Time to ACT!!

Well , another academic year begins and ends a month long of uninterrupted sleep. Oh !! I'll surely miss waking up at lunchtime... and that wholesome meal, quite different from the ... erm food served in the college canteen. But perhaps what I'll miss the most is the peace of mind. With the college having begun the most common question is not 'Jaane Tu or Dark Knight. What say?' but its the more easier one 'MS or MBA?'... and for someone who thinks zillion times before choosing an ice cream flavor, its not at all as pleasing as a movie. While colleagues rush in to fill up the coffers of the IMSs and the TIMEs, folks like me stick to the ancient excuse-'There's still a lot of time'.
But times of lukkhagiri in the canteen will soon pass... and the college ka katta will soon have to be replaced by the cousellor's desk... Your 'Surfing History' tab would feature university websites rather than social networking websites. And that time will come without showing up on hoardings. Absolutely no alarm bells ....
I can also join the hordes of people, who've obeyed the mind of the 'crowd' and just started preparing for the heck of it. But that seems like running blindfolded in a race- not a sight of the goal.
Its such decisions that , they say maketh a man. And if I am to face the 'big bad world out there' I'd rather make this one soon. Whether I am ready or not I have to accept it that- Its time to ACT... Either I act that I know what I want to do or I act to do what I want to do.

An A.I.R. of Inspiration

I just got a new pair of earphones for my cell phone and along with that I also got myself a new addiction -RADIO. And like most radiobuffs I prefer to stay at the lower frequencies,the more hip ones,with zealous RJs, creative jingles and even more interesting show concepts. So when I wandered into the higher frequencies one day(sorry if I'm making radio sound as if its a very important part of my life,but frankly it is), the ones with the lame RJs and even lamer shows, a meek yet cultured voice fell onto my ears.

My fellow citizens...

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh voice was crystal clear and so were his thoughts when he announced a much anticipated but equally dreaded price hike in petroleum products. After the justification for the same, he made an appeal to the nation...
And perhaps it was listening the whole thing on radio rather than reading about it in some editiorial where the PMs thoughts would be adulterated by the authors comments on it, but was as though a friend was asking for a favor. The request sounded genuine. The man too did. And for the first time I realised a sense of respect for Dr. Manmohan Singh, who has been overshadowed by the persona of his party high-'command'. As an afterthought, perhaps the urge to save fuel had never been more after I heard the address. Also I was reminded of something that I had forgotten long ago, to get my voter's card ready.
I like you to read the following excerpt from the address. We've all heard about the energy crisis and blahblahblah... but the whole thing coming out of the mouth of a person who is responsible for a billion people's wellbeing has a different kind of impact:

I would like the nation to remember that issuing bonds and loading deficits on oil companies is not a permanent solution to this problem. We are only passing on our burden to our children who will have to repay this debt. Cutting down on the returns of our oil companies will choke a sector vital for the growth of the economy. We need more corrective measures in future on many fronts. In the long term, our country must have a sound strategy for energy security.

To begin with, each one of us can conserve energy and contribute to national security. I urge every citizen to conserve energy at every step, every minute of the day. Be it petrol, diesel, kerosene, LPG, electricity or even water , let us learn to save and use efficiently. Let us reduce wasteful consumption of petrol.

Finally, we have to develop alternative sources of energy, whatever be the source. We cannot remain captive to uncertain markets and unsure sources of supply. We have to develop renewable sources of energy, including nuclear energy.

My Fellow Citizens, today more and more of our people are enjoying the fruits of development. It is the responsibility of the Government to ensure a secure future for all our people and for future generations. We cannot think only for ourselves, for the present, for the here and now. We must think about what is good for future generations - for the welfare and security of our children, grand children and their children. It is our duty to ensure their food security and energy security.

The steps taken today are part of that process. I hope each one of you will strengthen our hands in building a strong, secure and caring India. An India where the aam aadmi feels safe, secure and hopeful about the future.

Jai Hind!"

