and Officer Rest House; inaugurated in 2008.
Inside the station there are declarations holding true round the clock and round the year. All type of ticket and platform ticket available round the clock; there is a current reservation and enquiry centre; Working hrs Mon to Sat (8 to 2 and 2.15 to 8 pm) and on Sunday (8 to 2pm).
WHen i step out of the railway station, not having stepped inside the platforms of any durability and demeanour, the tea stall from where i took the tea is probably manned by others. During my turn there is an old tall guy taking care and handed the tea cup after bringing it close to his glasses. A bit strange but i don't find it offensive or intimidating as he is a man with a heart. This tea shop also serves as STD/ISD centre. There is a Vaishali Pan and cold drinks shop . Here atop the machine is written Jai Shri Krishna. It serves jeera soda, masala soda, orange, cola, lemon, fruit beer, kachi keri. One fill all for five, i settle for no less than four. Adjacent to this Aashapura restaurant and a SBI ATM centre. The wait for the bus makes me see a declaration by a declared entity who has discovered that the train to Rajkot is at 2.30 in the afternoon. But i declare in no uncertain terms the readiness to take the bus.
The return journey takes the bus through Welcome to Gujarat Maritime Board, Main Gate Okha Port. From GMB, the bus turns right and 500 metres away is jetty on the left. Then it turns right and heads straight. There on a wall is etched "Thanks for visit, Okha Gram Panchayat". Few minutes later on a house on the right side is etched "Hare Krishna Hare Rama Hare Hare" message and this is followed by spotting the Poster of Maha Param Dham Shri Tirupati Balaji Mandir, Highway Road , Barwala Dwarka ( 9825485235) .
THat was the third day followed by other three days during which i chanced upon the Dwarka station and the trains bound for Mumbai and Howrah. The interesting bit being they had fewer coaches from five to eight as they were supposed to get the big load from Rajkot. THe Dwarka station has had an entire makeover incurring an expenditure of Rs 312 lakh. The visit to Platform 1 after taking the platform ticket was interspersed with the sighting of a crowd sitting and standing waiting for their respective trains. If possible one should avoid the tea served on PF No 1 as it leaves you with enough thoughts of what all you could have done to avoid it.
As for other possible sighting made plausible once i stepped out of lodge in Dwarka were Mashak selection, vashtralaya selection, saray dharamsala, hotel shreejee (they are all near the Jawahar Road). On the same road is Adhunik hair art, hotel radha madhav and two different carts selling bombay masala puri, shreenath icecream.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Having left Jamnagar: Dwarka and Bet Dwarka
Having left Jamnagar and inching towards Dwarka, apprehension was over the duration of stay in the temple town as the issue of accommodation coupled with seamless transition from one point to another confronted me. Not discounting the fact that the commute from Ahmedabad to Jamnagar via Rajkot was a picture of comfort given the unhindered passages the different vehicles got and the apprehensive thoughts that had yet to float.
Had to vacate the seat in the initial part of the journey as the bus left the Jamnagar depot and headed towards Khambaliya. The woman was carrying and seeing no surge of interest from any side it was appropriate to vacate the seat i occupied. Having secured the seat later the apprehension had scaled down by a notch or two as the seat i occupied was instrumental in keeping at bay the probable frightening sights. And by the time i was in Dwarka, the tendency to strut with the luggage was a natural act followed by queries on lodges which could be durable to ensure the long-lasting durability. After frenetic search i could reach to a lodge next to ISKCON Temple and the stay proved uninterrupted for the next six days.
The next day after Dwarkadish Darshan, the next halt happened to be Nageshwar for which a covered Chakda commute i had no quantum of aversion. Amidst 10 people who occupied the Chakda hoping to reach their respective destinations, i was on the side where most occupants happened to be one comfortable with mobile and giving updates as and when they had been through their session of rile. Post Advent passage (i could not sight the movie they were running) it was the railway crossing that saw the gates closed and here there was a sample of vehicles that seem to be inching towards the destination and nearby. Most on this end and the opposite side comprised of Chakdas and other mini buses, content with the number of passengers they were ferrying and hoping similar numbers would time and again keep on appearing.
Having kept my tryst with Nageshwar intact, the hard part began from here when no Chakdas going towards Mithapur could be sighted. Sighting of Chakdas was possible plausibly made possible by the surging crowd but none appeared to be heading towards Mithapur bout. After much persuasion i latched on to a one that dropped me at Gopi Talab, perhaps illustrating the two- km stretch all i had to content with as agonishing wait was all i had to trend with. THere was a collection of young girls barely in their teens and all gung ho about going to Mithapur. The query pointed at me was the place i hail from and my poser on classes they were enrolled in saw them read out different numbers; some not even three and yet moved by outspoken nature of their compatriots and revealing they were in classes beyond breach. The crowd was not intimidated by chakdas which refused to take them on board and their no-hurry agenda showed they had enough time to float. Wished them best for their simplicity and i hopped on to a one that actually intended to go to Mithapur.
The stretch from Gopi Talab to Mithapur has been in a state of disrepair for long and perhaps by the time i try this again in future hope the road would be tall and sturdy enough to withstand the rupture the different modes of vehicles unleash. It was half past one and i was in Mithapur to take another shared auto towards Jetty. In Jetty by two in the afternoon, the amount of dirt that had settled on the face and head had to be emptied before i could make the next outing and declare free of fatigue. The stretch between Mithapur and Jetty has trucks and diesel emitting vehicles taking a repeated shot and if one is not appropriately covered the head to toe rupture one can find it difficult to subvert .
THE GMB canteen came handy and equally handy was the tap located in a corner which had ample water in reserve. The wait was another one and a half hours before the vessel made its intention to move. Intent to carry on board as many passengers it could load the ride was not patchy and by half past six i was back from Bet Dwarka rendezvous. That was the second day of my six-day halt at Dwarka and the passage to Okha and beyond the other days was not that patchy and still something that travellers like us would keep in their memory blast.
Having left Jamnagar: Dwarka and Bet Dwarka
Dwarka and Bet Dwarka
Having left Jamnagar and inching towards Dwarka, apprehension was over the duration of stay in the temple town as the issue of accommodation coupled with seamless transition from one point to another confronted me. Not discounting the fact that the commute from Ahmedabad to Jamnagar via Rajkot was a picture of comfort given the unhindered passages the different vehicles got and the apprehensive thoughts that had yet to float.
Had to vacate the seat in the initial part of the journey as the bus left the Jamnagar depot and headed towards Khambaliya. The woman was carrying and seeing no surge of interest from any side it was appropriate to vacate the seat i occupied. Having secured the seat later the apprehension had scaled down by a notch or two as the seat i occupied was instrumental in keeping at bay the probable frightening sights. And by the time i was in Dwarka, the tendency to strut with the luggage was a natural act followed by queries on lodges which could be durable to ensure the long-lasting durability. After frenetic search i could reach to a lodge next to ISKCON Temple and the stay proved uninterrupted for the next six days.
The next day after Dwarkadish Darshan, the next halt happened to be Nageshwar for which a covered Chakda commute i had no quantum of aversion. Amidst 10 people who occupied the Chakda hoping to reach their respective destinations, i was on the side where most occupants happened to be one comfortable with mobile and giving updates as and when they had been through their session of rile. Post Advent passage (i could not sight the movie they were running) it was the railway crossing that saw the gates closed and here there was a sample of vehicles that seem to be inching towards the destination and nearby. Most on this end and the opposite side comprised of Chakdas and other mini buses, content with the number of passengers they were ferrying and hoping similar numbers would time and again keep on appearing.
Having kept my tryst with Nageshwar intact, the hard part began from here when no Chakdas going towards Mithapur could be sighted. Sighting of Chakdas was possible plausibly made possible by the surging crowd but none appeared to be heading towards Mithapur bout. After much persuasion i latched on to a one that dropped me at Gopi Talab, perhaps illustrating the two- km stretch all i had to content with as agonishing wait was all i had to trend with. THere was a collection of young girls barely in their teens and all gung ho about going to Mithapur. The query pointed at me was the place i hail from and my poser on classes they were enrolled in saw them read out different numbers; some not even three and yet moved by outspoken nature of their compatriots and revealing they were in classes beyond breach. The crowd was not intimidated by chakdas which refused to take them on board and their no-hurry agenda showed they had enough time to float. Wished them best for their simplicity and i hopped on to a one that actually intended to go to Mithapur.
The stretch from Gopi Talab to Mithapur has been in a state of disrepair for long and perhaps by the time i try this again in future hope the road would be tall and sturdy enough to withstand the rupture the different modes of vehicles unleash. It was half past one and i was in Mithapur to take another shared auto towards Jetty. In Jetty by two in the afternoon, the amount of dirt that had settled on the face and head had to be emptied before i could make the next outing and declare free of fatigue. The stretch between Mithapur and Jetty has trucks and diesel emitting vehicles taking a repeated shot and if one is not appropriately covered the head to toe rupture one can find it difficult to subvert .
THE GMB canteen came handy and equally handy was the tap located in a corner which had ample water in reserve. The wait was another one and a half hours before the vessel made its intention to move. Intent to carry on board as many passengers it could load the ride was not patchy and by half past six i was back from Bet Dwarka rendezvous. That was the second day of my six-day halt at Dwarka and the passage to Okha and beyond the other days was not that patchy and still something that travellers like us would keep in their memory blast.
Having left Jamnagar and inching towards Dwarka, apprehension was over the duration of stay in the temple town as the issue of accommodation coupled with seamless transition from one point to another confronted me. Not discounting the fact that the commute from Ahmedabad to Jamnagar via Rajkot was a picture of comfort given the unhindered passages the different vehicles got and the apprehensive thoughts that had yet to float.
Had to vacate the seat in the initial part of the journey as the bus left the Jamnagar depot and headed towards Khambaliya. The woman was carrying and seeing no surge of interest from any side it was appropriate to vacate the seat i occupied. Having secured the seat later the apprehension had scaled down by a notch or two as the seat i occupied was instrumental in keeping at bay the probable frightening sights. And by the time i was in Dwarka, the tendency to strut with the luggage was a natural act followed by queries on lodges which could be durable to ensure the long-lasting durability. After frenetic search i could reach to a lodge next to ISKCON Temple and the stay proved uninterrupted for the next six days.
