Targets for 2013

New year resolutions and targets needn't be posted in January. I kick started the year with a few actionable items and hope to follow them in the rest of my life.

1. 15 mins exercise
Being a sportsman, fitness and exercise was never a issue. But I did reasonably well in 2013, so far. Auroville Marathon ensured i prepare myself and remain injury free.

2. Be on time; Punctual
Be it office meetings or meeting friends, i desperately want to be on time and avoid those stern looks. Also the fact that i'm using someone else's time.

3. Stop Watching Tv
Too much noise and glitz, nothing informative, thought provoking or inspiring comes on Tv. And most of the interesting interviews or news items are online in Youtube channels. A 3 hr film is played for 4.5 hrs with news and ads. Highlights of a cricket match or ESPN Sportscenter is a good way to keep myself updated.

4. Write a Small note at the EOD
I wanted to log certain actions i do this year, milestones achieved and interesting characters i met. I've never had the habit of writing diaries. Just wanted to keep track of where i was at the year beginning, and how much I've changed by year end.

5. More Thank You and Congrats; Less Sorry.
What is there in saying Sorry and Thank you, you don't lose anything. (Frankly i don't have anything; that's a different issue). It takes some courage to ask sorry or even to appreciate people.

6. Read Books
As a matter of fact, i've read more books in these 5 months of 2013 than in my entire life span. I'm finding it interesting. Nevertheless good.

7. Meet Deadlines; Not fall in my own eyes
This year I plan to set realistic deadlines and improve my productivity. Not meeting a deadline or your commitment is like falling in your own eyes and i hate it.

List is exhaustive. I'll keep adding as and when i follow something. What's wrong in writing about good things :)

Opportunity in difficulties

Story of Aisha Chaudhary, a 15-year-old girl who was diagnosed with an incurable immune deficiency disorder at the age of six months, following which she underwent bone marrow transplant. 

In her incredibly simple and touching way, Aisha took us through her early days when she was wheelchair ridden and destined to inhale oxygen with the help of a tube clipped to her nose. Her story drew thunderous applause and a standing ovation as she told us about the 5 lessons she has learnt during this phase; 

1. 'Believe in miracles'

2. 'Live in the moment'

3. 'Opportunity in difficulties'

4. 'Dare to dream'

5. 'Pets are the best medicines'

(Courtesy: INK conference Jaipur)

Wall Retires. Legacy Continues.

One KISS to Dravid. I'm gonna Keep it Short and Simple

To the ever Charming Fittest Jammy.
To the technically best Stylish Rock Solid Wall.
To the Nice calm but invigorating Gentleman.

Thank You !! Irreplacable. Unforgettable.

I seriously hope to be awesome one day and give my wife a chance to write an article like what Vijeeta wrote about you. Sweet and Inspiring :)

PS: Everybody tweeting 'Rahul Dravid' was a Gentleman. Appa Sachin enna 'Jai-Hind' ah, illa Ganguly 'Sengottai' ya ?? (via PuneerSoda)

Poem: IF

This is one of the most inspiring poems I've come across in my life.

If -Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it.

Kavidhai: Traffic Signal Sirumi

After a long time, I did get inspired and am writing about something that touched my heart. Please add Maane, thaena, ponmaane in between the lines for your convenience.

Traffic signal girl

Nanpagal sooriyan veliye ennai suterika,
Manadhil sogam ulle urukka,
En kannerum vervaiyum kalanthadhu,
Traffic signal kooda sigappaga mariyadhu


Varai yeedu vikkum sirumi ethanai, adhutha velai saapade avalukku prachanai,
Aval vazhkai mun, en kashtam ondrume illai .
En kangallum kanneerum kainthathu,
Traffic signal pachaiyaga maariyadhu !!

For all those who didn’t get a word, please follow my English translation.

Traffic signal girl

Nanpagal sooriyan veliye ennai suterika,

When the midday sun was scorching,

manadhil sogam ulle urukka,

Sadness inflicted my heart from inside,

en kannerum vervaiyum kalanthadhu,

My sweat and tears coalesced into one

Traffic signal kooda sigappaga mariyadhu

Traffic signal turned red!

varai yeedu vikkum sirumi ethanai,

Countless young girls selling Drawing books (at the traffic signal),

adhutha velai saapade avalukku prachanai,

Their next meal itself a big problem,

aval vazhkai mun, en kashtam ondrume illai .

