Puri and roundabout
Some thoughts on people from northeast
Some thoughts on people from northeast
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Friday, February 27, 2015
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
From Trinidad and Tobago to a deal in middle east
From Trinidad and Tobago to a deal in middle east
Trinidad and Tobago in the caribbean one doesn't get much to hear about this nation. Papers from IHT to AWSJ may have at some point of time done stories on richness of this nation and skilled workforce it has send across the world including writers and speakers. Cricketing fraternity has some of them, perhaps some new anchors may trace their roots. A South American American may hold strong potential for high office in North America down the line if not in the immediate future. Renewed efforts to get a nuclear deal gets noticed, some thoughts at this point would be prudent. A Middle East that is at peace with itself; one that sends good tidings would warm our hearts. A 20 -year freeze on nuclear facilities of a middle east nation won't be out of place, setting to rest innuendoes that (Tel A) Tel Me Why fires now and then. House Speaker has given an invite that has not gone down well, more coming in the way of keeping suspicious clouds in circulation. A peaceful Iran is all we want, a progressive nation we seek and for its own good a deal spanning at least 20-odd years freezing nuclear programme won't be bad.
For its own good, Iran should not stall investigation into its nuclear programme. A deal that keeps it miles and miles away from material to make bombs because if ever some hostile forces become part of a future regime, negotiations would be hard leading to more instability. The deal should involve a follow up on a consistent basis, periodic checks on nuclear sites.
A Middle East that generates jobs, a middle east that pumps oil and not oscillation and a territory that keeps the flag of stability flying is highly welcome. From the stable of a Middle East channel, Stories on New Zealand dairy sector, homeless in americas, the challenges in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea, oil theft in Nigeria and chelsea fans racial outburst in the tube are some among many which we appreciate. The trio speaking on Greece Gaining a Grace Period on a Sunday (Athens, London and perhaps Rome) was noteworthy. The trio which had two as research scholars was good. The one on Cambodia (101 East) featured the deep schism in the provinces, not showing much on capital Phnom Penh the place we relish and felt rejuvenated. Perhaps a story on Siem Reap would come at some point of time. Mecca Medina is great, some care should have been taken to not let so many high rise constructions come around.
Stories on Hong Kong and China's reluctance to give universal suffrage may have run out of momentum, perhaps this thought may be entertained by leaders in BIG C that a meeting of sorts would be ideal. Get two Chief Executives elected in 2017, one nominated by BIG C and one by HK residents or something like that to break the deadlock. BIG C is winning acceptance at home by coming hard on corruption, all kudos to Mr Xi. Challenging assignments should also be accompanied with giving a good advice to erstwhile USSR to bring back the rebels from Ukraine and the West freezing plans to rope in Ukraine in Nato. A peaceful Ukraine that gets its economy booming and freed from rebels.
Coming to TV 5 Monde the Mont d'or cheese story evinced as much interest as its preparation.
As for debates in national capital in delhi, it should be how to decongest traffic, improve the police functioning by keeping goons in check and a realisation that a force that is on some sort of contract would deliver more than one with permanent powers and perks. DEbates that show how more can be gainfully employed and how fiscal deficit should be kept at 4.5 per cent of GDP, 4.1 per cent was highly unrealistic. DEbates that lay emphasis on bio degradable toilets in all coaches of trains. DEbates that tell that high rise coming across AIIMS is a decision that should not have been taken in the first place. DEbates that talk about rash driving by cluster buses and other modes of public transport. Debates that tell how indiscipline spreads in society. DEbates that keeps a tab on good and mixed tidings.
Trinidad and Tobago in the caribbean one doesn't get much to hear about this nation. Papers from IHT to AWSJ may have at some point of time done stories on richness of this nation and skilled workforce it has send across the world including writers and speakers. Cricketing fraternity has some of them, perhaps some new anchors may trace their roots. A South American American may hold strong potential for high office in North America down the line if not in the immediate future. Renewed efforts to get a nuclear deal gets noticed, some thoughts at this point would be prudent. A Middle East that is at peace with itself; one that sends good tidings would warm our hearts. A 20 -year freeze on nuclear facilities of a middle east nation won't be out of place, setting to rest innuendoes that (Tel A) Tel Me Why fires now and then. House Speaker has given an invite that has not gone down well, more coming in the way of keeping suspicious clouds in circulation. A peaceful Iran is all we want, a progressive nation we seek and for its own good a deal spanning at least 20-odd years freezing nuclear programme won't be bad.
For its own good, Iran should not stall investigation into its nuclear programme. A deal that keeps it miles and miles away from material to make bombs because if ever some hostile forces become part of a future regime, negotiations would be hard leading to more instability. The deal should involve a follow up on a consistent basis, periodic checks on nuclear sites.
A Middle East that generates jobs, a middle east that pumps oil and not oscillation and a territory that keeps the flag of stability flying is highly welcome. From the stable of a Middle East channel, Stories on New Zealand dairy sector, homeless in americas, the challenges in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea, oil theft in Nigeria and chelsea fans racial outburst in the tube are some among many which we appreciate. The trio speaking on Greece Gaining a Grace Period on a Sunday (Athens, London and perhaps Rome) was noteworthy. The trio which had two as research scholars was good. The one on Cambodia (101 East) featured the deep schism in the provinces, not showing much on capital Phnom Penh the place we relish and felt rejuvenated. Perhaps a story on Siem Reap would come at some point of time. Mecca Medina is great, some care should have been taken to not let so many high rise constructions come around.
Stories on Hong Kong and China's reluctance to give universal suffrage may have run out of momentum, perhaps this thought may be entertained by leaders in BIG C that a meeting of sorts would be ideal. Get two Chief Executives elected in 2017, one nominated by BIG C and one by HK residents or something like that to break the deadlock. BIG C is winning acceptance at home by coming hard on corruption, all kudos to Mr Xi. Challenging assignments should also be accompanied with giving a good advice to erstwhile USSR to bring back the rebels from Ukraine and the West freezing plans to rope in Ukraine in Nato. A peaceful Ukraine that gets its economy booming and freed from rebels.