Hostels for students in Mumbai

From the time I knew that I was about to spend 4 years of my life in Mumbai... the first thing I did was to google the term "Hostels in Mumbai". Because given the rocketing prices of private accommodation in this city, you'd rather stay in a hostel, unless of course your grandpa was ossum enough to leave you some of his moolah to blow up.
And since its 'that' time of the when students from other cities come into Mumbai, I thought it would be good if I put up the list that I had consolidated after hours of 'google'ing .
Places I've listed below have been put up randomly. I suggest you use the map of Mumbai to look up places close to your institute because although transport in Mumbai is much better than most other places,its still a pain in some-body-part-that-sound-similar-to-an-animal's-name. Once you shortlist some of the places, its time to hit the road. Get a backsack ready. Put in loads of glucose, a pair of binoculars, a map, a compass and yeah pirates flags, zero-G suits, alien-impersonating costumes ... you get it? Right now forget the backsack at home. Take apna local to get a feel of the REAL Mumbai. Reach your destination. And ask directions from the city's over-helpful people. I bet someone would even drop you there. And so your journey is over or rather it begins.

So here we go with the list then:
-----------------------------------------------------------
Chatrapati Shivaji Smarak
Address D.N Nagar Andheri(W) Mumbai


D.N Patel Hostel
Address Nana Chawk,Gramdevi Police Station,Grant Road
Mumbai

Dr.Bhall Patil Hostel
Address Above Pupi Medical's ,Versova Road,Andheri(W)
Mumbai

G.L Mundra Hostel
Address Meshwani Hostel,Lala Lajpatrai Road,Malad (W)
Mumbai

G.T Bhatia Boarding
Address Opp Tejpal Hall Nana Chowk,Grant Road Mumbai

Ganesh Hostel
Address C/O L.R Dani ,Gangawala Bldg,Bombay Central
(W) Mumbai
Government College
Hostel Address C.Road,Churchgate Mumbai
Government Polytecnic Hoste
l Address Kala Nagar ,Bandra(E) Mumbai

GTD
Address Off New Empire Cinema,Grant Road Mumbai
H.A Desai Boarding School
Address Near Napoo Garden,Matunga C.R,B'Y-19 Mumbai
H.G Jain Hostel
Address Opp Navjivan Society,Laminton Road,Grant Road
Mumbai
Kapol Hostel
Address Near Kapol Niwas ,Dr Ambedkar Road,Matunga
Mumbai
Jain Hostel
Address Near Elphiston Station ,Elphiston Mumbai
4225315

Koli Patel Samaj
Address 3/12 Dastur Building,21,Santacruz (W) Mumbai

Kuchi's Hostel
Address Kama Lane ,Ghatkopar(W) Mumbai

Lad Parishad Bhavan
Address Near Liberty Garden,Cross Road No 4,Malad(W)
Mumbai

Lohana Vidyarthi Bhavan
Address J.D Bhavan ,OPP VJTI College,Wadala Mumbai
M.S Mehta Hostel
Address Dadabhai Road ,Near Bhavans College,Andheri(W)
Mumbai
M.S.P Jain Sang
Address 139 Kailashpuri,Panchwati Society, Malad(W)
Mumbai 8403988
Maharaj Vasant Hostel
Address Bandra (E) Bus No 714 Mumbai Tel 6442062



Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya
Address Gowaliya Tank,August Kranti Marg,Grant Road
Mumbai 3864417

Modh Vanik Hostel
Address Swami Narayan Chawk,Dadar (E) Mumbai 4945044

Mohanlal Dayalbhai Sanatorium
Address Opp Amlukh Amichand School,R.A Kidwai
Road,Matunga Mumbai
Modh Vanik Vidyarthi Bhavan
Address Swami Gyanjivandas Marg,Dadar Mumbai
Mundra Hostel
Address Devi Dayal Road ,Mulund(W) Mumbai

Oriental Hostel Mazgaon
Address Mazgaon Mumbai Tel 3712243


Parle Kelawani Mandal
Address OPP Kooper Hospital,Parle (W) Mumbai

Patel Samaj
Address Patel Samajwali.Jojeswari(W) Mumbai

Rajawadi Hostel
Address Vidyavihar (East) Mumbai
Rangwala Hostel
Address Bijadada Road ,Matunga C.R,Matunga Mumbai
RVG Hostels
Address D.H.V Lalu Bhai Pathak ,Andheri(W) Mumbai Tel
6781517 ,6283292
Shree Kuchi Jain Vidyarthi Griha Address Opp Railway
Station 122,Sandhurst Road Mumbai Tel 3763108