In front of her life, My problems seemed insignificant.

en kangallum kanneerum kainthathu,

My eyes and tears dried up,

traffic signal pachaiyaga maariyadhu !!

Traffic signal turned green !!

Like/Dislike work

After Almost 2 years in a corporate sector, a few of my fellow batch mates of 2009 batch are content with the work they do. There seems to be no correlation between what was taught at colleges and the work done!!. The work environment is not suited for individual needs. Some friends even quit their work to pursue their passions. 90% ppl write CAT exams, only fellow lucky ones get through.. Others might say, "Abeyaar.. one more yr".

I Got a nice apothegm from a close friend !!!For all those who are depressed with ur work, think a min or two abt this.

"Not liking the work is one thing.. Not liking to work is another "

Most of us fall under the second category. After 20 years carefree life, when you start working day in day out, you'll definitely feel bored .

Kutti Kavidhai

The start time and end time for coming up with this kavidhai was the time i took to drink a Morning Filter Kaapi.

Pona Vaaram Quarter,intha vaaram varuthu Harry Potter.
Ava la Tshirt la paartha Hotter, Day by day she's becoming cuter.
Both of us had the same Alma Mater,
but still, innum ava kitta sollala en matter.

PS: Ladies/Gentlemen are requested to throw rotten eggs,tomatoes, big peddles in person. No damage to public property or suicide will be encouraged.

Nothing changes for me

I had failed to get any calls from IIMs in the CAT exam. But I was not dejected at all like my previous attempts. Already 3 years into her IT career, my professional life was stagnated. I was looking for a change, may be a MBA admit or a change of job (with a heavy remuneration). On the contrary, personal life was just blissful. Being a girl, parents and old retired uncles, aunties start their work of finding alliance for you. My match had already been finalized and engagement was over just a few weeks back. My Fiancé was a typical Mylapore boy peterring in ManHattan, Working for a MNC. First look at his photo, I knew there was an instant connect. Not sure if Bells rang , bulb glow, wind blew to signify this was the man.

One morning I got a Change. Things happen when you don’t expect them to happen. That morning, I was to attend an important team meeting. Everyone including all the senior heads were called for this town hall meeting. As usual I had got up late, skipped gym, got lengthy advices from mom about how a family girl should be. I thought,”What a bad start to the day!!!”. Rushing through the busy roads of Chennai on my bike (moped), “WTF... Every signal turns red”. Suddenly a small school girl had tried to cross and was stranded in the middle of the road. I tried a Zig zag to adjacent lane in order to avoid her. Unfortunately I’d failed to check the rear-view mirror. A MTC bus was traveling in the adjacent lane. Bus kissed moped’s back, I was thrown out of balance. I was lying on the road with my back resting, and the speeding bus had run over my leg already. Driver had manager to stop the bus. I was now under the bus.

My body felt numb, they pain was excruciating. Slowly everything went blank. I laid there unconscious, not knowing anything that happened for the new few days. Later my parents had explained all the events that had unfolded. My lower limb was totally crushed, blood circulation was hampered. Doctors gave an option of amputating my leg; otherwise it could be a serious risk to my life. Life took a new turn in just a matter of days. He had flown back to Chennai on hearing about the accident. I was discombobulated on how my life’s going to be with a single leg. How will my fiancé react to this? How are my in-laws going to react to this? Can I ask him to marry someone else, rather than marrying a crippled. Distressful questions haunted me; Sedatives gave rest to my body, but mind was definitely in a lot of unrest.

Next Morning he was there to see me. The first few words that he spoke, “Marriage date finalized,honeymoon place on ur call“.

I was flabbergasted.”But I’m like… “, even before I could complete my talk, his hands closed my mouth. “Nothing changes for me... You are the same to me.” As firm as a mountain, I felt like I’d not lost anything in life.

30 years ago, I started loving him. They say u can't measure love. Till date, my love has definitely multiplied manifolds. He had got an artificial leg for me, allowed me to pursue my passion, help me setup my dance school. I’m crippled, we are not… :)

(courtesy: Subroto Bagchi )

Enact

I'd completed My first onscreen film appearance for a Friend's project at Film Institute. 
For long, I've preferred to stay behind camera and contribute in Direction and cinematography. No introduction scenes, no punch dialogues, no female stars :(

Writer had briefed me about the story on some forest expedition and i play the role of a wildlife photographer, who's on a 4th day shoot for a tiger safari. I'd written dialogues for the movie. We used live sound recording and delivering my dialogues took multiple takes. You can be a jabber or an orator, once they say, "action!", Its tough. Your mind searches for dialogues, Expressions, Modulations,tone, Posture, etc etc. Imagine me taking 13 takes for a dialogue which I'd written(I'd counted the no. of takes while I'd failed in delivering my dialogue).