Coming to TV 5 Monde the Mont d'or cheese story evinced as much interest as its preparation.
As for debates in national capital in delhi, it should be how to decongest traffic, improve the police functioning by keeping goons in check and a realisation that a force that is on some sort of contract would deliver more than one with permanent powers and perks. DEbates that show how more can be gainfully employed and how fiscal deficit should be kept at 4.5 per cent of GDP, 4.1 per cent was highly unrealistic. DEbates that lay emphasis on bio degradable toilets in all coaches of trains. DEbates that tell that high rise coming across AIIMS is a decision that should not have been taken in the first place. DEbates that talk about rash driving by cluster buses and other modes of public transport. Debates that tell how indiscipline spreads in society. DEbates that keeps a tab on good and mixed tidings.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Stay in Hampi; cleaning of river II
Stay in Hampi; cleaning of Ganga
Waste disposal to different rivers has to be stopped; making an effort to convert that to electricity generation is more important. House deadlock in the national capital does not send a good message; the message should be a clean surrounding that keeps everyone in a disciplined and better frame of mind and in the pink of health. We organise marathons across country, a marathon in those cities/towns from where ganga and other river flows could be tried. This assignment to clean Ganga can even lead to job creation. Getting a clean surrounding is not a campaign of one, more importantly it appeals to a size of no less than a ton. WE have had different AIIMS across the country. Still people come to national capital. Primarily because these AIIMS don't have requisite doctors and staff. Advertise for these posts, make more with creditworthiness work for them. You have an entire army of doctors who are accomplished workers but still trying to get the private placement. Allure them to work for these different AIIMS across country through placement of ads in regional papers. Since so much of investments have been made to raise AIIMS, get them going with right effort. THere is another important issue that govt should look at. Getting the police station on contract is not a bad idea. You begin the experiment where one district is taken where entire stations have been put on contract. Right from station head to lowest personnel, everyone is on contract. Only a vested interest would like that this experiment should not succeed. Once they are on contract, the effectiveness would dramatically increase and working against a template where rights are exercised with a better degree of honesty. The fear of being divested of responsibility would engineer a better law and order environment. Even a government works on a contract of three to five years so why not that arm of the government that looks after law and order be put on contract of two to three years. A better law and order is all that 60 per cent of the population cherish, the rest are undecided.
It is better to not win polls by getting the ganga clean and AIIMS in different cities/towns operational than waste money to win one poll here and one poll there. In the national capital draw up a list of govt hospitals, draw up a list of doctors, staff, their qualifications and temperament. Draw up a list of facilities, working and not working. Advertise and fill the vacant spots. A close perusal every fortnight on how the hospitals can be made effective should be tried. You begin from here with no attempt made for charges/counter charges to fly. Let the hospitals work with people with right frame of mind. You can bring resources from some in private sector for a while who are known for their integrity.
Coming back to Hampi, the route from Varaha temple goes like this. A river in spate, a temple between rocks, kuchcha road, a tea making spot having not far away a swimming warning and this followed by outer fringe of Vitthala temple. The board at the temple says" Vitthala temple is the highest watermark of Vijaynagara style of art and architecture. Vitthala is Krishna aspect of Lord Vishnu." Outside the temple to its east is a huge bazar measuring 945 metres in length and 40 metres in width leading to a sacred tank known as Lokapavani.
All in all the stay in Hampi and Anegundi was ok, the weather was mild, the people kind and away from flying kite. Some spoke about Ukraine and what Russia stands to Gain.
Waste disposal to different rivers has to be stopped; making an effort to convert that to electricity generation is more important. House deadlock in the national capital does not send a good message; the message should be a clean surrounding that keeps everyone in a disciplined and better frame of mind and in the pink of health. We organise marathons across country, a marathon in those cities/towns from where ganga and other river flows could be tried. This assignment to clean Ganga can even lead to job creation. Getting a clean surrounding is not a campaign of one, more importantly it appeals to a size of no less than a ton. WE have had different AIIMS across the country. Still people come to national capital. Primarily because these AIIMS don't have requisite doctors and staff. Advertise for these posts, make more with creditworthiness work for them. You have an entire army of doctors who are accomplished workers but still trying to get the private placement. Allure them to work for these different AIIMS across country through placement of ads in regional papers. Since so much of investments have been made to raise AIIMS, get them going with right effort. THere is another important issue that govt should look at. Getting the police station on contract is not a bad idea. You begin the experiment where one district is taken where entire stations have been put on contract. Right from station head to lowest personnel, everyone is on contract. Only a vested interest would like that this experiment should not succeed. Once they are on contract, the effectiveness would dramatically increase and working against a template where rights are exercised with a better degree of honesty. The fear of being divested of responsibility would engineer a better law and order environment. Even a government works on a contract of three to five years so why not that arm of the government that looks after law and order be put on contract of two to three years. A better law and order is all that 60 per cent of the population cherish, the rest are undecided.
It is better to not win polls by getting the ganga clean and AIIMS in different cities/towns operational than waste money to win one poll here and one poll there. In the national capital draw up a list of govt hospitals, draw up a list of doctors, staff, their qualifications and temperament. Draw up a list of facilities, working and not working. Advertise and fill the vacant spots. A close perusal every fortnight on how the hospitals can be made effective should be tried. You begin from here with no attempt made for charges/counter charges to fly. Let the hospitals work with people with right frame of mind. You can bring resources from some in private sector for a while who are known for their integrity.
Coming back to Hampi, the route from Varaha temple goes like this. A river in spate, a temple between rocks, kuchcha road, a tea making spot having not far away a swimming warning and this followed by outer fringe of Vitthala temple. The board at the temple says" Vitthala temple is the highest watermark of Vijaynagara style of art and architecture. Vitthala is Krishna aspect of Lord Vishnu." Outside the temple to its east is a huge bazar measuring 945 metres in length and 40 metres in width leading to a sacred tank known as Lokapavani.
All in all the stay in Hampi and Anegundi was ok, the weather was mild, the people kind and away from flying kite. Some spoke about Ukraine and what Russia stands to Gain.
Stay in Hampi, Super Tuesday, cleaning Ganga
Stay in Hampi, Super Tuesday, cleaning Ganga
As the stay in Virupapurgadde, Anegundi, Hampi and adjoining Virupaksha was completed with a fair degree of success, the Hampi and the Hint conveyed that though rents may not be high, the stay in town could not be stretched beyond a point. Mopeds and mobile messiahs could be sighted here and there amidst non sighting of ambassador car and fair. Viruparagadde, Gangavathi, Anegundi and Virupaksha are areas that see a fair share of tourists not having shown the inclination to be a dentist-turned-journalist. Not forgetting we could spot just one public sector bank in some sections, this by no means we are batting for private sector bank tanks.
Tourist spots faraway from this place like Badami (Caves), Aihole (monument similar to parliament) and Pattadakal (architectural imprints can be spotted in different parts of the country) was something that came from a soft spoken, middleaged man hailing from Gopi restaurant. Tea/milk from the rooftop restaurant of the same place was strong enough to be spelled with Capital S. IN Anegundi, the neat and tidy room of Vaibhava Guest House was enough to get you a sleep of five to seven hours with no commotion of abuse or repeatedly spitting near the house gate (something found repeatedly outside your residence) of any ounce. Peace and no commotion was true of Vaibhava Guest House.
Hampi to Virupapurgadde and back
Hampi to Virupapurgadde and back in the swirling boats on Thungabadra river raised a thought on how the river could be decked up; effort not impossible by any stretch. Here in the national capital of delhi effluents that is discharged in yamuna does its bit to spell no success for efforts towards a clean river from the word go. If that sewage is put to generate electricity, quite a feasible thought. Perhaps some rivers in the US may have started accumulating waste which the authorities would have begun to realise and draw up an action plan. There are 50-odd states with its share of anxieties and emotions. Giving those with not that better opportunity a chance to gain is more appropriate and we should not let those voices be heard and registered that we don't love America. INternational Herald Tribune of the 80s had writers whose writings we relished essaying the Super Tuesday and Super Election battle. A party nomination that appeals to cross section of audience is better than laying siege by the logic that someone known to be knows inside out of running the administration. It applies both to Hi and Je. If you win party nomination by dint of hard work and not just by personality plus campaign it is acceptable. Another African-Amercan, European-American and Central American -American could be a better choice. This is not meant to offend Hi and Je.
Coming back to Ganga
Coming back to Ganga WE had agreements in place with some nations in Europe, probably with one nation Germany, to clean the Ganga in the 80s (some would say Eighties was the best decade for this country and the Middle East). The agreement to clean Ganga was devoid of a workable synergy among different departments and with no follow up action. All efforts went down the drain. The place from where Ganga originates, you have to stop discharge of effluents from there itself. Roads that run close to Ganga across the country have to be decked up with boards on not to pollute the river. Clean surroundings is what the country needs, we tend to throw wastes while travelling in a bus, other modes of public transport, this every hour practice has to be discouraged. Each movie that gets released should have a word or two on cleaning the Ganga; if not directly, indirectly because you may never know who may take an offence to that. A solitary programme in this channel or a solitary media report in that paper won't yield much unless it is a coordinated and 24X7 effort.
When channels were launched, then and there itself this campaign to clean ganga should have been taken in the right earnest. Ganga flows through different cities/towns, each has to be put in different zone and no boats permitted to carry waste. A layman can at the most say you would need different machines that would take out the waste. SAy the Ganga flows through 100 cities/towns, small and big. Demarcation to the level of 100 and putting machines to take out the waste and putting chemicals that clears the debris could be one way out. Getting the waste converted to electricity generation than letting sewage fall in the river could be an option. The number of outlets from where sewage flows should be reduced. Holding festivals/ aartis next to the river, are they adding anyway to clean ganga? Holding them away from the banks is more important. Perhaps we had enough of holding a seminar here and there. A concrete action plan that can deliver durable results is more important. We gave a free run to different real estate sector players to play with green laws, we never made an effort to clean Ganga and other rivers. Perhaps trimming of MP Local Area Fund and putting a sizeable amount to cleaning the Ganga would be one way with auditing done at different stage. MP Local Area Fund has to be audited, even some members would appreciate that.
As the stay in Virupapurgadde, Anegundi, Hampi and adjoining Virupaksha was completed with a fair degree of success, the Hampi and the Hint conveyed that though rents may not be high, the stay in town could not be stretched beyond a point. Mopeds and mobile messiahs could be sighted here and there amidst non sighting of ambassador car and fair. Viruparagadde, Gangavathi, Anegundi and Virupaksha are areas that see a fair share of tourists not having shown the inclination to be a dentist-turned-journalist. Not forgetting we could spot just one public sector bank in some sections, this by no means we are batting for private sector bank tanks.
Tourist spots faraway from this place like Badami (Caves), Aihole (monument similar to parliament) and Pattadakal (architectural imprints can be spotted in different parts of the country) was something that came from a soft spoken, middleaged man hailing from Gopi restaurant. Tea/milk from the rooftop restaurant of the same place was strong enough to be spelled with Capital S. IN Anegundi, the neat and tidy room of Vaibhava Guest House was enough to get you a sleep of five to seven hours with no commotion of abuse or repeatedly spitting near the house gate (something found repeatedly outside your residence) of any ounce. Peace and no commotion was true of Vaibhava Guest House.
Hampi to Virupapurgadde and back
Hampi to Virupapurgadde and back in the swirling boats on Thungabadra river raised a thought on how the river could be decked up; effort not impossible by any stretch. Here in the national capital of delhi effluents that is discharged in yamuna does its bit to spell no success for efforts towards a clean river from the word go. If that sewage is put to generate electricity, quite a feasible thought. Perhaps some rivers in the US may have started accumulating waste which the authorities would have begun to realise and draw up an action plan. There are 50-odd states with its share of anxieties and emotions. Giving those with not that better opportunity a chance to gain is more appropriate and we should not let those voices be heard and registered that we don't love America. INternational Herald Tribune of the 80s had writers whose writings we relished essaying the Super Tuesday and Super Election battle. A party nomination that appeals to cross section of audience is better than laying siege by the logic that someone known to be knows inside out of running the administration. It applies both to Hi and Je. If you win party nomination by dint of hard work and not just by personality plus campaign it is acceptable. Another African-Amercan, European-American and Central American -American could be a better choice. This is not meant to offend Hi and Je.
Coming back to Ganga
Coming back to Ganga WE had agreements in place with some nations in Europe, probably with one nation Germany, to clean the Ganga in the 80s (some would say Eighties was the best decade for this country and the Middle East). The agreement to clean Ganga was devoid of a workable synergy among different departments and with no follow up action. All efforts went down the drain. The place from where Ganga originates, you have to stop discharge of effluents from there itself. Roads that run close to Ganga across the country have to be decked up with boards on not to pollute the river. Clean surroundings is what the country needs, we tend to throw wastes while travelling in a bus, other modes of public transport, this every hour practice has to be discouraged. Each movie that gets released should have a word or two on cleaning the Ganga; if not directly, indirectly because you may never know who may take an offence to that. A solitary programme in this channel or a solitary media report in that paper won't yield much unless it is a coordinated and 24X7 effort.
When channels were launched, then and there itself this campaign to clean ganga should have been taken in the right earnest. Ganga flows through different cities/towns, each has to be put in different zone and no boats permitted to carry waste. A layman can at the most say you would need different machines that would take out the waste. SAy the Ganga flows through 100 cities/towns, small and big. Demarcation to the level of 100 and putting machines to take out the waste and putting chemicals that clears the debris could be one way out. Getting the waste converted to electricity generation than letting sewage fall in the river could be an option. The number of outlets from where sewage flows should be reduced. Holding festivals/ aartis next to the river, are they adding anyway to clean ganga? Holding them away from the banks is more important. Perhaps we had enough of holding a seminar here and there. A concrete action plan that can deliver durable results is more important. We gave a free run to different real estate sector players to play with green laws, we never made an effort to clean Ganga and other rivers. Perhaps trimming of MP Local Area Fund and putting a sizeable amount to cleaning the Ganga would be one way with auditing done at different stage. MP Local Area Fund has to be audited, even some members would appreciate that.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
The ride from Seven hills
The ride from Seven hills
Having spent over seven hours in Tirumala, a good amount consumed towards securing 100 rs laddus (you get four laddus of 100 rs token at a time, not more than that), the stay in the hills was ok. Visited the hall where Sahasra Deepalankara Seva was being held. As you entered the hall, those managing the affairs would ask point blank to recede in the background if the ticket for the same had not been secured. Here to differentiate between those in possession of the seva ticket and those not in possession looks a bit odd as seating arrangements are adequate. A little after eight in the evening left Tirumala for Tirupati. In Tirupati, Sreenivasam Complex as some insiders told me is the largest single hall spread on such a wide canvas. There used to be a restaurant on first or second floor in Sreenivasam Complex. Elaborate were the meals, not to forget the much famed halwa. Perhaps that restaurant no longer functions and there is a solo eating joint on the ground floor.
Took meals from ground floor restaurant before retiring to the lodge. Next morning the bus leaves from Tirupati bus stand at 5.35. am. Easy to spot is a platform from where buses headed towards Thirutani, Kanchi and Chennai depart. As bus moves out of bus stand, Mayura, Balaji Woodlands, Vikram hotels/restaurants on other side of roads can be spotted with ease.
Going past Venkateswara Swamy temple
Till 5.49 am you can spot the V sign etched on hills. Ten to 15 minutes later Bangalore is shown to be 251 kms. Go past Tirumala Restaurant, National Atmosphere Research Laboratory and Venkateswara Swamy temple. At some point Pakala is shown to be 5km. SV Cold Drinks in Chittor is what you spot a little after 6.50. At 7.05 Tirupati is shown 76 kms and Kadapa 171 km away. At 7.06 we spot Kolar 109 and Bangalore 172 kms away. Here i sight Vellore Kurnool Express bus, not to forget the Kumbakonnam degree coffee board. At 7.15 reach we reach K G Sathram. A lane going inside shows Kanipakam 15 km. At this point the Vellore- Kurnool bus is in full flow perhaps having spent the previous night on winding roads.
Go past Cosy Palms Vegetarian Motel. At 7.20 Nalamgapalle is 1 km away. As we go past SVR Dairy Parlour, Bangarupalyam comes at 7.25. SBI Bangarupalyam comes at 7.26 followed by Water service centre. A vibrant Ganpati temple after water service centre on left side gets easily registered
Reaching Palamaner at 7.45
Himachal dhaba coming at 7.27 followed by Palamkulapalle at 7.29. Here you come across a truck bearing number NL -01 k 0822. This is followed by roads in Ascending/descending template. Welcome to Milk City Tirumala Milk, Palamaner at 7.45. Cool winds encircle you for a while around 8. Coming along the way is Sri Srinivasa motorworks and Sri Srinivasa Nursing Home.
From Palamner Bangalore is shown to be 137 kms. Spot a vehicle written srivari industries, as Universal school bus goes past us. A little later, V Kota, Kuppam are shown to be on the left and Bangalore on the right.
Sri Venkateswara Gosama Pathikonda comes at 8.05 am immediately followed by Sri Kalyan Venkatramna temple. Go past Sri Balaji Granites Mulbagal at 9.25 followed by board of Sri Venkateswara research centre Thambihalli at 9.47.
Kolar bus station coming at 10
Giving further directions, Thambihalli is shown to be on the right, Huttur left, Bangalore 93, Tumkur 165 and Pune 927 kms. The bus is at Lanco Hoskote Toll Plaza at 9.43. Kolar bus station comes at 10 Here there is a board of Sambhvami institutes offering PVC, Degree, Short term, Certificate courses. There is Sri Venkateswara General and Stationary store in the bus station as well.
As bus leaves Kolar bus station Al- ameen educational institutions are easily noticeable. At 10.56 Bangalore is 31kms away. Right inside the city the thick layer of traffic tests the patience of those inside the bus. Finally we are in Bangalore at 12.20.
Take a train from Yashwantpur for national capital a little after one in the afternoon. The fruit vendor on platform one is in a world of his own. Vendors at railway stations can be helpful as well as irritating lot. Meals comprising paratha with vegetables coming from railway vendor shop on platform one is something to cheer about.
As against a truck bearing a north east number, few months later i spot a bus bearing NL -0853 in the city of Chennai. The local train ride in Chennai was something to appreciate as it brought the people of the north east in perfect symmetry.
Having spent over seven hours in Tirumala, a good amount consumed towards securing 100 rs laddus (you get four laddus of 100 rs token at a time, not more than that), the stay in the hills was ok. Visited the hall where Sahasra Deepalankara Seva was being held. As you entered the hall, those managing the affairs would ask point blank to recede in the background if the ticket for the same had not been secured. Here to differentiate between those in possession of the seva ticket and those not in possession looks a bit odd as seating arrangements are adequate. A little after eight in the evening left Tirumala for Tirupati. In Tirupati, Sreenivasam Complex as some insiders told me is the largest single hall spread on such a wide canvas. There used to be a restaurant on first or second floor in Sreenivasam Complex. Elaborate were the meals, not to forget the much famed halwa. Perhaps that restaurant no longer functions and there is a solo eating joint on the ground floor.
Took meals from ground floor restaurant before retiring to the lodge. Next morning the bus leaves from Tirupati bus stand at 5.35. am. Easy to spot is a platform from where buses headed towards Thirutani, Kanchi and Chennai depart. As bus moves out of bus stand, Mayura, Balaji Woodlands, Vikram hotels/restaurants on other side of roads can be spotted with ease.
Going past Venkateswara Swamy temple
Till 5.49 am you can spot the V sign etched on hills. Ten to 15 minutes later Bangalore is shown to be 251 kms. Go past Tirumala Restaurant, National Atmosphere Research Laboratory and Venkateswara Swamy temple. At some point Pakala is shown to be 5km. SV Cold Drinks in Chittor is what you spot a little after 6.50. At 7.05 Tirupati is shown 76 kms and Kadapa 171 km away. At 7.06 we spot Kolar 109 and Bangalore 172 kms away. Here i sight Vellore Kurnool Express bus, not to forget the Kumbakonnam degree coffee board. At 7.15 reach we reach K G Sathram. A lane going inside shows Kanipakam 15 km. At this point the Vellore- Kurnool bus is in full flow perhaps having spent the previous night on winding roads.
Go past Cosy Palms Vegetarian Motel. At 7.20 Nalamgapalle is 1 km away. As we go past SVR Dairy Parlour, Bangarupalyam comes at 7.25. SBI Bangarupalyam comes at 7.26 followed by Water service centre. A vibrant Ganpati temple after water service centre on left side gets easily registered
Reaching Palamaner at 7.45
Himachal dhaba coming at 7.27 followed by Palamkulapalle at 7.29. Here you come across a truck bearing number NL -01 k 0822. This is followed by roads in Ascending/descending template. Welcome to Milk City Tirumala Milk, Palamaner at 7.45. Cool winds encircle you for a while around 8. Coming along the way is Sri Srinivasa motorworks and Sri Srinivasa Nursing Home.
From Palamner Bangalore is shown to be 137 kms. Spot a vehicle written srivari industries, as Universal school bus goes past us. A little later, V Kota, Kuppam are shown to be on the left and Bangalore on the right.
Sri Venkateswara Gosama Pathikonda comes at 8.05 am immediately followed by Sri Kalyan Venkatramna temple. Go past Sri Balaji Granites Mulbagal at 9.25 followed by board of Sri Venkateswara research centre Thambihalli at 9.47.
Kolar bus station coming at 10
Giving further directions, Thambihalli is shown to be on the right, Huttur left, Bangalore 93, Tumkur 165 and Pune 927 kms. The bus is at Lanco Hoskote Toll Plaza at 9.43. Kolar bus station comes at 10 Here there is a board of Sambhvami institutes offering PVC, Degree, Short term, Certificate courses. There is Sri Venkateswara General and Stationary store in the bus station as well.
As bus leaves Kolar bus station Al- ameen educational institutions are easily noticeable. At 10.56 Bangalore is 31kms away. Right inside the city the thick layer of traffic tests the patience of those inside the bus. Finally we are in Bangalore at 12.20.
Take a train from Yashwantpur for national capital a little after one in the afternoon. The fruit vendor on platform one is in a world of his own. Vendors at railway stations can be helpful as well as irritating lot. Meals comprising paratha with vegetables coming from railway vendor shop on platform one is something to cheer about.
As against a truck bearing a north east number, few months later i spot a bus bearing NL -0853 in the city of Chennai. The local train ride in Chennai was something to appreciate as it brought the people of the north east in perfect symmetry.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Exploring Hampi 3
Exploring Hampi 3
Tourist elucidating on travel imprints
Some restaurants in Hampi have been advertised by word of mouth to show they are the best in town, the impression appears otherwise. Some not advertised that well perform better.While taking meals from a place at a restaurant at the farthest corner, where a man, wife work, and from whose backyard Virupaksha temple can be seen, i came across a French national. Elucidating on his wide travel imprints, Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam were two places where we had tales to share. He told me he would be taking a bus from Hospet to Goa and from where he would be flying to Mumbai and taking another flight to France. Coming across a Californian guy, the one with fewer luggage, preferred to check the sites of Hampi on a moped.
In Hampi town, though illegal structures have been done away with, still cleanliness eludes the place. Some with toddlers do it in open, not realising the worth of being clean and clear. There are book shops as well, some armed with perfect telltale signs of the town.
Some among the restaurants offered set breakfast comprising continental, english, french, chinese, spanish, american and israeli. Here i am reminded of the invite by the speaker to address the house does not look ok given the uncertainty in the middle east. Thomas piece in nyt has been quite informative.
Coming to Hampi there is Gouri Guest House, Thilak guest house, hampi shopping street, Shri Bhuvaneshwari guest house and Guru Cycle Shop, giving cycles on hire. Kumar general store comes handy. There are a slew of STD booths, the std booth stands that one came across in Bangalore are not to be found here. A local resident, Tulsi Bai, getting cover made from wollen for water bottles was another new discovery.
Road opposite Virupaksha temple, rice belt rich and vibrant
Best area appears to be the road right opposite the Virupaksha temple. The day i leave hampi i come across student Abhishek. On being asked what is his second name, he replied Abhishek only.
Entire region has one of the best rice belts in the country. Hard to forget the one near Anegundi bus stop, some metres away from Virupapurgadde. Here the paddy cultivation looks rich and vibrant, just across the place housing a slew of cyber cafes.
Reaching Hospet; rains at the station
Having reached Hospet , it had begun to rain and the collection of people at platform was becoming unmanageable. The tea provided by a vendor was least palatable. The train left Hospet after eight pm and reached TPT a little after nine in the morning. Took a lodge before heading towards SEven Hills. Again i repeat it is better to take a shared jeep to hills than a bus. Because while returning from Seven hills, this time round the men in uniform showed their class. The time that had been consumed in leaving the bags in the bus and taking a ticket from bus stand gave enough momentum for 10 to 15 personnel from department to get into the bus. As the bus began to move, the uniform man sitting next to me got down at a check post in the hills. The seat was vacant and for the next 10 minutes no one came. Now a young boy sitting at the back asked me to make way for him as he desired to sit next to the window. Thinking he may have to vomit, I sat on the aisle seat and he took the window. Soon after he began to clear his throat and spit from the window. He may have repeated this act 15 to 20 times in the course of 30 minute journey to check post downstairs. I took away the luggage lying on seat lest it could be recipient of his spit. All important landmarks on the way were spared or not one does not know. The personnel from department got down at check post and after this for the next 15 minutes he just kept quiet. This shows the frustration of personnel and how far class four among others comes handy for them. Screaming near the residence house gate, passing abuse repeatedly sending different men for passing abuse has become all-pervasive. Tapping has to stop in all fairness and these people have to leave.
Earlier as i reached seven hills, taking different rounds was the preferred option. Since sudarshan token had also become online, there was little leeway. Met Anandan, the std man, who was kind enough to offer me big size laddus which i could not accept as not that heavy luggage is the need of the hour. Extra care should be taken in preparation of laddus, resources garnered should be wisely spent. Keeping the force in good mood than letting them get frustrated is the need of the hour. A little force would even do if you don't offend others. The time spent in the hills was still the best and not to forget to mention the long iron railings that defined the boundary of free meals too have come up near footpath. One may question the need for such high high iron pillars near the footpath. Resources wisely spent should be on the agenda. Left Seven hills in the evening and TPT the next morning. Mind you extra care was taken at Hospet station to keep it clean. The bookshop on platform one has good collections. The people in and around Hampi are ok if not coerced to act not fair. A cleanliness drive around lodges and getting the residents gainfully employed can be handy for them.
Tourist elucidating on travel imprints
Some restaurants in Hampi have been advertised by word of mouth to show they are the best in town, the impression appears otherwise. Some not advertised that well perform better.While taking meals from a place at a restaurant at the farthest corner, where a man, wife work, and from whose backyard Virupaksha temple can be seen, i came across a French national. Elucidating on his wide travel imprints, Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam were two places where we had tales to share. He told me he would be taking a bus from Hospet to Goa and from where he would be flying to Mumbai and taking another flight to France. Coming across a Californian guy, the one with fewer luggage, preferred to check the sites of Hampi on a moped.
In Hampi town, though illegal structures have been done away with, still cleanliness eludes the place. Some with toddlers do it in open, not realising the worth of being clean and clear. There are book shops as well, some armed with perfect telltale signs of the town.
Some among the restaurants offered set breakfast comprising continental, english, french, chinese, spanish, american and israeli. Here i am reminded of the invite by the speaker to address the house does not look ok given the uncertainty in the middle east. Thomas piece in nyt has been quite informative.
Coming to Hampi there is Gouri Guest House, Thilak guest house, hampi shopping street, Shri Bhuvaneshwari guest house and Guru Cycle Shop, giving cycles on hire. Kumar general store comes handy. There are a slew of STD booths, the std booth stands that one came across in Bangalore are not to be found here. A local resident, Tulsi Bai, getting cover made from wollen for water bottles was another new discovery.
Road opposite Virupaksha temple, rice belt rich and vibrant
Best area appears to be the road right opposite the Virupaksha temple. The day i leave hampi i come across student Abhishek. On being asked what is his second name, he replied Abhishek only.
Entire region has one of the best rice belts in the country. Hard to forget the one near Anegundi bus stop, some metres away from Virupapurgadde. Here the paddy cultivation looks rich and vibrant, just across the place housing a slew of cyber cafes.
Reaching Hospet; rains at the station
Having reached Hospet , it had begun to rain and the collection of people at platform was becoming unmanageable. The tea provided by a vendor was least palatable. The train left Hospet after eight pm and reached TPT a little after nine in the morning. Took a lodge before heading towards SEven Hills. Again i repeat it is better to take a shared jeep to hills than a bus. Because while returning from Seven hills, this time round the men in uniform showed their class. The time that had been consumed in leaving the bags in the bus and taking a ticket from bus stand gave enough momentum for 10 to 15 personnel from department to get into the bus. As the bus began to move, the uniform man sitting next to me got down at a check post in the hills. The seat was vacant and for the next 10 minutes no one came. Now a young boy sitting at the back asked me to make way for him as he desired to sit next to the window. Thinking he may have to vomit, I sat on the aisle seat and he took the window. Soon after he began to clear his throat and spit from the window. He may have repeated this act 15 to 20 times in the course of 30 minute journey to check post downstairs. I took away the luggage lying on seat lest it could be recipient of his spit. All important landmarks on the way were spared or not one does not know. The personnel from department got down at check post and after this for the next 15 minutes he just kept quiet. This shows the frustration of personnel and how far class four among others comes handy for them. Screaming near the residence house gate, passing abuse repeatedly sending different men for passing abuse has become all-pervasive. Tapping has to stop in all fairness and these people have to leave.
Earlier as i reached seven hills, taking different rounds was the preferred option. Since sudarshan token had also become online, there was little leeway. Met Anandan, the std man, who was kind enough to offer me big size laddus which i could not accept as not that heavy luggage is the need of the hour. Extra care should be taken in preparation of laddus, resources garnered should be wisely spent. Keeping the force in good mood than letting them get frustrated is the need of the hour. A little force would even do if you don't offend others. The time spent in the hills was still the best and not to forget to mention the long iron railings that defined the boundary of free meals too have come up near footpath. One may question the need for such high high iron pillars near the footpath. Resources wisely spent should be on the agenda. Left Seven hills in the evening and TPT the next morning. Mind you extra care was taken at Hospet station to keep it clean. The bookshop on platform one has good collections. The people in and around Hampi are ok if not coerced to act not fair. A cleanliness drive around lodges and getting the residents gainfully employed can be handy for them.
Exploring Hampi 2, rich vibrant rice fields
Exploring Hampi 2
The stay in Hampi began on a Friday lasting till Tuesday, the day i took a train from Hospet to Andhra Pradesh. In the lodges where you stay there is not much to do, visiting eating joints here and there spread over a small area. There are modes of transport, mirroring the aspirations of those who visit and those who desire to stay for months turning to years. Those falling in the latter category would be just a handful. Mopeds for a day came handy for those who were willing to shell out around rs 400 to 500. As for those showing allegiance to foot feat, the locals outsmarted most of the visitors.
Having gone past Achyutaraya temple, next it was Varaha (saiva) temple i came across. On a foot having come across directions to Virupaksha temple, Achyutaraya temple and Curtesan's street the Varaha (Saiva) temple had a board that read the temple is constructed over a Jagati with a sanctum, Vestibule and open mukhamantapa.
Temple between rocks
The route from Varaha temple to Vitthala temple could be realised with a long walk. Coming along the way is a river in full spate followed by a a place where some idols have been kept with big rocks holding on either side. A little inside the place is dark and yet the people taking this trail make a point to visit the same. After coming out as you try to take a kuchha road you come across Abhishek, the student, selling Postcards from Hampi. Enquiring about his school stint, he reveals on a Sunday he sells postcards. A little later from Kuchha road is a spot for tea drinking, not forgetting far away is a warning on swimming prohibited and beware of crocodiles. From here keep walking and you reach the outer fringe of Vitthala temple.
There is a board that reads
Vishnu temple (left)
King's balance (left)
Inscribed Vishnu temple
Varaha temple to Vitthala temple Route Once Again
Once Again the route from Varaha temple goes like this. A River in full spate, a temple between rocks, kuchha road, a tea making spot having not far away a swimming warning and this followed by outer fringe of Vitthala temple.
Board at Vitthala temple
From the board at Vitthala temple turn left and you are in Vitthala temple. The board says
Vitthala temple is the highest watermark of Vijaynagara style of art and architecture. Vitthala is Krishna aspect of Lord Vishnu. . Outside the temple to its east is a huge bazar measuring 945 metres in length and 40 metres in width leading to a sacred tank known as Lokapavani.
Inside the temple it has three monuments. One monument has message "work in progress in maha mantaba."
Back of monument is Thungabadra river
As you visit the area measuring 940 metres in length and 40 metres in width, it too opens to a monument perhaps under restoration. At the back of the monument you can sight Thungabadra river, across the river is a house red in character. From here as well you can sight Anjanaye Parbat, the flags atop giving a fair idea.
Having spent a little over half an hour in the Vitthala temple and roundabout, you come across battery operated cars that carry old and women to and fro. Driven largely by women, these transport acumen are best to date. From Vitthala temple after leaving the outer fringe as you walk and go past the spot for tea, the kuccha road and temple between rocks it won't take more than 15 minutes to reach the Coutesan's street board. Effectively speaking, from Vitthala temple to Coutesan's street board it would take 30 to 35 minutes. As you walk further you reach another tea spot. Here, Hanumantha, the tea maker and Krishna Reddy from Bellary, you come across. Not far away you come across a solo round shaped boat made from plastic, wire and bamboo, known in local parlance as tokra. Shivram, the boat man, has answers to your queries. From here it would take another 15 minutes before you spot Virupaksha temple in full glare.
Here the streets in Hampi that divide the lodges on either side are narrow, three wheelers don't have that much of maneuverable space. Most lodges have restaurants on roof, the steel staircase is another point of challenge. I am told there has been a restoration work after all illegal structures were removed and those defying the height parameter. Having stayed in Sambhu Guest House the co-owner reveals in lieu of demolished structures that stood right opposite the Virupaksha temple, he and others have been given land elsewhere where they hope to raise lodges.
Gopi restaurant comes handy for milk/tea in the morning and the owner is kind enough to give literature on Hampi. Tourist spots faraway like Badami (caves), Aihole (a monument similar to Parliament) and Pattadakal (architectural imprints of this place has reflections in different parts of the country) have been mentioned by him. A middleaged man running the restaurant which is also flanked by a massage corner having in attendance men of muscular motor. Other restaurants are ganesh, moonlight and hampi roof. But there was no food to match the one delivered in Vaibhava Guest House in Anegundi. Perhaps the guide at Vaibhava Guest House goes by the name Maruthi and not Murthi.
Another important aspect about Anegundi is it did not have satellite tvs so one was not reminded of keeping abreast with day to day happenings. All sort of debates on roasting of the centre by a little revere here or there we were lucky to be kept away from. A stable opening at the centre is what we all look forward to and stability at the centre secured some months ago should not be hijacked by a little reverse here or there. Mandates won by unreasonable protests and provocations can very well boomerang as all want peace. Centre could have been at default at some places (full page ads not serving the desired goal, lack of transparency in municipal bodies, factionalism, in effect the local unit disinterest affecting 20-odd outcomes or more than that) but others chiding people to collect and convert to protests and a slew of blackmails and let anarchy elements hold strong would backfire. Lessons from W. Asia show that alternate politics ignites fear and instability and take away livelihood of people. Say in a country of 100, if you sway people by allegations and asking them to take recourse to street battles, informing them in all fairness their good lies in these form of deeds, at least 70 would say ha ha (yes yes). Peace at Centre and Country the mandate of some months ago is what it essentially meant, don't dilute that.
The stay in Hampi began on a Friday lasting till Tuesday, the day i took a train from Hospet to Andhra Pradesh. In the lodges where you stay there is not much to do, visiting eating joints here and there spread over a small area. There are modes of transport, mirroring the aspirations of those who visit and those who desire to stay for months turning to years. Those falling in the latter category would be just a handful. Mopeds for a day came handy for those who were willing to shell out around rs 400 to 500. As for those showing allegiance to foot feat, the locals outsmarted most of the visitors.
Having gone past Achyutaraya temple, next it was Varaha (saiva) temple i came across. On a foot having come across directions to Virupaksha temple, Achyutaraya temple and Curtesan's street the Varaha (Saiva) temple had a board that read the temple is constructed over a Jagati with a sanctum, Vestibule and open mukhamantapa.
Temple between rocks
The route from Varaha temple to Vitthala temple could be realised with a long walk. Coming along the way is a river in full spate followed by a a place where some idols have been kept with big rocks holding on either side. A little inside the place is dark and yet the people taking this trail make a point to visit the same. After coming out as you try to take a kuchha road you come across Abhishek, the student, selling Postcards from Hampi. Enquiring about his school stint, he reveals on a Sunday he sells postcards. A little later from Kuchha road is a spot for tea drinking, not forgetting far away is a warning on swimming prohibited and beware of crocodiles. From here keep walking and you reach the outer fringe of Vitthala temple.
There is a board that reads
Vishnu temple (left)
King's balance (left)
Inscribed Vishnu temple
Varaha temple to Vitthala temple Route Once Again
Once Again the route from Varaha temple goes like this. A River in full spate, a temple between rocks, kuchha road, a tea making spot having not far away a swimming warning and this followed by outer fringe of Vitthala temple.
Board at Vitthala temple
From the board at Vitthala temple turn left and you are in Vitthala temple. The board says
Vitthala temple is the highest watermark of Vijaynagara style of art and architecture. Vitthala is Krishna aspect of Lord Vishnu. . Outside the temple to its east is a huge bazar measuring 945 metres in length and 40 metres in width leading to a sacred tank known as Lokapavani.
Inside the temple it has three monuments. One monument has message "work in progress in maha mantaba."
Back of monument is Thungabadra river
As you visit the area measuring 940 metres in length and 40 metres in width, it too opens to a monument perhaps under restoration. At the back of the monument you can sight Thungabadra river, across the river is a house red in character. From here as well you can sight Anjanaye Parbat, the flags atop giving a fair idea.
Having spent a little over half an hour in the Vitthala temple and roundabout, you come across battery operated cars that carry old and women to and fro. Driven largely by women, these transport acumen are best to date. From Vitthala temple after leaving the outer fringe as you walk and go past the spot for tea, the kuccha road and temple between rocks it won't take more than 15 minutes to reach the Coutesan's street board. Effectively speaking, from Vitthala temple to Coutesan's street board it would take 30 to 35 minutes. As you walk further you reach another tea spot. Here, Hanumantha, the tea maker and Krishna Reddy from Bellary, you come across. Not far away you come across a solo round shaped boat made from plastic, wire and bamboo, known in local parlance as tokra. Shivram, the boat man, has answers to your queries. From here it would take another 15 minutes before you spot Virupaksha temple in full glare.
Here the streets in Hampi that divide the lodges on either side are narrow, three wheelers don't have that much of maneuverable space. Most lodges have restaurants on roof, the steel staircase is another point of challenge. I am told there has been a restoration work after all illegal structures were removed and those defying the height parameter. Having stayed in Sambhu Guest House the co-owner reveals in lieu of demolished structures that stood right opposite the Virupaksha temple, he and others have been given land elsewhere where they hope to raise lodges.
Gopi restaurant comes handy for milk/tea in the morning and the owner is kind enough to give literature on Hampi. Tourist spots faraway like Badami (caves), Aihole (a monument similar to Parliament) and Pattadakal (architectural imprints of this place has reflections in different parts of the country) have been mentioned by him. A middleaged man running the restaurant which is also flanked by a massage corner having in attendance men of muscular motor. Other restaurants are ganesh, moonlight and hampi roof. But there was no food to match the one delivered in Vaibhava Guest House in Anegundi. Perhaps the guide at Vaibhava Guest House goes by the name Maruthi and not Murthi.
Another important aspect about Anegundi is it did not have satellite tvs so one was not reminded of keeping abreast with day to day happenings. All sort of debates on roasting of the centre by a little revere here or there we were lucky to be kept away from. A stable opening at the centre is what we all look forward to and stability at the centre secured some months ago should not be hijacked by a little reverse here or there. Mandates won by unreasonable protests and provocations can very well boomerang as all want peace. Centre could have been at default at some places (full page ads not serving the desired goal, lack of transparency in municipal bodies, factionalism, in effect the local unit disinterest affecting 20-odd outcomes or more than that) but others chiding people to collect and convert to protests and a slew of blackmails and let anarchy elements hold strong would backfire. Lessons from W. Asia show that alternate politics ignites fear and instability and take away livelihood of people. Say in a country of 100, if you sway people by allegations and asking them to take recourse to street battles, informing them in all fairness their good lies in these form of deeds, at least 70 would say ha ha (yes yes). Peace at Centre and Country the mandate of some months ago is what it essentially meant, don't dilute that.
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