The next day after Dwarkadish Darshan, the next halt happened to be Nageshwar for which a covered Chakda commute i had no quantum of aversion. Amidst 10 people who occupied the Chakda hoping to reach their respective destinations, i was on the side where most occupants happened to be one comfortable with mobile and giving updates as and when they had been through their session of rile. Post Advent passage (i could not sight the movie they were running) it was the railway crossing that saw the gates closed and here there was a sample of vehicles that seem to be inching towards the destination and nearby. Most on this end and the opposite side comprised of Chakdas and other mini buses, content with the number of passengers they were ferrying and hoping similar numbers would time and again keep on appearing.
Having kept my tryst with Nageshwar intact, the hard part began from here when no Chakdas going towards Mithapur could be sighted. Sighting of Chakdas was possible plausibly made possible by the surging crowd but none appeared to be heading towards Mithapur bout. After much persuasion i latched on to a one that dropped me at Gopi Talab, perhaps illustrating the two- km stretch all i had to content with as agonishing wait was all i had to trend with. THere was a collection of young girls barely in their teens and all gung ho about going to Mithapur. The query pointed at me was the place i hail from and my poser on classes they were enrolled in saw them read out different numbers; some not even three and yet moved by outspoken nature of their compatriots and revealing they were in classes beyond breach. The crowd was not intimidated by chakdas which refused to take them on board and their no-hurry agenda showed they had enough time to float. Wished them best for their simplicity and i hopped on to a one that actually intended to go to Mithapur.
The stretch from Gopi Talab to Mithapur has been in a state of disrepair for long and perhaps by the time i try this again in future hope the road would be tall and sturdy enough to withstand the rupture the different modes of vehicles unleash. It was half past one and i was in Mithapur to take another shared auto towards Jetty. In Jetty by two in the afternoon, the amount of dirt that had settled on the face and head had to be emptied before i could make the next outing and declare free of fatigue. The stretch between Mithapur and Jetty has trucks and diesel emitting vehicles taking a repeated shot and if one is not appropriately covered the head to toe rupture one can find it difficult to subvert .
THE GMB canteen came handy and equally handy was the tap located in a corner which had ample water in reserve. The wait was another one and a half hours before the vessel made its intention to move. Intent to carry on board as many passengers it could load the ride was not patchy and by half past six i was back from Bet Dwarka rendezvous. That was the second day of my six-day halt at Dwarka and the passage to Okha and beyond the other days was not that patchy and still something that travellers like us would keep in their memory blast.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Having reached Ahmedabad city
Having reached Ahmedabad city
Having reached Ahmedabad city, the one known for its simplicity, illustrating the desires of many to root themselves in a state that is known for its pragmatic take. The stay in Ahmedabad was for four days, starting from Sunday and coming to an end on the morning of Wednesday.
Perhaps the lodge near relief road where travellers like us hold their court, was meant to give the elaborate stay the meaningful stay, coming on board three movies from Hollywood tray. Peacemaker, The Hulk and Mission Impossible 3 were made plausibly possible to watch as the room had tv and others who were keeping a close watch. The strides were to Food Joints in the vicinity and the food being elaborate and showing us the way to being all-weather witty.
Public transport was tried for going beyond DElhi Darwaza and the Camp visited on a Tuesday was enough to relay thoughts on the same one that happened to be a six-year-old fray. By wednesday, the time was appropriate to head towards Rajkot and beyond and here the ST bus was most immaculate in its design to make us reach Rajkot in a record time. Beyond Rajkot the commute was shared between a maxi cab carrying 10 or more persons and a ST bus that seemed to be a fresh roll out from the factory perhaps never been out of the state and to a new territory. By late evening i had reached my destination and Bangad Bhawan showed the least inclination. Perhaps other lodges were not tied by the concept of single and they entertained whoever stayed within limits to mingle. The visit to Okha and beyond were considerably exhaustive and bringing on board the residents desire to be not repetitive. Most on the morning of Okha visit could be seen handling household chores and there the Chorus for Lord Govinda Grew when i spottted the Lord's poster on the highway glue. Perhaps the return trip to ST bus depot saw me deboard the bus near the poster and i collected all plausible information on the area where Lord had a new territory to give voluble direction. Perhaps the visit to the place would be tried some time later.
Having reached Ahmedabad city, the one known for its simplicity, illustrating the desires of many to root themselves in a state that is known for its pragmatic take. The stay in Ahmedabad was for four days, starting from Sunday and coming to an end on the morning of Wednesday.
Perhaps the lodge near relief road where travellers like us hold their court, was meant to give the elaborate stay the meaningful stay, coming on board three movies from Hollywood tray. Peacemaker, The Hulk and Mission Impossible 3 were made plausibly possible to watch as the room had tv and others who were keeping a close watch. The strides were to Food Joints in the vicinity and the food being elaborate and showing us the way to being all-weather witty.
Public transport was tried for going beyond DElhi Darwaza and the Camp visited on a Tuesday was enough to relay thoughts on the same one that happened to be a six-year-old fray. By wednesday, the time was appropriate to head towards Rajkot and beyond and here the ST bus was most immaculate in its design to make us reach Rajkot in a record time. Beyond Rajkot the commute was shared between a maxi cab carrying 10 or more persons and a ST bus that seemed to be a fresh roll out from the factory perhaps never been out of the state and to a new territory. By late evening i had reached my destination and Bangad Bhawan showed the least inclination. Perhaps other lodges were not tied by the concept of single and they entertained whoever stayed within limits to mingle. The visit to Okha and beyond were considerably exhaustive and bringing on board the residents desire to be not repetitive. Most on the morning of Okha visit could be seen handling household chores and there the Chorus for Lord Govinda Grew when i spottted the Lord's poster on the highway glue. Perhaps the return trip to ST bus depot saw me deboard the bus near the poster and i collected all plausible information on the area where Lord had a new territory to give voluble direction. Perhaps the visit to the place would be tried some time later.
Triambek and beyond
When i reached Gwalior there was something to fear. Though i was in battle gear, the dogged refusal to extend my train journey to Manmad saw me enter a territory that i was least expected to share. Going beyond platform, the first foray was towards the current reservation where those expected to hand out ticket were cracking jokes and expecting those in the queue to be no less than blokes. Having made queries on the seat availability front, it was met with a response that saw me and others grunt. No clear picture could be provided as the staff on the other side declared that all train charts had been prepared till 11 the next morning even though it was 9 the previous night. Tried to console that head TC office (platform 1) where i was directed to make further queries could break the logjam but here it was a picture of more discomfort and most in their cash registering form.
Wait was all that i could do and this period saw me go to Sooraj Medical store for headache relief and Jain Misthana Bhandar (opposite Sai Bhoj) for tea belief. At both places the personnel were good and handed me combiflam and tea that could inspire the agenda of brood.
Finally after much persuasion to myself i boarded the Karnataka Express and reached Manmad the next day with a journey spent across people who were good at heart. Except for two army jawans, the other jawans were equally wonderful for the compassion architect they were glued. Had it not been for this sleeper class ride, i would have failed to come across these men, women and babies who rose to the occasion and were wonderfully bright. They were supposed to get down at Kurduvadi, supposed to come at 10.08 at night and i got down at my station at some minutes past four when the SUN was equally bright.
At Manmad station i reached for Mohat kirana store for jaggery and post jaggery infusion i was back to my train commute to Nashik Junction. The commute onwards was to Triambek where when i reached most residents were awake. A little over 17 hours i had my luggage in the hotel room, for which i had to go beyond 400 plus cash zoom. The stay was wonderful in the town and this time Brahmagiri was not in the itinerary round.
When i left Triambek, there was one lady who was shouting in the bus and she was made known the displeasure the commuters were having. When Nashik was touched, Sharanpur Road was the target the scooterwallah fetched. Not a routine road by any standards (buses don't ply on this stretch), i am of the belief that in two years' time it would see buses plying and more commuters not escaping and trying. Post ticket purchase which read the status of waiting list 13, the next day i somehow managed to get in the train with a waiting list three and saw the Gujarat Mail reach the destination with no extra fee.
Gujarat saw me share wonderful stories about resilience and a new gear.
When i reached Gwalior there was something to fear. Though i was in battle gear, the dogged refusal to extend my train journey to Manmad saw me enter a territory that i was least expected to share. Going beyond platform, the first foray was towards the current reservation where those expected to hand out ticket were cracking jokes and expecting those in the queue to be no less than blokes. Having made queries on the seat availability front, it was met with a response that saw me and others grunt. No clear picture could be provided as the staff on the other side declared that all train charts had been prepared till 11 the next morning even though it was 9 the previous night. Tried to console that head TC office (platform 1) where i was directed to make further queries could break the logjam but here it was a picture of more discomfort and most in their cash registering form.
Wait was all that i could do and this period saw me go to Sooraj Medical store for headache relief and Jain Misthana Bhandar (opposite Sai Bhoj) for tea belief. At both places the personnel were good and handed me combiflam and tea that could inspire the agenda of brood.
Finally after much persuasion to myself i boarded the Karnataka Express and reached Manmad the next day with a journey spent across people who were good at heart. Except for two army jawans, the other jawans were equally wonderful for the compassion architect they were glued. Had it not been for this sleeper class ride, i would have failed to come across these men, women and babies who rose to the occasion and were wonderfully bright. They were supposed to get down at Kurduvadi, supposed to come at 10.08 at night and i got down at my station at some minutes past four when the SUN was equally bright.
At Manmad station i reached for Mohat kirana store for jaggery and post jaggery infusion i was back to my train commute to Nashik Junction. The commute onwards was to Triambek where when i reached most residents were awake. A little over 17 hours i had my luggage in the hotel room, for which i had to go beyond 400 plus cash zoom. The stay was wonderful in the town and this time Brahmagiri was not in the itinerary round.
When i left Triambek, there was one lady who was shouting in the bus and she was made known the displeasure the commuters were having. When Nashik was touched, Sharanpur Road was the target the scooterwallah fetched. Not a routine road by any standards (buses don't ply on this stretch), i am of the belief that in two years' time it would see buses plying and more commuters not escaping and trying. Post ticket purchase which read the status of waiting list 13, the next day i somehow managed to get in the train with a waiting list three and saw the Gujarat Mail reach the destination with no extra fee.
