Krrrrrrrrrr………shouuuuuuuuuuuu………..pichook……pichook………..krrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr………. Oh! My head feels so heavy. My eyes are aching. My body feels tighten as if someone just shrunk it to a billionth and then tried giving it a new shape. “What’s happening?” I asked myself expecting an answer. “And yes what was that sound? Am I dreamig?” I think I have slept more than usual after 2 long tiring days of work. “But then why everything around me seems different as if I am in a new world.” I jerked my head hard expecting a miracle to happen. I am not able to connect my surroundings to myself. Ghhrrrrrrrrrrrrrr……… ghrrrrrrrrr………. I was startled by the sudden sound of some strange machine opening and closing and then a voice came out of no where as if someone has switched on radio in my ear while I am asleep. The voice seemed mechanical. Was it because I had slept too much or was it some alien had come for my help. Oh God!! I desperately need a medicine or two and sleep a couple of more hours. The sound came again and this time it seemed as if it was trying to clear its throat. Now this is strange, probably some good matter for tomorrow’s newspaper --- ALIEN CAUGHT COLD n COUGH. Anyways I had to concentrate on what it is. Is it something to do with my ache? Am I getting mad with work? Is it everything to do with what I am feeling? The world seems so strange and with these thoughts coming and going, my head feels even more heavy…

Guess what this is all about...

Give me one industry and I will ask for transport. Traveling in Delhi is one of the most frustrating experiences one can ever have. Especially with loads of cars on the road and educated illiterate drivers, one can do nothing but bang one’s head against the wind screen.

 In Delhi, drivers desperately need to be taught not just how to drive but also how to behave. Make them wait for over 5 seconds and they will force you to deafness by continuous honking. They will damn look for every possible option to get across a red signal.

 Most of the traffic jams in the city are not because of more number of cars on the road but it is majorly because of the person at the driver’s seat and his immature behavior.

 Let’s take an instance that happened with me. Delhi was under an attack of over 6000 plus weddings on a single day. Off course this took toll on our Delhi roads and the worst hit were the daily commuters. The shaadi traffic in addition to the routine heavy traffic of delhi left people crippled at various jam junctions. Delhi was packed with two- and four-wheelers all across. Now no one wants to wait, so the easiest option one could find when stuck in the traffic is to use the opposite side road and WOW.. BRAVO he made it. And then since he could, why couldn’t I.. Let me also take this opportunity and then one after the other drivers use the opposite road to avoid the traffic on their side and THEN.. Obviously the traffic on the other side of the road is also blocked and there is nowhere to go.. everyone is stuck… we got stuck for hours in the traffic just because some crackpots wanted to pass through no matter using unfair means/routes…

 This is a story that happen\s every now and then. Drivers on Delhi roads have no sense of driving.. and thus I called them educated illiterate people because they are people like you like me who do such nonsense and create havoc on roads..

 Delhi has got our country’s best road infrastructure so let’s feel proud about it and make proper utilization of the available resources.

 People lets be more civilized … Lets educate ourselves..

 JAI HIND

This blog is with due respect to the conceptualiser and manufacturer of the world's most affordable car.

The much awaited rs 1lakh car is soon to hit Indian roads. India -- one of the fastest developing nation in the world and the first to get the Rs 1 lakh car.

Now lets see the mixed reactions that have come out of the masses after the announcement of the car, especially after it was displayed at the Auto Expo in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Some of the people are really happy and awaiting the launch of the car. In India half the urban population still drives two-wheeler. Many of them still do not have vehicle at their disposal so they have to be content with the Public Transport system. So the Rs 1 lakh car has really come as a good news to them who have till date been traveling in the 2-wheeler. They definitely look forward to upgrading to a 4-wheeler without investing too much money into it. So for them it is a boon. IT REALLY IS A...

Now, a set of people who already have cars at their disposal and have all the comfort in the world to travel without being hit by rain or sun directly have another say in this. They find this car not a good omen. According to them it will cause havoc on the roads. THE TRAFFIC JAM offcourse. Now my dear friends.. what the existing cars are doing on roads.. Causing havoc.. so actually these cars will do nothing more than just adding to the worse.