Students Hostel
Address Ahuja Building,Opp Central Work Shop,Parel
Mumbai

Oswal Hostel Trust
Address: L.B.S. Road
(Ekta Apartment)
Shop # B/2,
Mulund (W), Mumbai 400080

Phone: 25613507

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I am acquainted to people who stay in some of these places . You might just wanna clear out something... post it over here... we'll see if I can help you in any way.
And hey shed those apprehensions about coming to MUMBAI. The people here are great. Apart from the time when they are not cribbing about the people here.

Review: The 3 mistakes of my life

While describing ' 3 mistakes... ' on his website Bhagat states ' A book that has : BUSINESS, RELIGION , CRICKET
Well you can hardly ask for a better winning combination for a book that is tailor-made for Indians.
In this semi-autobiographical book Bhagat uses his trademark style to present a narration that is as close to realism as its presentation is to melodramatic cinema.
The plot:
Based in the 'not-so-hip' part of Ahmedabad , Bhagat depicts a story of an individual's(Govind Patel) struggle as an entrepreneur while he tries(unsuccessfully,though) to stay away from any distractions-in the form of love and channelizes his friends' (Omi and Ishan) passions to make profit. The book does justice to all the 3 aspects that it says form its main theme . While Govind is a practical businessman with a strong sense of entrepreneurship, Ish is a cricket enthusiast to the core and Omi, a son of a priest is a person who's decisions are influenced to quite an extent by religious aspects. Bhagat has thrown in the Gujarat earthquake and the Godhra riots to bring it closer to the public's heart. As usual he aces in his depiction of the female protagonist(Vidya) who is a typical small-town girl wanting to 'escape from the cage'. The story is about how Govind makes 3 'mistakes' that cost him a lot more than he can afford to lose.
Where Bhagat scores and earns:

• He once again scores 10 on 10 as far as characterization is concerned. You can identify with each of his characters .
  
• Although it is not the central theme of this book as against FPS , he handle the intricacies of love and friendship really well. If there is one author who can bring out the 'sweet nothings' of love in an Indian scenario with all its sensitivity and the nostalgia of being in love, its gotta be Bhagat .
• His description of Gujarat in general and the people there in particular is impeccable.
  
• Although its not as humorous as the earlier novels-at least its no comparison to FPS(or maybe the novelty has worn off) it is still a gripping tale which coupled with his amazing knack of striking a chord with the narration style, is hard to put down.
• He's cashed on the fact that entrepreneurship is the new buzz word. But has he created the passion that the word evokes? I didn't feel it stirring me.
• Bhagat has always written about topics that are close to the Indian heart, the guy understands Indians' sensibilities very well and that perhaps is his biggest forte.
  

Where Bhagat misses and loses:

• Perhaps the biggest flaw is it's climax. Almost as if the editor thought he'd stressed on one overtly flimsy part too much to include the rest of the important stuff. Maybe he could have said something more about Govind the entrepreneur or Ish the cri-crazy enthusiast. But he chose an end that would rather suit a film's climax.
  
• Some parts of the book are needless as they don't add much to the plot. The Bondi beach chapter seemed to be leading us nowhere, for example.
• There are parts in the novel where he goes overboard with the melodrama. He chooses completely wrong moments for it as well. Consider this attempt at 'preaching' a message of persistence.
  A guy is lying on the hospital bed after taking sleeping pills to commit suicide. His mom says "Life will have its setbacks. People will hurt you. But you don't hurt them back. This something that the whole country needs to learn" ...one patriotic mom i say.
  

• Although the plot builds up well, it isn't as gripping as FPS or 1N@CC.

All in all, a good novel to pass your time with(But not good enough to read it a day before your vivas and get flunked the next day,as I unfortunately discovered). Bhagat fans most certainly won't be dissapointed. Whether he gains new one's or not, I'm sceptical about it. But hey it's just me.