Gujarat saw me share wonderful stories about resilience and a new gear.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
The vehicle that has disdain for traffic rules
THe search for meal to be followed by cyber cafe deal took me to a place, known in local parlance as Bhavani Mandir, intersped with a scooterwallah who was as notorious as he could afford to be and i being told to get down at Bhawani Mandir. Trying to board another scooter for the unreliability quotient the previous one had flaunted, there was this white coloured vehicle with a Haryana number plate, the digits read 8880 or 8888, and the menacing way in which it came surging towards us showed the utter disregard for traffic rules these big movers of machines have who have their mental adapatability touching their feet.
If that was not enough the bus ride back to Roopalee saw the conductor flaunt his temperamental skills and a query to him on his conduct was met with a response: "Yeh public sar pe charti hai aur aisa karna jaroori hai."
If that was not enough the bus ride back to Roopalee saw the conductor flaunt his temperamental skills and a query to him on his conduct was met with a response: "Yeh public sar pe charti hai aur aisa karna jaroori hai."
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Peanuts from Dadar and the bus ride
Peanuts from Dadar and the bus ride
Having procured peanuts from Dadar station the other day, it reminded me of the long journey i had undertaken since morning. It was the bus heading towards Nashik that gave me the comfort that i could break my journey and proceed towards Mumbai later. The Nashik bus ride wasn't bad except for the driver oldish in shape but driving at a breakneck speed. It was quarter to 11 in the morning when i boarded the bus and there was something amiss as conductor had a huge problem with my luggage reminding me of how weighty the bus had become thanks to my weighty shape and the luggage weight.
Post ticket delivery i shifted to the front seat with a request to the driver that the overbearing luggage can be accommodated in the vicinity of the front seat. He was ok with this but what was not ok was the way he was driving. At full force and with nothing to fear. On occasions he went past people on road and small vehicles that were plying withing their limits. His bus almost had a near miss with most of them. I just kept my eyes on the road and hoped nothing untoward happened.
It did not take long for him to have more than the desired brush and that too with a dog. The bus was speeding and there was a dog sitting not in the middle of the road but on a stretch close to the road. There was ample space for the driver to do manoeuvring. But as the bus neared the dog, he kept the movement straight and did not care to occupy more road space and bring it in the middle. And the rear portion of the bus hit the dog and there was a huge thud and what followed was inexplicable. The driver looked at the mirror and kept driving. i had known by then that the dog had been hit by the force of the bus and the rear hit would have made him succumb.
The bus kept moving and there was nothing one could do about. But that oldish driver could have easily spared the dog had he been a bit careful. At Sinnar bus station, the driver was replaced but the damage had been done. The best course would be to put this driver and others who engage in reckless driving on time duty and take them away from driving schedule. But who would look into these issues? Hope better sense prevails
Having reached Nashik, the bus ride showed the urgency to go for a strong cuppa which post persuasive efforts i was able to manage. The bus ride from Nashik to Mumbai was not that bad and there were fewer halts. At the Kurla CST Flyover the bus driver thundered "Sampooran Jam". But the Jam disappeared sooner than expected and later i reached PrabhaDevi Road on time. The taxi ride from Dadar to Prabha Devi Road gave me the opportunity to get into a new fabric and the one pyjama which i was sporting for two days - this pyjama, procured from Esplanade, Kolkata, served as a pant with effortless ease - was left inadvertently in the taxi. This folly was realised when i was 500kms away from Mumbai.
The taxi ride from Prabha Devi Road to Mumbai Central took time given the long traffic trail. Still it was comfortable but not comfortable to the point when i was told to shell out Rs 90 for a ride from Prabha DEvi Road to Mumbai Central. The charge steep and by then i had realised the folly of not taking the bus. It was in Mumbai Central that the man manning the counter posting updates on ticket status brought forth the misery of travelling on a waiting ticket and thundered" Phek Dega TTE train ke bahar. Ticket Cancel kar lo"
I went to main reservation counter to cancel the same but was told to not do so by other passengers. One said: "Yeh train TTE ke baap ki nahi hain. Yeh Govt of India ki Train Hai". They advised me to try my luck as there could be cancellations at the last moment. Further there was at least this consolation that i can travel in Sleeper Class as the ticket was for AC Coach. When the train began to move there was a big group on board. And here TTE told me that it is up to me to make adjustments with the group. Though rescue was not possible and even my pleading to a nearby passenger who had RAC status to let me sit on the side of the seat he had positioned for sleep fell on deaf years. Later well past 12 the TTE gave me the upper berth on another coach and i was saved from the inevitability of hopping from one coach to another the entire night.
And the train ride was still the best option as the buswallahs outside the Mumbai Central were frank enough to set a 12-hour schedule. Post Mumbai Central the first halt was in Dadar where packets of peanuts were tried with the comfort that i would reach my destination without being made to deboard.
Having procured peanuts from Dadar station the other day, it reminded me of the long journey i had undertaken since morning. It was the bus heading towards Nashik that gave me the comfort that i could break my journey and proceed towards Mumbai later. The Nashik bus ride wasn't bad except for the driver oldish in shape but driving at a breakneck speed. It was quarter to 11 in the morning when i boarded the bus and there was something amiss as conductor had a huge problem with my luggage reminding me of how weighty the bus had become thanks to my weighty shape and the luggage weight.
Post ticket delivery i shifted to the front seat with a request to the driver that the overbearing luggage can be accommodated in the vicinity of the front seat. He was ok with this but what was not ok was the way he was driving. At full force and with nothing to fear. On occasions he went past people on road and small vehicles that were plying withing their limits. His bus almost had a near miss with most of them. I just kept my eyes on the road and hoped nothing untoward happened.
It did not take long for him to have more than the desired brush and that too with a dog. The bus was speeding and there was a dog sitting not in the middle of the road but on a stretch close to the road. There was ample space for the driver to do manoeuvring. But as the bus neared the dog, he kept the movement straight and did not care to occupy more road space and bring it in the middle. And the rear portion of the bus hit the dog and there was a huge thud and what followed was inexplicable. The driver looked at the mirror and kept driving. i had known by then that the dog had been hit by the force of the bus and the rear hit would have made him succumb.
The bus kept moving and there was nothing one could do about. But that oldish driver could have easily spared the dog had he been a bit careful. At Sinnar bus station, the driver was replaced but the damage had been done. The best course would be to put this driver and others who engage in reckless driving on time duty and take them away from driving schedule. But who would look into these issues? Hope better sense prevails
Having reached Nashik, the bus ride showed the urgency to go for a strong cuppa which post persuasive efforts i was able to manage. The bus ride from Nashik to Mumbai was not that bad and there were fewer halts. At the Kurla CST Flyover the bus driver thundered "Sampooran Jam". But the Jam disappeared sooner than expected and later i reached PrabhaDevi Road on time. The taxi ride from Dadar to Prabha Devi Road gave me the opportunity to get into a new fabric and the one pyjama which i was sporting for two days - this pyjama, procured from Esplanade, Kolkata, served as a pant with effortless ease - was left inadvertently in the taxi. This folly was realised when i was 500kms away from Mumbai.
The taxi ride from Prabha Devi Road to Mumbai Central took time given the long traffic trail. Still it was comfortable but not comfortable to the point when i was told to shell out Rs 90 for a ride from Prabha DEvi Road to Mumbai Central. The charge steep and by then i had realised the folly of not taking the bus. It was in Mumbai Central that the man manning the counter posting updates on ticket status brought forth the misery of travelling on a waiting ticket and thundered" Phek Dega TTE train ke bahar. Ticket Cancel kar lo"
I went to main reservation counter to cancel the same but was told to not do so by other passengers. One said: "Yeh train TTE ke baap ki nahi hain. Yeh Govt of India ki Train Hai". They advised me to try my luck as there could be cancellations at the last moment. Further there was at least this consolation that i can travel in Sleeper Class as the ticket was for AC Coach. When the train began to move there was a big group on board. And here TTE told me that it is up to me to make adjustments with the group. Though rescue was not possible and even my pleading to a nearby passenger who had RAC status to let me sit on the side of the seat he had positioned for sleep fell on deaf years. Later well past 12 the TTE gave me the upper berth on another coach and i was saved from the inevitability of hopping from one coach to another the entire night.
And the train ride was still the best option as the buswallahs outside the Mumbai Central were frank enough to set a 12-hour schedule. Post Mumbai Central the first halt was in Dadar where packets of peanuts were tried with the comfort that i would reach my destination without being made to deboard.
Triambek and beyond
Triambek and beyond
When i reached Gwalior there was something to fear. Though i was in battle gear, the dogged refusal to extend my train journey to Manmad saw me enter a territory that i was least expected to share. Going beyond platform, the first foray was towards the current reservation where those expected to hand out ticket were cracking jokes and expecting those in the queue to be no less than blokes. Having made queries on the seat availability front, it was met with a response that saw me and others grunt. No clear picture could be provided as the staff on the other side declared that all train charts had been prepared till 11 the next morning even though it was 9 the previous night. Tried to console that head TC office (platform 1) where i was directed to make further queries could break the logjam but here it was a picture of more discomfort and most in their cash registering form.
Wait was all that i could do and this period saw me go to Sooraj Medical store for headache relief and Jain Misthana Bhandar (opposite Sai Bhoj) for tea belief. At both places the personnel were good and handed me combiflam and tea that could inspire the agenda of brood.
Finally after much persuasion to myself i boarded the Karnataka Express and reached Manmad the next day with a journey spent across people who were good at heart. Except for two army jawans, the other jawans were equally wonderful for the compassion architect they were glued. Had it not been for this sleeper class ride, i would have failed to come across these men, women and babies who rose to the occasion and were wonderfully bright. They were supposed to get down at Kurduvadi, supposed to come at 10.08 at night and i got down at my station at some minutes past four when the SUN was equally bright.
At Manmad station i reached for Mohat kirana store for jaggery and post jaggery infusion i was back to my train commute to Nashik Junction. The commute onwards was to Triambek where when i reached most residents were awake. A little over 17 hours i had my luggage in the hotel room, for which i had to go beyond 400 plus cash zoom. The stay was wonderful in the town and this time Brahmagiri was not in the itinerary round.
