Inspiration from Rocky Balboa

This extract is from the conversation between Rocky Balboa and his son in the sixth episode of the Rocky series. Rocky's son blames him for all the high expectations he faces from the world because his father is "Rocky Balboa". And then Rocky explains him his philosophy of life. I really find it inspiring. Hope you do it too.


The world ain't all sunshines and rainbows.
It's a very mean and nasty place... and I don't care how tough you are, it'll beat you to your knees and keep it there permanently if you let it.
You, me and nobody is gonna hit as hard as life.
But it ain't about how hard you hit.
It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward...
How much you can take and keep moving forward.
That's how winning is done.

Now if you know what you are worth, go out and get what you are worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits.

Hello 2007

Ah well... I am a little late in bidding adieu to 2006 and welcoming 2007 but I guess for a lousy blogger like me, it's ok. Anyways, this is my first post of 2007 and I solemnly pledge to blog more often and keep all my friends posted.

As for how celebrated my new year's eve, it was pathetic. Well, like any other guy, I had planned a grandiose gathering of my school gang who were working in and around Bangalore - Prakash from Hyderabad, Nitin from some place in Kerala, Prashant from Chennai, Sameer and Kartikeya from Bangalore itself. But destiny wasn't kind to me. Turns out - Sameer wasn't returning from Korea as planned, Prakash had to work on new year's eve, Prashant had an interview to attend and Nitin was way too faraway although the stupid chap did go to Chennai. I still can't understand why he didn't come to Bangalore.

But my woes weren't to end so easily. I had planned to watch some movies with Kartikeya (the sole guy who could make it) on my computer. Alas, a virus from hell infected my machine and crazily it went down. When Kartikeya came, we spent the time having pizza and fixing my system. Shortly after midnight, Kartik dozed off (he was damn tired after the flight and the a 2-day extravaganza with his college friends at Noida) and I was there burning dvds to back-up data on the system.

Finally, I too said farewell to the long day and slept. Next morning, we spent most of the time calling our folks and wishing them a happy new year. We went for a stroll in the afternoon and had a bite at the Tewari's on Commerical Road.

And that's how I welcomed the new year.

I am sure I will have more interesting stuff to tell as the time progresses. On a short update, I am going to visit Bombay soon. Will be there from 26th till 28th Jan. Hope to meet all my friends there.

Ciao.

Some recent photos

These are some photographs from my new digicam Canon Powershot S3 IS. I haven't really started posting all my work. So this is just an attempt in that direction.

The photographs that follow were taken at my home (Varanasi) from the terrace. It's a blend of adjusted and normal exposure.








Next are a few photographs taken from the bus while going to company picnic.





Finally, these photos were shot when I was returning to Bangalore from Mumbai after attending my convocation. Lonavala is an eye-candy for enthusiast photographer and I tried to capitalise on all the opportunities of capturing the beautiful landscape. Here are some of the best shots I got.







_{(Click on the photographs to view them at higher resolution)}

Rang De Basanti

I know it's pretty late to comment on this movie but I couldn't resist after watching it today yet another time. And even still, I am not sure what impact has this movie on the youth. You know there are a lot of places where they have actually said what you would say after watching the movie - "Ye sab movies mein hi achcha lagta hai yaar. Real life mein kuch bhi aise nahi hota." (All this looks good in movies only. It doesn't happen like this in real life). But given a choice, wouldn't you like to change the situation as it is today. Wouldn't you like to be the Bhagat Singh, Rajguru or Chandrashekhar Aazaad of today ? We all discuss it in the dorms, on the mess table about the relevance of the sacrifices made by these people and their significance in the present day context. But do we really care ?

What I remember most about this is a story, I read in Standard 7th or 8th. It's titled - Drawing-Hall Ke Veer (Brave men of drawing hall). I can't recall the author's name (probably Dharamveer Bharati, please correct me if I am wrong) but ironicaly, it was very true in its essence. What it basically conveyed was that when we listen to national anthem on the independence day or the republic day with the tricolor being unfurled, there's a sudden rush of adrenalin in our blood which you know, inspires us to really do something worthwhile for your country. But as the day passes, the fever goes down and you go back to your daily mundane life. In part, I think this is what Rang De... has achieved. How many of us do really believe that this movie will create the Bhagat Singhs and the Chandrashekhar Aazaads ? Well, maybe your eyes well up after watching the movie but do you really carry forward the message back with you. NO ! You go back, have a nice meal, go to bed and then begin a new day with something else on your mind.

I am not asking you to pick up a gun and shoot the politicians. And so does the movie ! If you can recall the message - Become an IAS^*, be a part of politics, join the military but play a role in making this country better. What is to be remembered from the movie is "Koi bhi desh perfect nahi hota. Use perfect banana padta hai" (No nation is perfect. You have to work to make it perfect). And that's what I beseech you and would like to do myself. When you walk past a poster of the movie next time - just try and catch a glimpse of the line "Mera Bharat Mahan OK !" (My India is Great OK !). Just try to be a little bit more honest with yourself. You will make a great deal of difference.