Another version of some very intellectual people. More affordable cars means more number of cars which means more use of oil/petrol which in turn will result in POLLUTION thereby adding to global warming. But what about the existing ways by which we create huge amount of pollution be it by using diesel vehicles or emitting hazardeaous waste through extremely polluting industries.

Now last but not the least, some of us even think that why did the car company come out with an extremely low-cost passenger car, why can't they think of making a cheaper transport vehicle which would help improving the transport system of the country.

Looking at the above I can only say that different people can only have different versions.

So lets hear my version:

I STRONGLY believe, instead of pointing fingers at each other, we really need to educate the masses. Lets understand our responsibility. Lets look at the brighter side of it, obviously not forgetting the darker side as well and this is where we all need to work in unison.

Discipline ourselves. Try and help Mother Nature.

Lets be pro-active and take it on us rather telling others to do.

JAI HIND

Global Warming an issue very close to hearts of the millions. But it is more than just being an issue. What is it? Is it just a scientific warning to mend our ways or is it what we call 'The Time Has Come' for 'PRALAY'.

Will we really perish if we do not think of ways to take care of Global Warming. What is 'Global Warming'? For many of us it is just a couple of words too much used by scientists and media these days. Who is to be affected by it. Media, scientists, You or is it me? Naah! It is the entire earth which will be affected. By saying so I really mean, if there is little truth in Global Warming then yes, we all -- human race, animals, birds, reptiles, and plants will be affected. And if this is not enough for you, then let me tell you my dear friends, it will also affect the land, rivers, environment, weather, ocean, everything that constitutes earth. Will then We be happy? The DESTRUCTION -- the much awaited destruction is on its way. It will soon HIT you, HIT me.

Enough!! We know what gonna happen we do not mend our ways but what is contributing to it -- THE GLOBAL WARMING:

We have been contributing alot to the Global Warming. Vehicle emission, Industrial pollution, use of plastics, burning of coals to produce electricity, atomic and nuclear tests, space missions, use of high end electronic gadgets... Everything.. Everything we do is contributing to Global Warming. But, Does that mean we should stop all this.. NAAH! If we mend our ways in time, we can do alot to prevent the future harm.

Lets see what and how an individual like you and me can contribute:

Dear Readers,

We all know how our little effort can help make many lives better. So here is our little effort that might help someone fight the Delhi winter.

We have taken an initiative to help people who are living along the road-sides in Delhi and NCR Region. In order to achieve our objective, we are collecting clothes amongst ourselves.

IMP: No money involved.

If you think you are sensitive enough to contribute to a cause that may give WARMTH to someone so please spare 1 minute and go through the below mentioned information.

Those who are willing to contribute (clothes) can send us an email on volunteer@freeminds.in with the kind of contribution you would like to give (No monetary contribution please). We will get back to you and give you more information on the activity.

JAI HIND
Team MISSION WARMTH

To some it is a picnic spot and to some it is a tourist place

Some people come to this place to pray and some come here to meditate..

For some it is a wishing well and for some it is a place where they can be at leisure

But to me it was...
a place where I could feel closer to God
a place where I could talk to myself
a place where I could be myself
a place where no one knew me yet I felt so comfortable
a place where I could discover myself

Friends, I am talking about what is called a temple but it does not have a diety. A temple without a diety is something that's so difficult for us to accept. But this famous temple is for sure without a diety yet you can feel the presence of God everywhere.

So now some facts about it:

I never knew something called Baha'i faith existed until I visited this temple and got to read about it. I must say they are good at what they are doing or what they want to do.
And Lotus Temple is not the only temple without God.. they have others too but undoubetedly this onez the best of all their creations.

It took more than 6 years to complete this beautiful temple. This is the only one of its kinds the architecture of which is in the form of a lotus and thus it is called Lotus Temple. With 9 (the auspicious, the holy, the spiritual number 9) is all around the temple. The temple has 9 inner petals, 9 outer petals and 9 water bodies surrounding the temple giving it a feel that the lotus has sprung out of water. The central roof of the temple is designed in a manner which filters the sunlight through its alignment of criss cross that gives a soothing effect. I am also amazed by the colour of the water in the surrounding water bodies and the reflection of the lotus petals in it. Everything about the temple is so good that I want to write it all here but if I write it all here than who would pay for Google search and wikipedia.. Ha ha .. just kidding...

Check my flicker for more photographs of Lotus Temple :

www(dot)flickr(dot)com(slash)photos(slash)shellysehra(slash)

There were two things that my Daddu kept teasing me – The month he got retired and his first wrist watch.

A loving and absolutely caring grand pa. My Daddu lived his life on his own terms. He loved all his grand children but I was his favorite not only because I was the first child in the family but also because of two more things that my Daddu kept teasing me – first because
He got retired only a month before I was born.
and second because
He lost his first and favorite wrist watch while I was in his arms.

Even at 80s he was a very active man. He used to wake up early and go for his morning walk. After his daily cup of tea accompanied with some biscuits he used to go for his routine satsang at Nirankari Satsang Bhawan. He used to return home just in time to have breakfast prepared by my mom before she leaves for office. He used to watch news with so much interest and concentration that we bought him a dedicated television set for his room. And he was such a die-hard cricket fan that he almost jerked his body every time the ball hit the bat. He used to have his usual two meals (lunch + dinner) with a milk break in between. He was also a sweets-lover because of which my grand parents often argued with each other.

He was loved by one and all and was popularly known as 'Pyare Lal' in the community. He was a Pakistan locale and had migrated to India during partition. He often used to tell us tales of the undivided India which we all grand children listened with interest and enjoyed.

Although he was a big time smoker but by God's grace he lived a healthy life. Though he tried to quit smoking many a times but resumed it every time he quit. There was one thing in his life that my grand pa disliked most and that was bathing. My Daddu used to skip his daily bath and my granny used to give him a good one for this. But he always made sure to get scolded by grand ma atleast once in a week. (Isn't that a good way to tease?) They always had one or the other reason to argue. Another one being one of their most deadliest issues for argument. My daddi is allergic to fast moving fans whereas my Daddu is a fan lover. So here they again fight over the speed over the fan. Despite all odds my grand parents were a very happy couple.

Until May 1998, when my granny left us all of a sudden for her heavenly abode, we never knew my Daddu loved her so much. He had almost left his desire to live. Since then, he started preparing for his final journey. He got a photograph framed for him similar to the one that was used for my grand ma.

Time flew and his life changed. He stopped having his last meal of the day followed by cutting down his lunch chappatis. He then stopped going for his morning walk and Satsang. No friends, no get togethers, no visits and no relatives for him. He wanted none but to be with my grand ma. (I know he never told any one that he wants to be with my grand ma but ....)

With years passing by, he confined himself within his room and as months passed by he stopped talking to us. We felt the ache. He was not talking, he did nothing but sleep or eat (that too little). I told you na.. he lived life on his own terms.

Year 2007 was the toughest in his life. His health started deteriorating. His skin was reduced to bones. Though his diet increased in his last days but it did him no good.

It happened that he lost his sight followed by hearing and ultimately his sense of feeling.

His last 10 days of life:
He could not speak.
He could not hear.
He could not eat.
He could not drink.
He could not walk.
He could not feel.

He was in his bed and had left behind all desires of life as if he was all prepare for his final journey.

And on the very auspicious day – the day of the birth of Lord Krishna called Janamashtmi, my Daddu took his final breath and left all of us in grief. I am sure he went in peace because what could be a better occasion for this than the birth date of Lord Krishna and the two people he loved most by his side. Yes, My mom and dad were by his side when he left for his heavenly abode.

I pray to God for his soul rest in peace.

I am happy that my grand parents are united again and I am sure my Daddu is as happy as he was years ago.

There is so much to write about him but I will restrict because not MY Grand Father can be described in words.

We miss you Daddu and we love you too.

With Love
Your Grand Daugther
and every one else in the family

A 25-year old rather young female, working with a reputed MNC mobile service provider, who claims to be a well educated citizen of the country, well dressed in blue kurta and white pyajami wearing an expensive ESPIRIT watch on her left wrist and an expensive ray Ban sun glasses over her head is a master piece in herself.

This Delhi University graduate is so hygienic and disciplined that she ensures to keep herself, her belongings and her carry bag so clean that she does not mind throwing any unwanted tissue paper out of the bus she is travelling in.

I literally dug my nails into my palms when i saw this supposed-to-be responsible citizen of India liker her throwing away packet of biscuits outside the window of that mini bus that was carrying 25 passengers instead of its approved capacity of 18.

Flaunting a Nokia N70, this gentle lady is so nice to talk that you can hardly imagine that she could behave so irresponsibly.

My friends and acquaintances usually laugh at me when I stop them from littering on roads. Some of them say ' Arre yaar itna gand he sadak par thora meine phenk diya to kya farak pad jaega'. [cm'on yaar, there is already enough garbage on the roads, my minor littering won't make much of a difference]

I ask myself-- will it not make a difference if everyone starts thinking like him/her. Wouldn't there not be garbage everywhere on roads.

Other common excuses are 'Yaar meine to side par hi fenka he, kal safai hogi to saaf ho jaega' [I have thrown the garbage packet at the roadside, it will be removed the next day during the daily cleaning exercise.]

How can people even think in such a way. Do you litter your homes for the reason they will be cleaned the next day.

we all know how efficient is our Municipality department , then why don't we all become responsible and keep our surroundings clean.

It is so saddening when educated people like us behave so irresponsibly. I just wonder is this the way India become a developed country with its educated youth behaving so selfishly.

India Today -- July 30th 2007 Edition

Cover Story -- The Good Health Guide

I liked the issue alot and though to pick up some information ans share it with you all.

India is a land of many religions, castes that are divided in 28 states. It is a country that boasts of a mix of various cultures that coincide in some or the other way at the boundaries. With different ways of dressing and mouth watering variety of delicacies, India stands out on the world map. A common man's food in South India is an occasional delicacy for the North Indian commanes.

The most famous traditional Indian thalis are the most sougth after delicacies of all time. These thalis are not just delicacies but are nutritious enough to fulfill body's requirement of necessary intake of vitamins, proteins and carbohydrates.

With all the similarities in terms of nutritional content, still each of these is different from each other. North Indian Thali is considered to have the right mix of protein, vitamins, calcium, carbohydrates and iron whereas in a typical Bangla Ramman (Bengali Thali) is prepared in mustard oil which - according to a study - is considered as one of the best cooking material. In addition to this, it includes fish, which is required by the body for growth of lean muscle tissues. On other hand, a Gujarati Thali is rich in protein due to the meal that includes pulses, green leafy vegetables, yoghurt and dairy products. No less is a Marathi Thali which includes yoghurt that contains calcium and protein.

So does that mean -- A Thali a day, keeps the doctor Away. Ha Ha Ha

Anyways below are some more tips towards healthy living ---

Berries -- From Amla to Kalajamun, they all help the aging brain to stay sharp. So if you are tired of forgetting where did you last keep of glasses better start eating some berries.

Prevent -- Cancer and Heart Diseases

Chocolate -- Wow.. Chocolates in the healthy food list. I am impressed. 100 gms of Dark Chocolate a day can also help keep the doctor away. Isn't that a great news. Yes, researchers say dark chocolates release endorphins (body's natural painkillers) into the brain that can lift your mood.

Beware -- Excess of everything is bad. But this could be worse resulting in high cholesterol levels, increase in body weight and skin problems.

Eggs -- Loaded with vitamins, minerals, proteins and Choline (for effective nerve muscle communication).

Tip -- One hard-boiled egg a day, keeps you healthy

Friends -- Make friends wherever you go because thats the healthy way of life. Except some exceptions like me, they are sure to help keep your Blood pressure under control.

Tip -- Make Friends, Have Fun.

Ginger -- Here's a perfect reason for scoffing a packet a packet of ginger biscuits.

Reason: Antioxidant properties which help prevent cancer, diabetes and heart attacks. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat arthritis.

Herbal Tea -- Now don't miss your daily cup of herbal tea to boost your immune system and ease digestive disorders.

Suggestion -- Now tell your bosses to replace those old coffee-vending machines with some herbal tea vendors.

Juicing -- Pulverised raw materials taste good and may encourage you to consume more fruits and vegetables thereby attributing to health-enhancing qualities -- detoxification and weight loss.

Tip -- If you hate to eat your greens, drink up.

K Vitamin -- Great for building bones and promoting a healthy heart found in green leafy vegetables and cooking oils.

Laughter -- A perfect excuse for a half-day leave to watch that Munna Bhai or Hera Pheri. It stilmulates movement of blood to the heart and lungs. It also enhances antibodies that help fight sickness and release stress-fighting hormones.

Money -- Money can't buy happiness but it can buy a good diet, access to gyms, spas and health-care. And they all help you live longer.

Tip: Be rich, live longer.

Nuts -- Prevent heart diseases, help lose weight and also hep fight cholesterol and cancer.

Beware: Don't overdose.

Olive Oil -- Extra-virgin olive oil is the best for increasing good HDL cholesterol.

Beware: Don't go overboard, its both expensive and caloric.

Pomegranate -- A cancer fighting fruit rich in anti-oxidants, has healing and health boosting popertiess.

Tip: Squeeze it into a liquid to reap more benefits.

Quiet Time -- The hugely underestimated lot. It is one of the best anti-stressing activity.

Tip: Sleep well, look though old photographs and listen to music.

Red Wine -- Helps starve off heart disease and cancer. What better excuse to raise a glass of bordeaux every day.

Beware: 3-4 glasses for men and 2-3 glasses for women. More could be dangerous.

Sex -- Nothing unofficial about it. It helps you live longer by slowing down the aging process, reduces flab by burning up loads of calories, boosts immune system, strengthens the bones and increases circulation.

Tip: Perfect excuse for a second honeymoon.

Unsaturated Fat -- Maintain supple joints, healthy skin, hair, teeth and bones.

Tip: Next time you go fishing, catch an oily fish for better health results.

Work out -- Moderate activity or walking 30 minutes a day can add upto 4 years to your lifespan.

Tip: Now stop reading any further and go out for a brisk walk.

Yoga -- It can reverse the build up of plaque in coronary arteries, lower lactic acid levels and restore balance in psychitric disturbances.

Tip: OM is the magic word. Just say 'om' and feel the magic.

Let me know if the above helped you in some way or the other.

A huge cloud of more than 20 km in radius was hovering over Mumbai. No one realised till 3:30 pm that this vast sheet of water-clad rain cloud would bring to Mumbai lots of destruction. Time was not right on 26th July 2005 when weather department issued a warning. But by then it was too late for many. Students had left their schools. Thousands of other people unaware of the expected heavy rains had come out of their offices, homes, shops. Mumbai was buzzling with life as always.

It started raining at 2:30 pm. Nothing unusual for the Mumbaikars. The usual monsoon rains. Oh everyone was enjoying the rain. No one knew but the weather department that there was something unusual about the cloud that hovered over.

A usual monsoon cloud is at a height 6-8 km above the sea level but this was unusually high at a height of 15 km that too covering almost entire Mumbai. And thus the this rain was unusually strong, heavy and poured continuously.

At 3:30 pm, many low lying areas got water logged. Traffic everywhere was affected. Thousands of people got stuck in the water-logged roads. But no one yet imagined the destruction that was to soon follow. There were people stuck everywhere. At homes, at offices, in schools, on roads, in buses, in trains, at airports, at stations, in cars, everywhere. No one could move. By 6:30 pm, entire Mumbai was drowned. There was water water everywhere, nor a drop to drink. Everyone wanted to be safe but no one could. For hours it rained and every hour that rained it claimed more and more lives.

The financial capital of the country by now had realised that the vast stretch of black cover above them will show no mercy.

Continuous downpour was claiming lives. Mumbai electricity board decided to cut-off electricity from the entire city. Mumbai was engulfed in the darkest of all nights. The Bollywood of the world that never sleeps was under a silent attack today. Road, rail and air link were affected. Mobile lines were jammed. Mumbai was cut-off from rest part of the world. It had become an island of small islands that day, unaware of what's happening in the neighbourhood. Because of no connectivity Mumbai could not reach itself. There was no help from anywhere. Amidst all this Mumbaikars were fighting the rain God for their lives and it happened so that many lost their lives. There was no rescue from it.

26th July 2005 rains in Mumbai had brought to those thousands of people every colour of life from dark to bright. But to those who got killed in the fatal rains, there were no more colours.