When i left Triambek, there was one lady who was shouting in the bus and she was made known the displeasure the commuters were having. When Nashik was touched, Sharanpur Road was the target the scooterwallah fetched. Not a routine road by any standards (buses don't ply on this stretch), i am of the belief that in two years' time it would see buses plying and more commuters not escaping and trying. Post ticket purchase which read the status of waiting list 13, the next day i somehow managed to get in the train with a waiting list three and saw the Gujarat Mail reach the destination with no extra fee.
Gujarat saw me share wonderful stories about resilience and a new gear.
When i reached Gwalior there was something to fear. Though i was in battle gear, the dogged refusal to extend my train journey to Manmad saw me enter a territory that i was least expected to share. Going beyond platform, the first foray was towards the current reservation where those expected to hand out ticket were cracking jokes and expecting those in the queue to be no less than blokes. Having made queries on the seat availability front, it was met with a response that saw me and others grunt. No clear picture could be provided as the staff on the other side declared that all train charts had been prepared till 11 the next morning even though it was 9 the previous night. Tried to console that head TC office (platform 1) where i was directed to make further queries could break the logjam but here it was a picture of more discomfort and most in their cash registering form.
Wait was all that i could do and this period saw me go to Sooraj Medical store for headache relief and Jain Misthana Bhandar (opposite Sai Bhoj) for tea belief. At both places the personnel were good and handed me combiflam and tea that could inspire the agenda of brood.
Finally after much persuasion to myself i boarded the Karnataka Express and reached Manmad the next day with a journey spent across people who were good at heart. Except for two army jawans, the other jawans were equally wonderful for the compassion architect they were glued. Had it not been for this sleeper class ride, i would have failed to come across these men, women and babies who rose to the occasion and were wonderfully bright. They were supposed to get down at Kurduvadi, supposed to come at 10.08 at night and i got down at my station at some minutes past four when the SUN was equally bright.
At Manmad station i reached for Mohat kirana store for jaggery and post jaggery infusion i was back to my train commute to Nashik Junction. The commute onwards was to Triambek where when i reached most residents were awake. A little over 17 hours i had my luggage in the hotel room, for which i had to go beyond 400 plus cash zoom. The stay was wonderful in the town and this time Brahmagiri was not in the itinerary round.
When i left Triambek, there was one lady who was shouting in the bus and she was made known the displeasure the commuters were having. When Nashik was touched, Sharanpur Road was the target the scooterwallah fetched. Not a routine road by any standards (buses don't ply on this stretch), i am of the belief that in two years' time it would see buses plying and more commuters not escaping and trying. Post ticket purchase which read the status of waiting list 13, the next day i somehow managed to get in the train with a waiting list three and saw the Gujarat Mail reach the destination with no extra fee.
Gujarat saw me share wonderful stories about resilience and a new gear.
The Goa Express i took by Puneet Rajhans
The Goa Express i took and the expressive intent that others showed
As i took Goa express with no expressive intent of reaching Goa, the B1 ticket was till Gwalior , with the TTE (TTE hota hai ki TTI? Kaun Jane?) expressing the persuasive skills i need to employ to make his expressionless face undergo a transition from head to toe. Perhaps the intro from my side of being a journo attempting to be a writer did not cut much ice with him and he took offence to my tone. Having being ticked off for my tone i apologised (apology dena tha nahi toh train ka safar kar deta kharab) , he said he would communicate to me about my onward journey from Gwalior and he promised to do his best.
At Nizamuddin Station, the chart clearly showed at least two seats Seat Number 2 and 39 to be filled from Ahmednagar and beyond. When i approached him at Gwalior, the TTE was in a different mood and told me point blank that no extension of journey can be provided and i deboarded the train at Gwalior. The transaction that this TTE had engaged a little after a man boarded the train from Agra with no exchange of receipt made me suspect that i stood little chance of extension as receipt the TTE won't be complying with and i won't be taking the other route which some passengers do as they give a damn to rules. The Gwalior stay was for over five hours as which ever train came, the TTE refused point blank to give a seat. Here in Gwalior i made innumerable rounds to TC Head office and made innumerable requests. But these guys were in their own world obliging those from whom they could gain. First i took the Karnataka Express General Ticket replaced it with a GT General Ticket and when GT came the first TTE of the first ac coach was furious and took no time to show his temperamental nature. The second TTE was better and simply expressed his inability.
Having taken the Karnataka General ticket again, this was followed by Karnataka Express turmoil (Thursday morning well after 1 a.m.) where the batch the AC TTE was wearing showed him to be Head TTE. And he was bang on brutality: "Kahein se laon seat.? Thali me parosh do.? Apne pocket se nikaloo.? And a lot of other stuff. The other TTE (another AC Coach) ahead of that AC Coach wasn't brutal but he could not provide a rescue plan. THese two TTEs, one of GT Express and another of Karnataka Express, were brutal to the core and if ever the department does a honest check, the truth would come out. Perhaps the passengers are to be blamed for taking these TTEs to such heights where they use their imaginary skills - not to be used at their place of stay- to make the immaculate passenger bow to their real and not imaginary command.
As some sleeper coaches were locked from inside, i somehow managed to get in Karnataka Express S2 coach and there was a big rush that followed me. There were two lathi wielding security guys too got inside by landing slaps on standing passengers in the coach and were at their expletive best. Later they did rounds of the coach and looked to be normal and tamed ones. Perhaps they would have realised that by raining blows on hapless passengers, the same can happen to the members in their family as the WORLD IS ROUND.
THe coach like any other coach was brimming to its capacity, each flowing with no less than 400 passengers given the spiritual meet that they had gone to attend in the National Capital and most hailing from Maharashtra and some places bordering Karnataka.
Here there was a Army Jawan (Seat Number 65) with his family who boarded the train from Jhansi and made those occupying his seats vacate them - at least 15 persons had to make way for his comfortable ride - and they kept standing or getting a space to stand in the passage or next to a bathroom till late afternoon. There was another Jawan (seat number 58) having boarded the train prior to him and he flew in rage and kept repeating that this coach is meant for defence personnel and was at his best in abusing civilians. What grouse these two Jawans had was that no one could even share an inch of their seat and these hapless passengers had to settle with standing instructions. What a mockery of rules these Jawans make and how inhuman they can be .
THe Jhansi Jawan on Thursday afternoon (Nov. 17) had more sinister plans up his sleeves. He wanted an equal comfortable place for his luggage and started removing the pieces of others and even those seated in the passage, he asked them to move. i was sharing space with three persons on upper berth and the old man who was seated next to me was asked by this Jhansi Jawan to get down and remove his luggage. THe old man obliged and the rest of the members of his group too obliged and this was discomforting to a large extent.
Though i was having the general ticket but there were scores like me who were travelling on a general ticket; most seated next to the bathroom or in the passage and i knew the TTE was well aware of that and he did not raise any objection. Perhaps this TTE understood the ground reality well and was as helpful as one could get as a coach carrying 400 passengers with a seating capacity of 72 had to show the human side of existence. I got down at a station near Ahmednagar, perhaps a bit scared for the folly of travelling on a general ticket in sleeper but most of the time was spent in passage or near the entrance. At least this consolation was there that i was not made to chip in for the largesee the TTE would have demanded with no receipt whatsoever.
This train ride like the large number of ones in the past showed that there are TTEs who are understanding and there are the those who are brutal. Perhaps the aam admi needs to curb the practice of obliging TTEs and need to seek receipt. More of this is encouraged, more would be the possibility of getting the requisite seat in places like Gwalior as there are vacant seats at every station and it is up to TTEs to choose between brutality and humanity.
As for the ride from National Capital, the best course would have been to take the ticket in advance. But there have been occasions when the ticket has been procured in advance and yet the confirmation is next to impossible. Still the ticket procured in advance at least gives you the leeway to travel in the coach though the seat-procurement may be a tall order.
As i took Goa express with no expressive intent of reaching Goa, the B1 ticket was till Gwalior , with the TTE (TTE hota hai ki TTI? Kaun Jane?) expressing the persuasive skills i need to employ to make his expressionless face undergo a transition from head to toe. Perhaps the intro from my side of being a journo attempting to be a writer did not cut much ice with him and he took offence to my tone. Having being ticked off for my tone i apologised (apology dena tha nahi toh train ka safar kar deta kharab) , he said he would communicate to me about my onward journey from Gwalior and he promised to do his best.
At Nizamuddin Station, the chart clearly showed at least two seats Seat Number 2 and 39 to be filled from Ahmednagar and beyond. When i approached him at Gwalior, the TTE was in a different mood and told me point blank that no extension of journey can be provided and i deboarded the train at Gwalior. The transaction that this TTE had engaged a little after a man boarded the train from Agra with no exchange of receipt made me suspect that i stood little chance of extension as receipt the TTE won't be complying with and i won't be taking the other route which some passengers do as they give a damn to rules. The Gwalior stay was for over five hours as which ever train came, the TTE refused point blank to give a seat. Here in Gwalior i made innumerable rounds to TC Head office and made innumerable requests. But these guys were in their own world obliging those from whom they could gain. First i took the Karnataka Express General Ticket replaced it with a GT General Ticket and when GT came the first TTE of the first ac coach was furious and took no time to show his temperamental nature. The second TTE was better and simply expressed his inability.
Having taken the Karnataka General ticket again, this was followed by Karnataka Express turmoil (Thursday morning well after 1 a.m.) where the batch the AC TTE was wearing showed him to be Head TTE. And he was bang on brutality: "Kahein se laon seat.? Thali me parosh do.? Apne pocket se nikaloo.? And a lot of other stuff. The other TTE (another AC Coach) ahead of that AC Coach wasn't brutal but he could not provide a rescue plan. THese two TTEs, one of GT Express and another of Karnataka Express, were brutal to the core and if ever the department does a honest check, the truth would come out. Perhaps the passengers are to be blamed for taking these TTEs to such heights where they use their imaginary skills - not to be used at their place of stay- to make the immaculate passenger bow to their real and not imaginary command.
As some sleeper coaches were locked from inside, i somehow managed to get in Karnataka Express S2 coach and there was a big rush that followed me. There were two lathi wielding security guys too got inside by landing slaps on standing passengers in the coach and were at their expletive best. Later they did rounds of the coach and looked to be normal and tamed ones. Perhaps they would have realised that by raining blows on hapless passengers, the same can happen to the members in their family as the WORLD IS ROUND.
THe coach like any other coach was brimming to its capacity, each flowing with no less than 400 passengers given the spiritual meet that they had gone to attend in the National Capital and most hailing from Maharashtra and some places bordering Karnataka.
Here there was a Army Jawan (Seat Number 65) with his family who boarded the train from Jhansi and made those occupying his seats vacate them - at least 15 persons had to make way for his comfortable ride - and they kept standing or getting a space to stand in the passage or next to a bathroom till late afternoon. There was another Jawan (seat number 58) having boarded the train prior to him and he flew in rage and kept repeating that this coach is meant for defence personnel and was at his best in abusing civilians. What grouse these two Jawans had was that no one could even share an inch of their seat and these hapless passengers had to settle with standing instructions. What a mockery of rules these Jawans make and how inhuman they can be .
THe Jhansi Jawan on Thursday afternoon (Nov. 17) had more sinister plans up his sleeves. He wanted an equal comfortable place for his luggage and started removing the pieces of others and even those seated in the passage, he asked them to move. i was sharing space with three persons on upper berth and the old man who was seated next to me was asked by this Jhansi Jawan to get down and remove his luggage. THe old man obliged and the rest of the members of his group too obliged and this was discomforting to a large extent.
Though i was having the general ticket but there were scores like me who were travelling on a general ticket; most seated next to the bathroom or in the passage and i knew the TTE was well aware of that and he did not raise any objection. Perhaps this TTE understood the ground reality well and was as helpful as one could get as a coach carrying 400 passengers with a seating capacity of 72 had to show the human side of existence. I got down at a station near Ahmednagar, perhaps a bit scared for the folly of travelling on a general ticket in sleeper but most of the time was spent in passage or near the entrance. At least this consolation was there that i was not made to chip in for the largesee the TTE would have demanded with no receipt whatsoever.
This train ride like the large number of ones in the past showed that there are TTEs who are understanding and there are the those who are brutal. Perhaps the aam admi needs to curb the practice of obliging TTEs and need to seek receipt. More of this is encouraged, more would be the possibility of getting the requisite seat in places like Gwalior as there are vacant seats at every station and it is up to TTEs to choose between brutality and humanity.
As for the ride from National Capital, the best course would have been to take the ticket in advance. But there have been occasions when the ticket has been procured in advance and yet the confirmation is next to impossible. Still the ticket procured in advance at least gives you the leeway to travel in the coach though the seat-procurement may be a tall order.
Suggested Veg menu
The suggested Veg menu Plan I come for Rs 170 holding true for at least 15 persons. There are suggested Plan II and Plan III. And they too have pricing structure with nothing coming for free.
Steep are the rates for Veg lunch and veg lunch which one wants to have at home and don't want to enjoy the restaurant fun. The rates for fixed veg pack too has been revised upwards given the upward revision the nation is in for a long session.
It was in Triambek and the New Samadhan food joint i had set my sights on given the 13 items they serve and with no frown. THe night spent in Triambek was great as it was one sleep with no break. There have been fewer such nights of others when they sleep and getting in the morning and with no signs of shriek. If the sleep is sound and with no accretion of pound then you are in a world of paradise with fewer habits of taking others bite.
Steep are the rates for Veg lunch and veg lunch which one wants to have at home and don't want to enjoy the restaurant fun. The rates for fixed veg pack too has been revised upwards given the upward revision the nation is in for a long session.
It was in Triambek and the New Samadhan food joint i had set my sights on given the 13 items they serve and with no frown. THe night spent in Triambek was great as it was one sleep with no break. There have been fewer such nights of others when they sleep and getting in the morning and with no signs of shriek. If the sleep is sound and with no accretion of pound then you are in a world of paradise with fewer habits of taking others bite.
Peanuts from Dadar and the bus ride
Peanuts from Dadar and the bus ride
Having procured peanuts from Dadar station the other day, it reminded me of the long journey i had undertaken since morning. It was the bus heading towards Nashik that gave me the comfort that i could break my journey and proceed towards Mumbai later. The Nashik bus ride wasn't bad except for the driver oldish in shape but driving at a breakneck speed. It was quarter to 11 in the morning when i boarded the bus and there was something amiss as conductor had a huge problem with my luggage reminding me of how weighty the bus had become thanks to my weighty shape and the luggage weight.
Post ticket delivery i shifted to the front seat with a request to the driver that the overbearing luggage can be accommodated in the vicinity of the front seat. He was ok with this but what was not ok was the way he was driving. At full force and with nothing to fear. On occasions he went past people on road and small vehicles that were plying withing their limits. His bus almost had a near miss with most of them. I just kept my eyes on the road and hoped nothing untoward happened.
It did not take long for him to have more than the desired brush and that too with a dog. The bus was speeding and there was a dog sitting not in the middle of the road but on a stretch close to the road. There was ample space for the driver to do manoeuvring. But as the bus neared the dog, he kept the movement straight and did not care to occupy more road space and bring it in the middle. And the rear portion of the bus hit the dog and there was a huge thud and what followed was inexplicable. The driver looked at the mirror and kept driving. i had known by then that the dog had been hit by the force of the bus and the rear hit would have made him succumb.
The bus kept moving and there was nothing one could do about. But that oldish driver could have easily spared the dog had he been a bit careful. At Sinnar bus station, the driver was replaced but the damage had been done. The best course would be to put this driver and others who engage in reckless driving on time duty and take them away from driving schedule. But who would look into these issues? Hope better sense prevails
Having reached Nashik, the bus ride showed the urgency to go for a strong cuppa which post persuasive efforts i was able to manage. The bus ride from Nashik to Mumbai was not that bad and there were fewer halts. At the Kurla CST Flyover the bus driver thundered "Sampooran Jam". But the Jam disappeared sooner than expected and later i reached PrabhaDevi Road on time. The taxi ride from Dadar to Prabha Devi Road gave me the opportunity to get into a new fabric and the one pyjama which i was sporting for two days - this pyjama, procured from Esplanade, Kolkata, served as a pant with effortless ease - was left inadvertently in the taxi. This folly was realised when i was 500kms away from Mumbai.
The taxi ride from Prabha Devi Road to Mumbai Central took time given the long traffic trail. Still it was comfortable but not comfortable to the point when i was told to shell out Rs 90 for a ride from Prabha DEvi Road to Mumbai Central. The charge steep and by then i had realised the folly of not taking the bus. It was in Mumbai Central that the man manning the counter posting updates on ticket status brought forth the misery of travelling on a waiting ticket and thundered" Phek Dega TTE train ke bahar. Ticket Cancel kar lo"
I went to main reservation counter to cancel the same but was told to not do so by other passengers. One said: "Yeh train TTE ke baap ki nahi hain. Yeh Govt of India ki Train Hai". They advised me to try my luck as there could be cancellations at the last moment. Further there was at least this consolation that i can travel in Sleeper Class as the ticket was for AC Coach. When the train began to move there was a big group on board. And here TTE told me that it is up to me to make adjustments with the group. Though rescue was not possible and even my pleading to a nearby passenger who had RAC status to let me sit on the side of the seat he had positioned for sleep fell on deaf years. Later well past 12 the TTE gave me the upper berth on another coach and i was saved from the inevitability of hopping from one coach to another the entire night.
And the train ride was still the best option as the buswallahs outside the Mumbai Central were frank enough to set a 12-hour schedule. Post Mumbai Central the first halt was in Dadar where packets of peanuts were tried with the comfort that i would reach my destination without being made to deboard.
Having procured peanuts from Dadar station the other day, it reminded me of the long journey i had undertaken since morning. It was the bus heading towards Nashik that gave me the comfort that i could break my journey and proceed towards Mumbai later. The Nashik bus ride wasn't bad except for the driver oldish in shape but driving at a breakneck speed. It was quarter to 11 in the morning when i boarded the bus and there was something amiss as conductor had a huge problem with my luggage reminding me of how weighty the bus had become thanks to my weighty shape and the luggage weight.
Post ticket delivery i shifted to the front seat with a request to the driver that the overbearing luggage can be accommodated in the vicinity of the front seat. He was ok with this but what was not ok was the way he was driving. At full force and with nothing to fear. On occasions he went past people on road and small vehicles that were plying withing their limits. His bus almost had a near miss with most of them. I just kept my eyes on the road and hoped nothing untoward happened.
It did not take long for him to have more than the desired brush and that too with a dog. The bus was speeding and there was a dog sitting not in the middle of the road but on a stretch close to the road. There was ample space for the driver to do manoeuvring. But as the bus neared the dog, he kept the movement straight and did not care to occupy more road space and bring it in the middle. And the rear portion of the bus hit the dog and there was a huge thud and what followed was inexplicable. The driver looked at the mirror and kept driving. i had known by then that the dog had been hit by the force of the bus and the rear hit would have made him succumb.
The bus kept moving and there was nothing one could do about. But that oldish driver could have easily spared the dog had he been a bit careful. At Sinnar bus station, the driver was replaced but the damage had been done. The best course would be to put this driver and others who engage in reckless driving on time duty and take them away from driving schedule. But who would look into these issues? Hope better sense prevails
Having reached Nashik, the bus ride showed the urgency to go for a strong cuppa which post persuasive efforts i was able to manage. The bus ride from Nashik to Mumbai was not that bad and there were fewer halts. At the Kurla CST Flyover the bus driver thundered "Sampooran Jam". But the Jam disappeared sooner than expected and later i reached PrabhaDevi Road on time. The taxi ride from Dadar to Prabha Devi Road gave me the opportunity to get into a new fabric and the one pyjama which i was sporting for two days - this pyjama, procured from Esplanade, Kolkata, served as a pant with effortless ease - was left inadvertently in the taxi. This folly was realised when i was 500kms away from Mumbai.
The taxi ride from Prabha Devi Road to Mumbai Central took time given the long traffic trail. Still it was comfortable but not comfortable to the point when i was told to shell out Rs 90 for a ride from Prabha DEvi Road to Mumbai Central. The charge steep and by then i had realised the folly of not taking the bus. It was in Mumbai Central that the man manning the counter posting updates on ticket status brought forth the misery of travelling on a waiting ticket and thundered" Phek Dega TTE train ke bahar. Ticket Cancel kar lo"
I went to main reservation counter to cancel the same but was told to not do so by other passengers. One said: "Yeh train TTE ke baap ki nahi hain. Yeh Govt of India ki Train Hai". They advised me to try my luck as there could be cancellations at the last moment. Further there was at least this consolation that i can travel in Sleeper Class as the ticket was for AC Coach. When the train began to move there was a big group on board. And here TTE told me that it is up to me to make adjustments with the group. Though rescue was not possible and even my pleading to a nearby passenger who had RAC status to let me sit on the side of the seat he had positioned for sleep fell on deaf years. Later well past 12 the TTE gave me the upper berth on another coach and i was saved from the inevitability of hopping from one coach to another the entire night.