Stray Kitten

Here's an email from a friend of mine.
See if you can help.

Hello,

I found a stray kitten yesterday evening in my building. Its a healthy 2-month old. White and light-brown mix. Very adorable and affectionate. We took it to the vet, who declared it fit. It limps slightly at the moment, but that should get fine in a few days.
I'm attaching a few pictures of the kitten.

If you are interested in adopting it, or you know someone who might be, please let me know.

Just send an email to : sjanani87@gmail.com
If not, please forward this mail to those who you think might be interested.
Do pass on the message.

- Janani

Clean-up Mumbai

'Kachara mat pheko varna....'
Jurmana Rs. 200

You see these huge hoardings put up across the city nowadays. Its true we all know that our drains are getting clogged by all the filth that we produce . We also know how important urgent action is in this regard. Well, so we do have a 'purpose' clear in our heads. Great!! But its the 'implementation' of the whole 'drive' that troubles one. I mean, I've never seen a BMC mama fine someone 200 bucks for littering around . Neither have you guys, I bet. But if the rule has been brought in order then there must be measures taken to see to it that people abide by it. The ban on plastics for example is mocked at each time a kirana store gives a thaili to you. And its the authority of the court that is being mocked at. Without the 'enforcing-of-the-law' bit , the campaign is nothing but a fake warning , very similar to moms telling their kids 'Doodh peelo varna ... bhootuncle aa jaayenge'
If the BMC is really concerned about the cleanliness of this city, then certain things like these need to be looked after immediately.
Anyways the monsoons are coming. And so, I'm sure are overflowing drains... The BMC is sure to get a rude awakening;
Cleanup Karo Varna....

THE UnderPerformer RANT

Ever since I was born,I knew I am an underperformer. In fact the only time I felt I was better than anybody else was before I was born .I was 'The Chosen One' to be brought into this world. I desperately wanted to show the middle finger to those other sperms racing with me . Then I didn't have the finger, now I dont have the opportunity(Coz those losers were never born).
When I was born, I was really eager to gain some attention. I feigned a 'cardiac arrest'. But since I wasn't such a good actor then ,half the people thought I was sleeping. The other half didn't even bother, they'd already given up on me being of any use.And when I got a KT in pre-school ,my parents were elated. They said they were expecting a year 'drop'. It was not as if I was bad at everything. I once survived a swimming class for 2 straight days.But I hated swimming. On the third day,I feigned 'cardiac arrest'. Only this time I forgot I was in the water and nobody noticed me. But it worked. Dad came to the hospital and yelled at me, said something really gibberish but I made out it had the words 'no', 'more' , '$#%#' and 'swimming'.
High school was worse. Although my first crush brought in some really happy memories, that didn't last long. She didnt think a new pair of 'waterproof' kolhapuri chappals were cool. I wonder why. They looked really great on her right leg. I couldn't find out about how it would look on the other leg though. Because she never brought it to school. Came with crutches instead. I always wondered why until she used them to whack my butt.
When I went to college, I knew things would improve. The Law of Averages said so. However I had forgotten the YeschRaij law of UnderPerformer that contradicted the Law of Averages
Popularity is:
1)directly propotional to how many affairs you have at the present moment
(affairs with members of opposite sex fetch more points)
2) directly proportional to how dumb you are
(measured in terms of SRK)
3) directly propotional to close you are to your 'mitti'
(whatever that means)

Since I didn't score in any of the above criteria I knew life would be mediocre.
I tried to setup a company . But nobody thought much of using airplanes as explosives on Diwali then. Until a chap name Osama stole my idea . Smart guy, I say.
My luck with girls did change though. A good looking girl asked me out once. And then we dated for the next one year. Then somebody told me that ' asking out ' is not the same as ' get out' and 'dating' is not 'meeting me in the staffroom' and ' Mrs. Kichupulianapillai' was not exactly what one would call 'good-looking'.
Tired of the humiliation, I decided I had had enough. Then I switched on the TV and saw what i was made for ....
====CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST====