Having Reached Tirupati In South India and Thoughts On Indian Railways And Road Traffic; Cheers To Hindustan Times

Having Reached Tirupati In South India and Thoughts On Indian Railways And Road Traffic; Cheers To Hindustan Times

Having reached Tirupati the bus ride from City Of Bengaluru was tiring enough and seeking a room in a lodge was all I looked forward to. Room which should by all means be tidy clean and surroundings need not be necessarily green. It wasn't hard to find one with room number 308 the new port to reflect on days gone by. It was time to look back on a journey which started from the City Of Delhi covering theatres as varied as Prashanthi Nilayam (Andhra Pradesh State), Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh State) and Bengaluru (Karnataka State) - and all these hep and happening places of South India. 

Any Rescheduling Meant Rewriting The Rules Of The Game

The ride itself from Delhi (Hazrat Nizamuddin Station; Hazrat Nizamuddin Shrine Is Nearby) to Prashanthi Nilayam made one wondered whether the odd time the train (Bengaluru Rajdhani) touched the desired destination could be changed for the convenience of passengers. Passengers who were wise enough to descend on Prashanthi Nilayam from across globe and more so on November 23. That recourse to change in train  timing was a tall order given the thick traffic that railway tracks were subjected to and any rescheduling would have meant rewriting the rules of the game for trains emerging from Delhi and bound for Bengaluru. 

For Entire Set Of Journey The Train Doesn't Touch Coastal Belt

For the entire set of journey the said train doesn't touch coastal belt and for those doing the same the tracks getting washed away in view of high tide and rains could come in at any point of time. Gaining insights into working of railways wasn't all that tedious and here on a range of issues the railways had to set its house in order. From maintaining hygiene to replacing bumpy coaches and tracks the task is cut out. This is not undermining the efforts the railways have made in this direction but more needed to be done with clinical precision. From train attendant to food attendant it should be made mandatory that they be at least graduate so that conversation need not be coarse and crude.  Indian Railways carry truckload of passengers and to expect moon would be imprudent and unwarranted. But the budget that is at their disposal and earnings they make from freight to sale of tickets a beginning can be made to make the conversation around railways more fitting and decent. Railways have to watch out for safety of tracks to signalling system that in due course of time shouldn't get incapacitated. Expectations from this sector isn't exorbitant and flagging these issues merit attention.

Road Discipline Came In For Praise

The bus ride from Bengaluru took away the thoughts on railways and here road discipline once you leave outskirts of Bengaluru was something to praise. No speeding vehicles and space meant for every mode of transport irrespective of quantum of traffic flow. The highway I was in had a declining traffic base and none whatsoever any vehicle going in wrong lane or in opposite direction. There were less and less chances of mishaps and those at the wheels crafty and brainy chaps. Whatever be the goals during afternoon the rush hour traffic is nearly absent and one is in awe of such outlook and wonders whether Big Cities Like Delhi and Mumbai can hope to regale the audience with such traffic skate. 

The Tirumala Tryst And Gaining Sarva Darshan Token From Srinivasam Complex

Coming back to arrival in Tirupati, the Tirumala Tryst is all about getting to gain a glimpse of Lord Govinda (Lord Venkateshwar) and here I was in Tirupati to get going. Here thoughts were on Sarva Darshan Token and the success factor to the same. In P K Layout opposite Srinivasam Complex in Tirupati there are slew of lodges and their tariffs varying from point to point depending on amenities they can bring on table. Some notable ones are Triveni Residency, KRK Residency, Vaishnavi Residency, Sairam Residency, ERR Residency and others. Not to miss out on SUPRABATH TOWERS where the stay the previous year in July was most comforting to say the least. As the evening drew in I had my meals and retired to the bed as I had to get up early in the morning. No sooner the clock struck 11 PM disturbances next to my room began to take a new colour and filthy words in Oriya (Oriya language is spoken in State Of Odisha) could be audible. I kept to myself and did not step out. By 2 AM I was next to Srinivasam Complex only to discover some carrying Sarva Darshan Token. I could not make out what all was happening as these tokens begin to get disbursed not before 4 AM. Once inside Srinivasam Complex I could see huge collection of people in queue and as I joined the same I could collect Sarva Darshan token at 3.30 AM. Nowadays Sarva Darshan counters open at 2 AM and queue for the same begin to form from 11 PM. There are in all nine counters dishing out these tokens and reporting time on my token was 6 PM. It was much better than the previous time when reporting time was 11 PM and staying in touch with ATGH circle at that time was nigh impossible. With 6 PM reporting time in ATGH Circle in Tirumala I was elated and thanked Lord Govinda for being helpful. 

Cheers To Hindustan Times

Cheers to Leading Newspaper of New Delhi Hindustan Times for completing 100 years. Hundred years and going strong with each passing year and this is a vivid testament to the fact that those at the helm have done a wonderful job for reaching this feat. My best wishes would always be with Hindustan Times, staff members and family members and kudos to them for letting this happen. Had it not been for visionary leadership this feat would have remained a pipe dream. Hindustan Times has chased goals year after year and in centuries to come it would remain the LEADER IN PRINT MEDIA.  Again My Best Wishes And We Expect More Wonders From This Empire. 

Controversy swirling around Tirumala Ladoos is highly unfortunate. There was no need to go public on this issue and if there was adulterated oil it should have been replaced. Let adulterated oil be replaced and here I still believe the sanctity of Tirumala Ladoos won't see any erosion. 

YEDU KONDALWADA VENKATRAMNA GOVINDA GOVINDA

Stay In Puttaparthi And Leaving For Tirumala In Andhra Pradesh State In South India

Stay In Puttaparthi And Leaving For Tirumala In Andhra Pradesh State In South India

Having reached Puttaparthi and taken a room in Rangasai Lodge in Chitravathi Road I wondered why Bengaluru Rajdhani came on Platform 2 when the scheduled arrival from The Big City Of Delhi is on Platform One. Automan Mr Lakshmipati was kind enough to provide the ride and there was no single vehicle to be spotted at this odd hour. The room allotted in lodge was 404 with stay in this town for three days looking to be sure. Here mornings begin early with those pushing the tea, milk cart to push sales in abundance even before 4 AM sets in. Taking milk and tea I came across a boy who had come from Pratap Nagar probably in North Delhi to be a volunteer for sizeable number of days. These milk, tea carts personnel often used to yell Sai Ram Tea Coffee with a bid to rope in as number of customers as possible. They would be at their stalls well past seven with a reminder that tea and coffee disbursed here could bring spring in the steps. 

Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness Has Resonated Through Decades

Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness, Help Ever Hurt Never messages have resonated through decades in Puttaparthi with Bhagwan (Sathya Sai) having all along maintained that Service To Man Is Service To God. Puttaparthi basking in the glory of feats attained by Bhagwan and rescue coming as and when required. Puttaparthi continues to draw people in droves mirroring the fact Bhagwan is here to guide us and inbuilt is the faith to take a journey that is flanked by flag of spiritualism. Ever since Bhagwan departed his presence is still felt in every nook and cranny underlining the import of leading a life of simplicity. Money comes and goes, morality comes and grows goaded one to think on the need to usher in a better world for future generations and their attempts not stymied by commercialisation stripes.  Puttaparthi would continue to be a humble town not necessarily in the coming decades to be besotted by adventurism of 21st century, a century where climate change hullabaloo to climate cane crew look to be mind-boggling and overwhelming. Puttaparthi is light and elementary and those who mark their attendance here are simple beings with trivial wonders even bringing cheers. People from far flung areas come here and connections from Delhi take more than a day with some train schedule looking funny given the odd time they touch Prasanthi Nilayam. Some are lucky enough to come and leave after paying obeisance to Bhagwan the same day as their place of residence is not that far.

Rush Hour As One Day Was National Holiday

As for the stay punctuated with visits to Bhagwan Samadhi (Bhagwan Resting Place) the rush hour was to do with the fact that one of the days was national holiday and young students having come from all across Andhra Pradesh State with this town ushering in three-day fest. Rendition of devotional songs here to stay in the morning and evening sessions and on discipline parameter it fares well. Besides this the innumerable touchdown at West India Canteen And North India Canteen threw one back to the era when Bhagwan was visible to one all and paying regular visits to Devotional Song Hall. 

Leaving For Bengaluru To Go Further To Tirumala

The day I am supposed to leave which is Saturday I pay visit to Lord Ganesh Idol in temple premises and here there are constructive thoughts invoking Lord Govinda's name of Tirumala. Perhaps they have made out I would be visiting Lord Govinda temple in Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh State. Automan Mr Prakash drops me at Prasanthi Nilayam Station with having sighted on the way air strip that has not been thrown open to public. Mr Prakash is well mannered and so is the station master who divulges the coach position of A1. The train to Bengaluru comes well after 8.30 AM and I board with an intent to get to Tirumala as early as possible. The train reaches Bengaluru at 11.40 and as I descend stairs there is a young woman acting as ticket checking personnel. Automan Mr Murthy drops me at Vasuda Residency on S C Road opposite to Movieland Theatre Majestic. The stay in this lodge is least comforting and I try to adjust despite series of irritants. Next day I leave for Tirupati with fervent prayers to Lord Govinda (Lord Venkateshwar) that I get the requisite invite from his sanctum sanctorum (Bangaru Vakili). Airavat is the name of bus service plying between Bengaluru and Tirupati. Though the bus left at 9.25 AM it is in and around Bengaluru city till 10.40. The bus finally reaches Tirupati at 2.55 PM and I am in lodge by 3.15. 

YEDU KONDALWADA VENKATRAMNA GOVINDA GOVINDA

Pudhya Varshi Lavkar Ya (Lord Ganesh Festival In India)

Pudhya Varshi Lavkar Ya (Lord Ganesh Festival In India))

As Lord Ganesh Idols take the procession route everyone prays Lord Ganesh comes next year soon. Next year to shower blessings and leave tales of eminence. Lord Ganesh we pray for a world order that is at peace with itself and with enough cushion. Right across Maharashtra State In India the Lord Ganesh Festival has been a tad different and praiseworthy and watched by billions across world. Lord Ganesh simple saying is be truthful and help those who are in distress. Lord Ganesh brings the requisite momentum in life and let each one of us acknowledge that. Lord Ganesh We Adore You. 

From Sangli to Kohlapur, from Sholapur to Ahmednagar, from Pune to Mumbai each and every quarter was draped in colour that Lord Ganesh adores. Lalbaugcha Raja  procession in particular would be watched with keen interest. These 10 days were wonderful with each resident of Maharashtra State reposing faith in Lord Ganesh and praying for the well being of all. There are so many issues to sort out, so many agendas to stick to. In this commotion sometimes people lose the tale and it is Lord Ganesh that brings the much-needed guiding light. 

Lord Ganesh and his adherents don't differentiate anyone on the basis of religion and colour. There are some at the helm who are driving divide and rule vehicle undermining the very ethos that Lord  Ganesh is identified with. May Lord Ganesh rescue this planet from such ideology and give fillip to flowers of diversity.

Pudhya Varshi Lavkar Ya.

YEDU KONDALWADA VENKATRAMNA GOVINDA GOVINDA

Pudhya Varshi Lavkar Ya

Pudhya Varshi Lavkar Ya

As Lord Ganesh Idols take the procession route everyone prays Lord Ganesh comes next year soon. Lord Ganesh we pray for a world order that is at peace with itself and with enough cushion. Right across Maharashtra State In India the Lord Ganesh Festival has been a tad different and praiseworthy and watched by billions across world. 

Pudhya Varshi Lavkar Ya.

YEDU KONDALWADA VENKATRAMNA GOVINDA GOVINDA

Sitaram Yechury Whom We Knew

Sitaram Yechury Whom We Knew

Sitaram Yechury was a man of masses. He had a heart of gold and was accessible to one and all. He rose through the ranks to be party general secretary. With leftist leanings he knew pretty well what issues bothered the common man and from where the solution could possibly come from. A man who was adored by the masses and the one who brought to the table precious wisdom that never ever err in life and be as simple as possible. A leader who traversed length and breadth of country to understand the pain the common man was in; he had the pulse of the gathering he addressed and knew inside out of a country that had gained freedom with its share of strain and stress and least to go awry despite bouts of suffering it was subjected to. 

Sitaram Yechury was a visionary and a man who could connect with any soul on the street with ease and never to lose faith in the system that grappled with its share of issues. A soft-spoken soul with a heart of gold he and his admirers had contingency plan in pipeline whenever challenges emanated from any quarter. Sitaram Yechury would be remembered for selfless service rendered to the nation and his clarion call to secular forces to unite to keep nation afloat always came in nick of time. A leader with feet firmly on ground his departure from the scene makes the world lose a visionary and India a beloved leader. Sitaram Yechury quite often goaded the treasury benches to roll out schemes that could take away the commotion the common man was in and in this endeavour he had mixed innings. Salute a leader and salute a captain of the ship who championed the cause of masses without break and salute a chieftain who played immaculate innings that evoked admiration. 

Leaving For Puttaparthi In Andhra Pradesh State In South India

Leaving For Puttaparthi In Andhra Pradesh State In South India

After having booked ticket the next day I left Safdarjung Enclave home at 6.30 PM. Mr Sarbajeet Singh of Kamal Taxi was kind enough to arrange taxi. Go past Safdarjung Flyover at 6.42. Reach Hazrat Nizamuddin Station at 7 PM. There are in all 11 red lights from Safdarjung Enclave to Hazrat Nizamuddin  Station with traffic showing no hint of receding. Why traffic multiplies in the evening hours giving tense moments to those who are suposed to board trains to far away destinations like South India. But these tense moments wipe away in no time as the man driving taxi makes it to Hazrat Nizamuddin Station almost 50 minutes before Bengaluru Rajdhani is to depart. Reach Platform 5 after 7.05 with porter Mr Om Prakash agreeing to put luggage once train pulls in on the said Platform. 

Trains Across India In Thick Of Action

Here as I bide time I can see Duronto Express to Secunderabad parked in Platform 6 with announcements made for slew of trains including one going to Bandra through Kota and Vadodra and at this point of time running behind schedule. By 7.18 my train comes on Platform and by 7.26 I get settled in my seat. I can see the train that comes on Platform 4 there is a mad rush to get in and get out. Such is the state of affairs of Indian Railways despite running over one hundred thousand trains across country it is in thick of action with those wishing to travel coming in multiples. 

Notings In Telugu Language Convey The Convoy Has Entered Andhra Pradesh State

The train leaves at 7.50 with Mathura ( Uttar Pradesh State) coming after 9, Agra at 10.20 and Bhopal at 3.50 AM. For Itarsi to access the reporting time is between 5.20 and 5.40. Maramjhiri comes at 6.57 with some taking morning walk. Having gone past Betul at 7 it is lush green with surroundings retaining sheen. Amla at 7.12 followed by Pawar Krishi Farm Dairy. Nagpur (Maharashtra State In West India) at 9.30 and around 12 PM the convoy has reached Balharshah ( Maharashtra State). Notings in Telugu language at 1.20 reveal the big picture that the convoy has entered Andhra Pradesh State. At 1.30 reach KOYA VAGU. At 1.30 again reach Sirpur Kaghaznagar with some having made made mental note of mobile tower. 

Kazipet At 3.45, Secunderabad At 5.30

Kazipet at 3.45, Jangaon at 4.14 and Secunderabad at 5.30 where other passengers Mr Jagdeesh Varan and  Mr Bharadwaj make fervent attempt to locate store of Karachi biscuits. From Secunderabad Police Officer Mr P  N Swamy boards train. Here  a word of praise for TTE ( Train Ticket Examiner) V Ashoka who was kind enough to ensure the side lower berth is kept vacant all through train journey so that I could take the seat as I was alotted inside upper berth. 

Rail Escort Staff Seeking Views

Sedam in Karnataka State comes at 7.42, Guntakal at 11.40 and I having skipped sleep as my destination is not that far. Dharmavaram comes at 1.27 AM and here Mr P N Swamy deboards and we wishing well for each other. Here little later rail travel escort staff member approaches me to jot down opinion about escort staff and here I give positive feedback. Soon after the train at Basampalli refuses to move further between 1.50 and 2.23. When the convoy moves it reaches Sathya Sai Prasanthi Nilayam at 2.43 AM and here I am the sole one to deboard. This train ride taking little over 30 hours captured impression of India where still vast sections of people have no access to clean drinking water and they taking it directly from ponds. Here In India railways running base kitchen and vegetable (Malai kofta, Indian Dish) procured from Nagpur Base Kitchen was something to praise. Here In India police officers like Mr P N Swamy keeping upright conduct. 

Deboarding At Prasanthi Nilayam And Reaching Puttaparthi

After I deboarded at Platform 2 of Prasanthi Nilayam station I got hold of auto with Mr Lakshmipati at the helm. By 3.15 I was in Puttaparthi and taking room in Rangasai Lodge. Automan Mr Lakshmipati was kind enough to guide me to this Lodge. I stayed in Puttaparthi for three days with Lord Ganesh Idol In Temple Premises Evoking Much Attention And Praise.

YEDU KONDALWADA VENKATRAMNA GOVINDA GOVINDA

Remembering Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Second President Of India

Remembering Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Second President Of India

Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's teachings hold true to this date and in times we are in his preaching become all the more important. September 5 is celebrated as Teachers Day, bringing praise in good quantum to this True Legend Of India. Hailing from South India he united entire India in one fabric thereby giving impetus to the core values that define a life journey. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan rose from the ranks to occupy office as high as President of India and his stellar contribution to education and henceforth emancipation is recalled by brethren and all from all walks of life. He truly believed education can bring all round change and illustrious years that India has logged is illustration of that. In times we are in when sceptics roar the leadership qualities imbibed by him are rare to be found in the current crop and they more swayed by a verdict to be as vindictive as possible. In these times it is imperative to follow his teachings: respect to one and respect to all. Simplicity Is Genuineness is what became hallmark of his functioning be it on a pedestal abroad or at home. For centuries down the line Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan would be recalled for his endeavours that made India shine and come one better against odds. Hail The True Legend, Hail His Teachings.

YEDU KONDALWADA VENKATRAMNA GOVINDA GOVINDA