And the train ride was still the best option as the buswallahs outside the Mumbai Central were frank enough to set a 12-hour schedule. Post Mumbai Central the first halt was in Dadar where packets of peanuts were tried with the comfort that i would reach my destination without being made to deboard.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
THe power of yes in the world of no. That is how one headline went as i went past a phase of dissonance amidst the need to keep my innocence. The lung power and lusty cheers had shown the foes-turned-dacoits having a field day despite knowing well the time was not something that could keep them in all round sway.
The power to keep yourself rooted to the ground is what keeps you going and this would probably prevent commoners from discordant seeds sowing.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
When George Bush was in Mumbai
Visit to Undisclosed locations by a Disclosed Former US President
As Former Prez George W Bush, son of George H Bush reached Mumbai, with a view to visit scores of undisclosed destinations and what lay undiscovered there, the itinerary took him to one destination which was disclosed to those handed out invites and debarred from the media which had to rely on his previous bytes. From what the gathering assumed from the address of this George was that he preferred to omit pearls of Hollywood as it never truly and completely reflected the true and vibrant strengths of those stuck in American wood. Out of woods was not he had come to harp upon as it was something that would eventually come along. Time was the factor that truly omitted America from showcasing its strengths and given its reducing reliance on oil from the Gulf, stage wasn't that far when the residents of the United and Booming State would afford to have more than their share of veg and non veg puff. Well details haven't emerged on what this George spoke to other Georges who were in the audience and perhaps details would never come out given the 2004 reelection to the office was all that he could recall when he went past revolving chairs to take the podium and some in the audience which had to bear. Coming for two days, beginning from Tuesday and wrapping up on Wednesday, with visit to undisclosed destinations being the high point of his South Asian Sway. THe destinations were undisclosed to the point where this George could not disclose to himself as well the destinations he was supposed to visit given his true nature to visit Afghanistan and its periphery when the nation state bordering Pakistan was truly and completely in rupture and no gear. Well residents of India have still not figured out the destinations in Mumbai he has peaked but one is certain that those destinations covered by this George would have a upsurge of footfalls and a new feat. Coming to his address to a gathering of Georges and Gems in mumbai which is a centre of gravity for subtractions and sums, the invite truly and completely made it clear that that the invitees would have to maintain a fair distance from this George who had secured twice US Poll Won and Wart. Perhaps a literature accompanied the invites which truly reflected the desire of Former Prez that Familiarity Breeds Contempt so let us have a literature on when the audience can turn and bend. For the entire duration of his address, the audience sticked to the literature guidelines on when to bend and move because any irrational act could have led to emptying their missiles and leading to make the other George get the shoe apprise. Arrival to the hall was strictly for those who rarely had a shoe fall and once the address was over the George was the first to empty the hall with those in the audience having their face to the wall. Well his departure led to wail and long vehicle trail but everything went smoothly given his arrival and departure was strictly to schedule and without any fail. When the former Prez was apprised that he was supposed to visit a slew of undisclosed locations in Mumbai, he made a query about the minutes he would spend and the minutes turning to hour that traffic would be no fun. Having finished the destinations' visit, the final query from this George (in keeping with the undisclosed destinations vow) was to the US Seals - amendments have already been made that those demitting office with a vow to not occupy them again would be protected by Seals- that could he afford to visit unvisited quarters of Afghanistan thereby surprising Karzai Host and his Khandan. Perhaps the US securitymen were baffled by this request given their belief that once this George DEmits Office his appetite for Iraq and Afghanistan would suffice. But not having reached that stage, those bound and pilloried to secure him were looking for a ring of security to not get blown by life blaze. Still, the men meant to secure the former US Prez were confident that post India visit, his temerity to surprise and arrive would ebb as he had visited a nation state which is a churning hub. A Churning that meant polls on schedule in states where legislators had gone past pinnacle stage/wage. A churning that sees a fuming rage between civil and political reps. A churning that could transcend boundaries if political class does not read the ground beneath the sky that could slip from gripping try. A churning that could spell doom for those who bask under the weight of fame and cash dune. So as All- Friendly George Departed from Mumbai, the nation State was back to Yatra and Yeddy's Convoy. The turnout to some would have been to a scale thereby illustrating that civil reps can't tar with the same brush the entire political class in a hush hush way. So Geoge was no less than a Yatri who had some papers demoting him to a footnote given his inability to furnish out centre article sword. Perhaps the book written by him may not dispell the hysteria that encircled him and in a tacit understanding with his followers he need to pen thoughts on centre page which would invite no rage.
As Former Prez George W Bush, son of George H Bush reached Mumbai, with a view to visit scores of undisclosed destinations and what lay undiscovered there, the itinerary took him to one destination which was disclosed to those handed out invites and debarred from the media which had to rely on his previous bytes. From what the gathering assumed from the address of this George was that he preferred to omit pearls of Hollywood as it never truly and completely reflected the true and vibrant strengths of those stuck in American wood. Out of woods was not he had come to harp upon as it was something that would eventually come along. Time was the factor that truly omitted America from showcasing its strengths and given its reducing reliance on oil from the Gulf, stage wasn't that far when the residents of the United and Booming State would afford to have more than their share of veg and non veg puff. Well details haven't emerged on what this George spoke to other Georges who were in the audience and perhaps details would never come out given the 2004 reelection to the office was all that he could recall when he went past revolving chairs to take the podium and some in the audience which had to bear. Coming for two days, beginning from Tuesday and wrapping up on Wednesday, with visit to undisclosed destinations being the high point of his South Asian Sway. THe destinations were undisclosed to the point where this George could not disclose to himself as well the destinations he was supposed to visit given his true nature to visit Afghanistan and its periphery when the nation state bordering Pakistan was truly and completely in rupture and no gear. Well residents of India have still not figured out the destinations in Mumbai he has peaked but one is certain that those destinations covered by this George would have a upsurge of footfalls and a new feat. Coming to his address to a gathering of Georges and Gems in mumbai which is a centre of gravity for subtractions and sums, the invite truly and completely made it clear that that the invitees would have to maintain a fair distance from this George who had secured twice US Poll Won and Wart. Perhaps a literature accompanied the invites which truly reflected the desire of Former Prez that Familiarity Breeds Contempt so let us have a literature on when the audience can turn and bend. For the entire duration of his address, the audience sticked to the literature guidelines on when to bend and move because any irrational act could have led to emptying their missiles and leading to make the other George get the shoe apprise. Arrival to the hall was strictly for those who rarely had a shoe fall and once the address was over the George was the first to empty the hall with those in the audience having their face to the wall. Well his departure led to wail and long vehicle trail but everything went smoothly given his arrival and departure was strictly to schedule and without any fail. When the former Prez was apprised that he was supposed to visit a slew of undisclosed locations in Mumbai, he made a query about the minutes he would spend and the minutes turning to hour that traffic would be no fun. Having finished the destinations' visit, the final query from this George (in keeping with the undisclosed destinations vow) was to the US Seals - amendments have already been made that those demitting office with a vow to not occupy them again would be protected by Seals- that could he afford to visit unvisited quarters of Afghanistan thereby surprising Karzai Host and his Khandan. Perhaps the US securitymen were baffled by this request given their belief that once this George DEmits Office his appetite for Iraq and Afghanistan would suffice. But not having reached that stage, those bound and pilloried to secure him were looking for a ring of security to not get blown by life blaze. Still, the men meant to secure the former US Prez were confident that post India visit, his temerity to surprise and arrive would ebb as he had visited a nation state which is a churning hub. A Churning that meant polls on schedule in states where legislators had gone past pinnacle stage/wage. A churning that sees a fuming rage between civil and political reps. A churning that could transcend boundaries if political class does not read the ground beneath the sky that could slip from gripping try. A churning that could spell doom for those who bask under the weight of fame and cash dune. So as All- Friendly George Departed from Mumbai, the nation State was back to Yatra and Yeddy's Convoy. The turnout to some would have been to a scale thereby illustrating that civil reps can't tar with the same brush the entire political class in a hush hush way. So Geoge was no less than a Yatri who had some papers demoting him to a footnote given his inability to furnish out centre article sword. Perhaps the book written by him may not dispell the hysteria that encircled him and in a tacit understanding with his followers he need to pen thoughts on centre page which would invite no rage.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Visit to undisclosed locations by a Disclosed Former US President
Visit to Undisclosed locations by a Disclosed Former US President
As Former Prez George W Bush, son of George H Bush reached Mumbai, with a view to visit scores of undisclosed destinations and what lay undiscovered there, the itinerary took him to one destination which was disclosed to those handed out invites and debarred from the media which had to rely on his previous bytes. From what the gathering assumed from the address of this George was that he preferred to omit pearls of Hollywood as it never truly and completely reflected the true and vibrant strengths of those stuck in American wood. Out of woods was not he had come to harp upon as it was something that would eventually come along. Time was the factor that truly omitted America from showcasing its strengths and given its reducing reliance on oil from the Gulf, stage wasn't that far when the residents of the United and Booming State would afford to have more than their share of veg and non veg puff.
Well details haven't emerged on what this George spoke to other Georges who were in the audience and perhaps details would never come out given the 2004 reelection to the office was all that he could recall when he went past revolving chairs to take the podium and some in the audience which had to bear. Coming for two days, beginning from Tuesday and wrapping up on Wednesday, with visit to undisclosed destinations being the high point of his South Asian Sway. THe destinations were undisclosed to the point where this George could not disclose to himself as well the destinations he was supposed to visit given his true nature to visit Afghanistan and its periphery when the nation state bordering Pakistan was truly and completely in rupture and no gear. Well residents of India have still not figured out the destinations in Mumbai he has peaked but one is certain that those destinations covered by this George would have a upsurge of footfalls and a new feat.