^*IAS - Indian Administrative Services

Obituary

Harpreet Singh, just like any other guy living your next door, died last night from complications of loosing his soulmate. He was 24 years old. A soft-spoken and obsessive, Harpreet never looked the part of a hopeless romantic but in the final days of his life, he revealed an unknown side of his psyche. This hidden quasi-Jungian persona surfaced during the Agatha Christie like pursuit for his long-reputed soulmate, a woman whom he only spent few precious moments with. Sadly, the protracted search ended late Monday night in complete and utter failure. Yet, even in certain defeat, the courageous Harpreet secretly clung to the belief that life is not a series of meaningless accidents or coincidences. Uh-uh. But rather it's a tapestry of events that culminate in an exquisite, sublime plan. Asked about the loss of his dear friend, Mrityunjay Gautam described Harpreet as a changed man in the last days of his life. "Things were clear for him", Mrityunjay noted. Ultimately, Harpreet concluded that if we are to live life in harmony with the universe, we must all possess a powerful faith in what ancients used to call "fatum", what we currently refer to as Destiny.

So much to Say !!

Hello People !

Writing a blog after so many days. Well, it's not so much of a blog but more a listing of what I am going to publish on it very soon !
Trip to Home and then Punjab - to be more precise, Chandigarh, Amritsar and Ludhiana.
Review of a couple of books: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling. On that note, I would like to mention that I am currently reading Deception Point by Dan Brown and Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell.
And finally about my recently grown interest in F-1.

A Lot Like Love

Several of my friends told me that I haven't done a posting on my blog in a long long time... So I thought lets make a small posting and tell you how am I making good of this life.
Well, life is not sailing smoothly but still its not rocking in the storm as well. Have spent a decent summer vacation doing my first stage of the final project. Saw quite a lot of movies but there's one for now which I would like you to see

A Lot Like Love *ing Ashton Kutcher, Amanda Peet. (recommended only if you like romantic movies with situational comedy)

Won't say much about the movie because "Don't! Don't ruin it!"

Au revoir

Love Story - The Movie

Amazing Movie. Though people would ask me - "Hey, does this beat Serendipity ;)". Ah.. well, you cannot actually compare the movies. Both are of romantic genre but even so, there is something inherently different in the time and the way the movies have been made. I simply loved Ali Macgraw. My God, her smile is killing. And her acting has been simply superb. For Ryan O'Neal, he is cool looking hunk and impresses a lot with his express of emotions towards the end. All in all, a movie not to miss.

I hope no body is unaware of the fact that Love Story has been made from a novel by Erich Segal. I am surely not going to miss that novel now. :)

My Desktop on 19-Apr-2005

Sexy Porsche on my Desktop.

News! News!! Novell announced release of SuSE Linux 9.3. Would be soon upgrading to that. Has some awesome features typical to SuSE.

Valfi

Finally, the day had came, when IIT decided to mark the stay of class of 2001. Though, I still have another year to stay here, I had my valfi (valedictory function). Thanks to my ex-roomie SG, Baronia, Zumar for writing a wonderful profile for me. And how can I forget my department fellows especially DD Micro. You rock ppl! That day, I didn't get senti and all but I did want to say something.I guess, I didn't want to spoil the fun you had during my profile.

Here are some of the pics of my valfi.



Just making sure all my friends were there before the start of the profile



Here's me :)



And so it begins. The Profile!



All my friends. Thanks for being there.



Mittal reading my profile. Baronia(to his left, standing).



Listening intently.



Answering to questions on the anecdotes and the infinite blunders I did during my stay and otherwise.



A hearty laugh on another of those funny memories.



Waiting for another anecdote to crack.



Turned to red.



You have got so many of those moments.



and it continued...



My ex-roomie, SG, behind me. Enjoying every moment.



Finally, getting a little senti. :)

I will always miss you guys. Those who will be leaving this year, I don't know how to thank you for the wonderful moments I shared with you. Kevin Arnold had a time of his own and so did I. These were indeed my WONDER YEARS.

My Desktop on 06-Apr-2005

This is new on the list - Romola Garai. Adore her for her smile and cool dancing in the movie "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights".

Background Hum hit the stands on 5th April

After all the hard work my team and I put in, Background Hum is born. Thanks to all you guys - Shriram, Sandeep, Abhijeet, Sandhya, Aneesh, Lalit, Vivek, Anshu, Anurag, Gaurav and Nishant. You guys rocked and the result is here.
It feels so great after getting compliments like amazing work and we never expected so huge. :)

For all my friends who wish to have a peek at what Background Hum is all about, visit the homepage of BH and see for yourself.

http://www.ee.iitb.ac.in/backgroundhum/

My Desktop on 11-Mar-2005

Look at the cute and adorable Dakota Fanning. Saw her in Sean Penn starred "I am Sam". She is a blue-eyed angel. And what an acting for her age. Amazing!

Feeling of Love!!

My friend forwarded this. It's a wonderful story.


Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived: Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others, including Love.
One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all constructed boats and left. Except for Love.

Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to hold out until the last possible moment.