Coming to his address to a gathering of Georges and Gems in mumbai which is a centre of gravity for subtractions and sums, the invite truly and completely made it clear that that the invitees would have to maintain a fair distance from this George who had secured twice US Poll Won and Wart. Perhaps a literature accompanied the invites which truly reflected the desire of Former Prez that Familiarity Breeds Contempt so let us have a literature on when the audience can turn and bend.
For the entire duration of his address, the audience sticked to the literature guidelines on when to bend and move because any irrational act could have led to emptying their missiles and leading to make the other George get the shoe apprise. Arrival to the hall was strictly for those who rarely had a shoe fall and once the address was over the George was the first to empty the hall with those in the audience having their face to the wall. Well his departure led to wail and long vehicle trail but everything went smoothly given his arrival and departure was strictly to schedule and without any fail.
When the former Prez was apprised that he was supposed to visit a slew of undisclosed locations in Mumbai, he made a query about the minutes he would spend and the minutes turning to hour that traffic would be no fun. Having finished the destinations' visit, the final query from this George (in keeping with the undisclosed destinations vow) was to the US Seals - amendments have already been made that those demitting office with a vow to not occupy them again would be protected by Seals- that could he afford to visit unvisited quarters of Afghanistan thereby surprising Karzai Host and his Khandan. Perhaps the US securitymen were baffled by this request given their belief that once this George DEmits Office his appetite for Iraq and Afghanistan would suffice. But not having reached that stage, those bound and pilloried to secure him were looking for a ring of security to not get blown by life blaze.
Still, the men meant to secure the former US Prez were confident that post India visit, his temerity to surprise and arrive would ebb as he had visited a nation state which is a churning hub. A Churning that meant polls on schedule in states where legislators had gone past pinnacle stage/wage. A churning that sees a fuming rage between civil and political reps. A churning that could transcend boundaries if political class does not read the ground beneath the sky that could slip from gripping try. A churning that could spell doom for those who bask under the weight of fame and cash dune.
So as All- Friendly George Departed from Mumbai, the nation State was back to Yatra and Yeddy's Convoy. The turnout to some would have been to a scale thereby illustrating that civil reps can't tar with the same brush the entire political class in a hush hush way. So Geoge was no less than a Yatri who had some papers demoting him to a footnote given his inability to furnish out centre article sword. Perhaps the book written by him may not dispell the hysteria that encircled him and in a tacit understanding with his followers he need to pen thoughts on centre page which would invite no rage.
As Former Prez George W Bush, son of George H Bush reached Mumbai, with a view to visit scores of undisclosed destinations and what lay undiscovered there, the itinerary took him to one destination which was disclosed to those handed out invites and debarred from the media which had to rely on his previous bytes. From what the gathering assumed from the address of this George was that he preferred to omit pearls of Hollywood as it never truly and completely reflected the true and vibrant strengths of those stuck in American wood. Out of woods was not he had come to harp upon as it was something that would eventually come along. Time was the factor that truly omitted America from showcasing its strengths and given its reducing reliance on oil from the Gulf, stage wasn't that far when the residents of the United and Booming State would afford to have more than their share of veg and non veg puff.
Well details haven't emerged on what this George spoke to other Georges who were in the audience and perhaps details would never come out given the 2004 reelection to the office was all that he could recall when he went past revolving chairs to take the podium and some in the audience which had to bear. Coming for two days, beginning from Tuesday and wrapping up on Wednesday, with visit to undisclosed destinations being the high point of his South Asian Sway. THe destinations were undisclosed to the point where this George could not disclose to himself as well the destinations he was supposed to visit given his true nature to visit Afghanistan and its periphery when the nation state bordering Pakistan was truly and completely in rupture and no gear. Well residents of India have still not figured out the destinations in Mumbai he has peaked but one is certain that those destinations covered by this George would have a upsurge of footfalls and a new feat.
Coming to his address to a gathering of Georges and Gems in mumbai which is a centre of gravity for subtractions and sums, the invite truly and completely made it clear that that the invitees would have to maintain a fair distance from this George who had secured twice US Poll Won and Wart. Perhaps a literature accompanied the invites which truly reflected the desire of Former Prez that Familiarity Breeds Contempt so let us have a literature on when the audience can turn and bend.
For the entire duration of his address, the audience sticked to the literature guidelines on when to bend and move because any irrational act could have led to emptying their missiles and leading to make the other George get the shoe apprise. Arrival to the hall was strictly for those who rarely had a shoe fall and once the address was over the George was the first to empty the hall with those in the audience having their face to the wall. Well his departure led to wail and long vehicle trail but everything went smoothly given his arrival and departure was strictly to schedule and without any fail.
When the former Prez was apprised that he was supposed to visit a slew of undisclosed locations in Mumbai, he made a query about the minutes he would spend and the minutes turning to hour that traffic would be no fun. Having finished the destinations' visit, the final query from this George (in keeping with the undisclosed destinations vow) was to the US Seals - amendments have already been made that those demitting office with a vow to not occupy them again would be protected by Seals- that could he afford to visit unvisited quarters of Afghanistan thereby surprising Karzai Host and his Khandan. Perhaps the US securitymen were baffled by this request given their belief that once this George DEmits Office his appetite for Iraq and Afghanistan would suffice. But not having reached that stage, those bound and pilloried to secure him were looking for a ring of security to not get blown by life blaze.
Still, the men meant to secure the former US Prez were confident that post India visit, his temerity to surprise and arrive would ebb as he had visited a nation state which is a churning hub. A Churning that meant polls on schedule in states where legislators had gone past pinnacle stage/wage. A churning that sees a fuming rage between civil and political reps. A churning that could transcend boundaries if political class does not read the ground beneath the sky that could slip from gripping try. A churning that could spell doom for those who bask under the weight of fame and cash dune.
So as All- Friendly George Departed from Mumbai, the nation State was back to Yatra and Yeddy's Convoy. The turnout to some would have been to a scale thereby illustrating that civil reps can't tar with the same brush the entire political class in a hush hush way. So Geoge was no less than a Yatri who had some papers demoting him to a footnote given his inability to furnish out centre article sword. Perhaps the book written by him may not dispell the hysteria that encircled him and in a tacit understanding with his followers he need to pen thoughts on centre page which would invite no rage.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Given the inflationary times we live in
Given the times we live in and the inflation surge that chips in
Some have raised their hands on fighting inflation. Given the times we live in and rhymes we brim with, those in the corridors of power seem reconciled to the fact that a deregulated market for petrol is the best way to reach their target. Perhaps the balance sheet of oil companies they are relying too much on and not relying on the large scale anger that is boiling along. Bonding with the masses should have been the attempt of those in power by sapping by a fair degree their discretionary tower. Discretionary powers need to be done away with and all unnecessary expenditure that needs to be curbed with a government fiat kit.
Inflation is something that would rupture the society by a big margin and if the govt. fails to act there is nothing that could keep it away from public heat and rant . MNERGA is the scheme they are flaunting to pinpoint the disconnect between the measures the govt has taken to rein in inflation and the results that have fallen stray. Actually the mass scale massacre that govt subjects its citizens to has its roots in the sixth pay commission and its successful implementation. This was in the backdrop of highly infectious pay salaries being doled out by the private sector not realising that they are hurting the fabric of the society by giving benefits to a few who believe in splurge blue. UNless those getting carpet bombed by huge pay packets give a rethink to their desire and take, the society would continue to drift towards unrreconciable bridge and rage. What the govt needs to do is to get on a act fast mode and get all outstanding dues. Be it IPL, Hindi Film Industry and its Fear, BCCI or Coal Cake, there is is enough the govt can do to raise its stake.
As for the government functionaries travelling inbound and abroad, they need to rethink on the necessity of a travel that is a drain on exchequer and greeted with a renewed taunt.
As for Page 3 and its roundabouts, the pictures and stories flashed and which some of us face, the urgency to such a positioning should be accompanied with the inflation in the market and the prices of essential products that are beyond our basket. Once the entry to the venues of Page three - where post departure most weep and shriek- is marked with the current numbers on
inflation and the unlikelihood of it pinching them - they would be the grandest people with grandest appetite and grandest bite. Days are not far when bite on aeroplanes would become customary given the times we live in and are in a hurry. About 10 days ago, a man having lost job and yet attempting to fly and flow made queries on board about who all had lost job and were on verge of losing them. Failing to see that none on board had lost the job and this followed by lusty cheers saw him recline to airhostess bite which was followed by a doctor tranquiliser right.
Tranqulisers admission has become a necessity given the free currency that is being floated with a new urgency. Tranqulisers need to be administered and a fresh list is being prepared. THe list would include those who with there fake richness show the temerity to create upheaval and smokescreen awareness. Perhaps the list may swing from one side to another given the new occupants who splurge and resort to airhostess bite and similar business.
Bytes and bites are the richness of the times we live in and more are in the offing given the balanced and yet remaining unbalanced thoughts that sink in. So as the demon of inflation would be hard to fight and all that we would be left with are inherent strengths that are no less than our birthright.
Some have raised their hands on fighting inflation. Given the times we live in and rhymes we brim with, those in the corridors of power seem reconciled to the fact that a deregulated market for petrol is the best way to reach their target. Perhaps the balance sheet of oil companies they are relying too much on and not relying on the large scale anger that is boiling along. Bonding with the masses should have been the attempt of those in power by sapping by a fair degree their discretionary tower. Discretionary powers need to be done away with and all unnecessary expenditure that needs to be curbed with a government fiat kit.
Inflation is something that would rupture the society by a big margin and if the govt. fails to act there is nothing that could keep it away from public heat and rant . MNERGA is the scheme they are flaunting to pinpoint the disconnect between the measures the govt has taken to rein in inflation and the results that have fallen stray. Actually the mass scale massacre that govt subjects its citizens to has its roots in the sixth pay commission and its successful implementation. This was in the backdrop of highly infectious pay salaries being doled out by the private sector not realising that they are hurting the fabric of the society by giving benefits to a few who believe in splurge blue. UNless those getting carpet bombed by huge pay packets give a rethink to their desire and take, the society would continue to drift towards unrreconciable bridge and rage. What the govt needs to do is to get on a act fast mode and get all outstanding dues. Be it IPL, Hindi Film Industry and its Fear, BCCI or Coal Cake, there is is enough the govt can do to raise its stake.
As for the government functionaries travelling inbound and abroad, they need to rethink on the necessity of a travel that is a drain on exchequer and greeted with a renewed taunt.
As for Page 3 and its roundabouts, the pictures and stories flashed and which some of us face, the urgency to such a positioning should be accompanied with the inflation in the market and the prices of essential products that are beyond our basket. Once the entry to the venues of Page three - where post departure most weep and shriek- is marked with the current numbers on
inflation and the unlikelihood of it pinching them - they would be the grandest people with grandest appetite and grandest bite. Days are not far when bite on aeroplanes would become customary given the times we live in and are in a hurry. About 10 days ago, a man having lost job and yet attempting to fly and flow made queries on board about who all had lost job and were on verge of losing them. Failing to see that none on board had lost the job and this followed by lusty cheers saw him recline to airhostess bite which was followed by a doctor tranquiliser right.
Tranqulisers admission has become a necessity given the free currency that is being floated with a new urgency. Tranqulisers need to be administered and a fresh list is being prepared. THe list would include those who with there fake richness show the temerity to create upheaval and smokescreen awareness. Perhaps the list may swing from one side to another given the new occupants who splurge and resort to airhostess bite and similar business.
Bytes and bites are the richness of the times we live in and more are in the offing given the balanced and yet remaining unbalanced thoughts that sink in. So as the demon of inflation would be hard to fight and all that we would be left with are inherent strengths that are no less than our birthright.
Who all have gained expertise
Who all have gained expertise to speak to themselves in a show of solidarity
Well the numbers are growing with fewer interruptions.
Well the numbers are growing with fewer interruptions.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
What is a footnote and how different it is from those holding court
What is a footnote and how different it is from those holding court
From what has been appearing in newspapers and the longish footnotes that have not been disappearing, there is a sense that footnotes may ultimately take the cakewalk and leave the penned thoughts in the centre in a dock and the readers who aspire to read and memorise them in a state of shock.
From footnotes like the author is an expanding journo expected to expand beyond your and mine known proportion to the author is a likely beneficiary of a movie/literary fest, the footnotes are meant to flaunt the weight of the writer howsoever less weighty may be the centre sword.
THese footnotes are also meant to convey the monthly remunerations they are entitled to given the periodicity of pieces and the monthly urgency - some take it to weekly format- that is brought on them. Still, most of the weekly /monthly appearances of thoughts are not misplaced as it aims to define the undercurrents of a society being cut into two halves. Have and have nots gulf highlight is the aspirational attempt of writers right from the nation state to right down to individuals.
From this footnote comes the urgency to look at those holding court in different parts of the country; with visible and not that visible booty. THese are battlefield friendly courts that are being organised with each attempting to undercut others writ.
When the invites got lost midway and we were left with nothing on tray
When the invites got lost midway and we were left with nothing on tray
Well the times we live in and foes-turned-dacoits we bear with, there is nothing to suggest that different invites that we are getting to different functions/parties turning to long due bites are nothing but an inducement to keep mum failing which they would mark their attendance in tv theatres and with a glass of rum. Invites to different functions, specialised for anarchy and those coming with rotating bum, is precisely meant to keep these hoarders from joining the print dispelled and electronic theatre hailed debates where post admission and departure the recovery is not swift and the one which could be availed.
Seeing the record attendance at F1 bay where most had feet of clay, the F1 feast was meant to ensure that more such feasts are round the corner and one can get a cover from electronic dishevelled debates. In these debates, which rarely has an upsurge in the morning when some have the appetite to turn in, they take place when the night has set in and people are accustomed to take the long due rest and cave in. High pitched battles are fought with those in the fray looking all but lost and no hope of getting in acts that teenagers and beyond play.
Post participation and post arrival at home the participants are heckled by their family members and those having become peers just hours ago. They are heckled for not putting their point of view with alarming fists and fury and subjugating themselves to other debaters glory.
The ruckus post participation sweeps across territories and to keep tempers in check, invites to different functions have become mandatory and in top gear. Because such invites invites them to come across foes and fears and also aligns them to the thought that participation here is better as food and drinks are served on a platter. Further these invites lead them strewn with a range of other invites; some of them being on : "the inflationary times and yet having the meals on time", "the petrol loot and yet going to place of work with no shovel and none to shoot".
As these and more such would ring round the year the purpose would be to see a peaceful environ around us. Because the record attendance at record F1 was meant to ensure that some territories do look for breathing space and fun. As for those not getting invites, the 90,000 plus people going to different cinemas of the national capital is itself an invitation to visit these theatres even if the experience is raw and surreal.
Well the times we live in and foes-turned-dacoits we bear with, there is nothing to suggest that different invites that we are getting to different functions/parties turning to long due bites are nothing but an inducement to keep mum failing which they would mark their attendance in tv theatres and with a glass of rum. Invites to different functions, specialised for anarchy and those coming with rotating bum, is precisely meant to keep these hoarders from joining the print dispelled and electronic theatre hailed debates where post admission and departure the recovery is not swift and the one which could be availed.
Seeing the record attendance at F1 bay where most had feet of clay, the F1 feast was meant to ensure that more such feasts are round the corner and one can get a cover from electronic dishevelled debates. In these debates, which rarely has an upsurge in the morning when some have the appetite to turn in, they take place when the night has set in and people are accustomed to take the long due rest and cave in. High pitched battles are fought with those in the fray looking all but lost and no hope of getting in acts that teenagers and beyond play.
Post participation and post arrival at home the participants are heckled by their family members and those having become peers just hours ago. They are heckled for not putting their point of view with alarming fists and fury and subjugating themselves to other debaters glory.
The ruckus post participation sweeps across territories and to keep tempers in check, invites to different functions have become mandatory and in top gear. Because such invites invites them to come across foes and fears and also aligns them to the thought that participation here is better as food and drinks are served on a platter. Further these invites lead them strewn with a range of other invites; some of them being on : "the inflationary times and yet having the meals on time", "the petrol loot and yet going to place of work with no shovel and none to shoot".
As these and more such would ring round the year the purpose would be to see a peaceful environ around us. Because the record attendance at record F1 was meant to ensure that some territories do look for breathing space and fun. As for those not getting invites, the 90,000 plus people going to different cinemas of the national capital is itself an invitation to visit these theatres even if the experience is raw and surreal.
As i reach the National Capital
As i reach the National Capital
The stay in Kolkata and Bhusaval was great given the railway lines i took to reach them had fewer locomotives pulling the freight. The weather was good; the people were no rude and the search for food was all that i was thoroughly glued.
As the National Capital was accessed three weeks ago, perhaps the reminder kept coming that time has come to explore Siliguri and beyond and there was no point in going for sessions of brood. Raising a toast to National Capital's success won't be futile as there are majority who are positive and shine.
THe days have seen me take metro and in effect come across hoardings like blow your trumpet here and have the independence declare. Blow your trumpet here and in effect get blown is an art that most cherish as it gives them the freedom to flaunt the clinically prepared pamphlet.
Anand Vihar was the destination i deboarded the train and its timely arrival gave me another reason to blow the railways fame. Perhaps the interlocutors cooped inside the train had made the journey somewhat uncomfortable but still it was miles better from some places that record some form of upheaval. AS i reached Anand Vihar coming from another Bihar, the first halt was at Baba Khark Singh Marg followed by home that wasn't too far. THe stay in the National Capital has been fortright as fearsome have been my allies and yet still i have come across fewer surprise.
The visit to RBI the other day to get a note exchanged wasn't a halting process as the staff was courteous to act in a new zest. Except at the security frontier where people take time to prepare entry pass as some disappear for a cell geared task. Cells have abounded in and around National Capital landmarks and this shows the proclivity of those to talk and give others a long lasting shock.
Late afternoon cuppa have reminded me of Jatin Das Park where lassi can be gulped for Rs 12 and there is one Tirumala Textile Centre near Esplanade which has its strong textile take. THere were other centres of resurgence in the Citadel of East Kolkata and more are bound to come given its no nonsense attitude to frivolous adda.
As for the National Capital the F1 fury has abated and in effect the weekly round has begun for getting people/institutions feted. Strengths of the National Capital are growing and more and this makes the population galore.
The visits to the bank in the National Capital have been fewer but no fewer have been the noticeboards pasted there. Some talk at length at the facilities they offer: Complaint register available here; visitor book available here, no smoking, smoking is an offence and to top it the premises under cctv surveillance. As for the complaint register and visitor book, it is an art of persuasion where those availing banking facilities are armed with the advantage to spend as much time as possible in the bank and still draw their monthly salary and retain their rank. After all the cctv footage was meant to record their visible presence in the bank where they were visibly thrilled with the visible workforce and visible quantum of load being handled by the same force that works during the day and still are successful to keep their tormentors at bay. Visibly thrilled, the visible visiting clients record their visible thoughts in the visitor book and forward a visible request to let them carry this visitor book to the visible world outside.
The visit was to three visibly vibrant banks on a visibly clear day and all three of them got my support for clinically visualising the risks and advantages and therefore sticking to the visible guidelines. As for signature mismatch, the stress of potentially visible years has taken the toll to append a signature that has been etched after keeping myself away from provocative brawls.
Apart from the banks, i have visited newspapers stories and the one on "Occupying Dalal Street"(ODS) has got the largest crown. Here in the ODS which is to begin soon and later take the form of Govt's PDS, the occupational hazards of occupying the street has not been spelt and thereby no time limit has been dealt. Perhaps the prospective collection and congregation has its roots in Ramlila Ground Convocation where collection to the venue was huge and equally huge was the cash collection queue. So from the silence vow that is to be broken in a day or two the fast-declared act is something that hasn't lost its novelty fad and is Winter Due. Equally fast were cars that ran on F1 circuit near national capital that gave thumps up verdict and this show of acceleration was meant to showcase that fast and fury can't be the sole preserve of civil society some of which leave no opportunity to show their fury. Perhaps the dividing line between the two sides of India Coin is huge and this got better illustrated by those joining the F1 racing hues.
From the visibly declared ramparts of tv studios what is visible is that visibility is no haze as far as truckloads of debaters are holding court. And this makes logical for the plight of plateaued employees to change track and come under arclight and get new moisturiser to bat.
Blow your trumpet here there and everywhere as blowing is all one can do given the times we spend in sessions of brood.
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