When the island had almost sunk, Love decided to ask for help.

Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said, "Richness, can you take me with you?"
Richness answered, "No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you."

Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel. "Vanity, please help me!"
"I can't help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered.

Sadness was close by so Love asked, "Sadness, let me go with you." "Oh . . . Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!"

Happiness passed by Love, too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her.

Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come, Love, I will take you." It was an elder. So blessed and overjoyed, Love even forgot to ask the elder where they were going. When they arrived at dry land, the elder went her own way. Realizing how much was owed the elder, Love asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who Helped me?"

"It was Time," Knowledge answered.
"Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help me?"
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how valuable Love is."

My Desktop on 05-Mar-2005

with cute Jessica Boehrs on it. Lovely smile, eh ?

Ed

Hi Friends and Folks!

I have a good news for you. I have been selected in the 3 member editorial team for the first issue of my department magazine. This would be my first work as an editor and of this kind. I am really excited about it. :-).
Wish me luck!

Affirmation

Another one of my favourites among English songs. From Savage Garden. I just love the lyrics and the music and the vigour with which the song was sung.


I believe the sun should never set upon an argument
I believe we place our happiness in other people's hands
I believe that junk food tastes so good because it's bad for you
I believe your parents did the best job they knew how to do
I believe that beauty magazines promote low self esteem
I believe I'm loved when I'm completely by myself alone

I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love 'til you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye

I believe you can't control or choose your sexuality
I believe that trust is more important than monogamy
I believe your most attractive features are your heart and soul
I believe that family is worth more than money or gold
I believe the struggle for financial freedom is unfair
I believe the only ones who disagree are millionaires

I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love 'til you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye

I believe forgiveness is the key to your own happiness
I believe that wedded bliss negates the need to be undressed
I believe that God does not endorse TV evangelists
I believe in love surviving death into eternity

I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love 'til you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye

Say what, do you BeLIvE ?

Tum Bin

I was seeing this movie again today (22 Feb) and I remembered this song again which is my all time favourite. It's the title song of the movie. Here is the lyrics.

Tum Bin Kya Hai Jeena, Kya Hai Jeena
Tum Bin Kya Hai Jeena
Tum Bin Jiya Jaaye Kaise, Kaise Jiya Jaaye Tum Bin
Sadiyon Se Lambi Hai Raatein, Sadiyon Se Lambe Hue Din
Aaa Jao Laut Kar Tum, Yeh Dil Keh Raha Hai
Aaa Jao Laut Kar Tum, Yeh Dil Keh Raha Hai

Phir Shaame Tanhayi Jaagi, Phir Yaad Tum Aa Rahe Ho
Phir Jaan Nikalne Lagi Hai, Phir Mujhko Tadpa Rahe Ho
Phir Mujhko Tadpa Rahe Ho
Is Dil Mein Yaadon ke Mele Hain, Tum Bin Bahut Hum Akele Hain
Aaa Jao Laut Kar Tum, Yeh Dil Keh Raha Hai
Aaa Jao Laut Kar Tum, Yeh Dil Keh Raha Hai

Kya Kya Na Socha Tha Maine
Kya Kya Na Sapne Sajaye
Kya Kya Na Chaha Tha Dil Ne
Kya Kya Na Armaan Jaagaye
Kya Kya Na Armaan Jaagaye
Is Dil Se Toofan Guzarte Hain
Tum Bin To Jeete Na Marte Hain
Aaa Jao Laut Kar Tum, Yeh Dil Keh Raha Hai
Aaa Jao Laut Kar Tum, Yeh Dil Keh Raha Hai
Tum Bin Jiya Jaaye Kaise, Kaise Jiya Jaaye Tum Bin
Sadiyon Se Lambi Hai Raatein, Sadiyon Se Lambe Hue Din
Aaa Jao Laut Kar Tum, Yeh Dil Keh Raha Hai
Aaa Jao Laut Kar Tum, Yeh Dil Keh Raha Hai



Who else can love this song than a hopless romantic like me ! :-)
I know you know the lyrics but even then I posted. Achchca lagta hai (I feel good).

My Desktop on 20-Feb-2005

Traditional Day 2005

This year, the "Traditional Day" was celebrated on the 14th Feburary (Valentine's Day! I know).
Thanks to EESA (Electrical Engineering Students Association) for arranging for snacks :-)

Well, I couldn't arrange for kurta/pyjama or pathani suit, so went in IITian's dress. Yeah right! Jeans with a Kurti(doesn't qualifies to be called a Kurta :D) and the traditional Sikh turban.


Here a few pics.

My Batchmates





This year's attraction. Profs on the ramp although they didn't get notified of the festival otherwise they also participate. Nonetheless, they should their sportive spirit by walking on the ramp for us.


Prof. R.K. Shevgaonkar(HoD) on left and Prof. A.M. Kulkarni on the right. In the middle, Prof. B.G. Fernandes.


Prof. V.M. Gadre doing the style.


From Left: Prof. Girish Kumar and Prof. M.C. Chandorkar pleasing the crowds.

Finally, me on the ramp :-) ...