Already earned a nickname of Joey Tribbiani of friends, from my office colleagues. No wonder these actors have buildup names like cab10, PuratchiThalapathi, Ilayathalapathi, Young Superstar. One thing i know, I'm pathetic at acting. Learn where all i need to work on to be an actor. At memory skills,Voice Tone and Modulation, Expression, try Single take of Lengthy dialogues, Body language. I'm Bad at it, Will grow with age and with the character i do.

PS: Not yet seen the final outcome, Will upload if the video comes out well.
Bloopers is even more comical than the actual video.

A R Rahman-Journey of a lifetime

Wishing A R Rahman, a happy bday and keep mesmerizing us wit his music. Me and My fellow Rahmaniac Vaidyanath have come up wit a poem(in a mix of tamil,english,hindi) on Rahman for his bday. We have used just some movies that rahman sir had composed music .


once Kizhakku Cheemayile, Roja came
and u were a Pudhiya Mugam of music.
Jodi,Iruvar,Duet was a new Sangamam,
Patriotism rose with Vande Mataram,
and left us Between Earth and Heaven.

Bombay Dreams of Dilli and TajMahal,
Rangeela made a soft humble Ratchagan.
Rhythm,Fire,Water Blue
Azhagiya Tamil Magan make audience glue.

While Yuva danced to Taal and Sakkarakati,
your music melted people even in patti thotti.
En Swasakaatre, engalai Kangalal Kaithuseithai.
Sillunu oru Kaadhal in a hot May Maadham,
Kandukondaen Kandukondaen kaettalae paravasam.

When Padayappa was Mr.Romeo,
he was Pavithra's Gentleman,
and became her kaadhalan.
They became Love Birds on Kaadhalar Dhinam,
and said to each other,"Anbe Aaruyire" ,
Dil se story went on to be an Alaipayuthe.


Let Almighty Khawaja mere Khawaja bless,
u'll continue to be The Lord of the Rings.
Ada to Zubeida, Boys to Baba,
say Rahman Tujhe Salaam.
GodFather, we Love you Hamesha.

PS: sentence and writings need not be logically correct.. Excuse me if ur a literary critic. This is chumma for my satisfaction.

Instant Fame

5 months into Corporate Life, you feel that u've learnt a lot than your 12+4 years of education. you also get a feeling that you kinda do same monotonous work again and again. There are people who are content with the kinda work they do. Others look into different options to make money. For others who wanna succeed in life,what happens next???

Slowly Disappointment creeps in, develops into frustration,desperation, leads to depression. Whole life looks as if its in a chaos,sometimes u say to yourself,"I am a total failure, i've not done anything in life :( " . It is always in your hands to save your life, or to ruin it.But one does consider himself unlucky only in these testing times of your life ,"Why me GOD". No one realises they are lucky after they are provided wit an opportunity.

Once critical observation, i'd come across in my chitchat wit so many of my friends is that , Everyone has a dream of being successful,want themselves to earn a lotta money. But there is a belief that fame and success to be instant. Everyone reads stories about steve jobs , warren buffet, Narayana murthy and watch movies like Guru,Pursuit of Happiness. Every who writes or blogs cannot be a best seller like Chetan Bhagat. Belief that one single idea or spark in your brain can't make you attain success.

I feel like asking them one question. Having watched The Pursuit of Happiness movie, How Chris Gardner focussed, dedicated, goal oriented, hardworking was. Despite all odds in his failure, his postive attitude and optimistic approach had made him successful. Steve Jobs, the CEO of the century , wit so much fame now, was even thrown outta his own company. He'd almost met death due to his cancer. But still every product from apple.inc stuns the world. Fellow mates seem to miss the key factor of hard work in achieving fame. When you believe,after giving 100%,u have met failure, then give 200% percent next time. Understanding success is significant. Fame is just a byproduct of success, with hardwork in input.

No more seromonising, Dont think of fame now, put in 200% efforts in achieving ur goal, may be u'll achieve it in 5 months or even 20 years. That doesnt mean u have failed. Failure is just an experience, use in future problems. Till then, believe in ur work, believe in yourself. Stay hungry,stay foolish. Hope :)

PS:
Few speeches that inspired me,
Steve Job's Stan speech, Chetan Bhagat's Symbiosis speech

Book Review : 2 States by Chetan Bhagat

It’s hard to treat a book like 2states as fiction, given that book is inspired from some of his own experiences. The book is all about an IIMA couple’s love and their struggle to get married, keeping their parents smiling on the wedding. Krish is north Indian Punjabi boy . Krish in love with Tamilian Brahmin girl Ananya. Despite their North/south divide, relatives pressure, cajoling parents, parent’s priorities different from theirs, they still manage to be in love and get married,”they lived happily ever after”.

Its not hard to write like Chetan Bhagat. With young and Modern protagonists, a successful love story (which cud be turned into a film), urban language (with F words) and sex, you are into make a novel. But what connects chetan wit his urban audience is his style of writing. Simple language, wit lotta emotions, inspirational leads. His stories cud happen to ur boy/girl next door, may be even to u. I cud relate his books, to 3 real life stories already. Chetan is able to connect with his audience and pass on his works. A trendsetter in his easy going style of writing, no wonder he’s a best seller.

Personally IIM MBA love story from Chetan Bhagat made me restless and anxious. This shows how the real Indian Middle class reacts to a love affair. How culturally apart they, but still can come to an understanding. How mature the leads handle their parents, not elope and add further trouble to them and their families. Chennai descriptions, local Chennai Tamil F words , carnatic music, Punjabi pop music, Hindu reading, Rajni worship, Dowry acceptance, ECR ride, Banking sector, Relatives interference, egoistic parents, distant love story, just friends tag, frustration, anger, money. These connected wit strings of humour all round his dialogues. Ananya’s nerdy brother Manju, bank employee Father Swaminathan, Carnatic singing mother Radha, Typical Punjabi Soap Mother Kavita, Army officer dad, Boss Bala, Blissful Guruji, Dr.Neha.. All come in their lovable journey to marriage.
After reading this book, People who are single will love to fall in love wit a pretty gal/guy, for people in love,I can’t comment on that(a perfect gift for ur loved ones), Parents, rethink abt the social importance for narrow minded castes as compared global Love.

As global warming increases, Warmth of love shud all increase on this earth. Love and be loved :)

1st Corporate Bday

Thanks a lot to all the beloved ones who wished me on my bday. This being my first bday after my entry into the corporate world as a professional, executive, officer (Whatever we name the designation, ultimate work is to timepass n get salary :P )

As a part of my team culture to distribute sweets(Mysore Pak) to my entire team. Even before i could reach to them,everyone were waiting.. Thnx to vaidyanath for the best gift on my bday. How better can it be Rahmaniac to a Rahmaniac. Gift was the unofficial biography of A.R.Rahman, A R Rahman - Musical Storm by Kamini Mathai. Followed by Greeting cards with close pals message and wishes :D . I Loved my new nick VISU(VInod SUndaram). I can confuse ppl like tamil Director Visu. Finally the cake cutting. Wow the chocolate flavored one was really yummmy!!! Gud that my shirts n pants weren't affected by the caking of the cakes on me.

It was indeed a very very memorable, cherishing, long lasting Bday of my life

PS:
1. I miss my college bday celebrations. Bday bums,egg,shoe polish, shower,cake cutting, birthday bukkar, dhaabha treat. Miss my college friends n lapis :)

2. I'm awaiting the A R Rahman's Jai ho Concert, His first in Chennai after Oscars. Rahmaniacs consider this as the Baap of all concerts.

No Rahman, No Music.. Know Rahman, Know Music :)

Madras Day

Post comes a part of my delayed Madras Day Celebrations!!!! Damn my convocation..
Basically writing down arbitrary things abt Chennai that comes to my mind..

Singara Chennai..Chennai local Tamil..Filter Kaapi..Gully Cricket..Marina,Bessie beaches..Hot weather, Rains.. Satyam, Spencers,CityCenter.. MadrasEye.. Koovam,Adayar.. A R Rahman, Sachin Tendulkar.. Anna Salai,ECR,Pudhupettai bike Area, Gemini Flyover..Tidel Park..Idly, Dosa, Chutney, Sambhar, Rice, Pizzas, Pubs, TASMAC quarter..Kollywood, SuperStar Rajnikanth, KamalHaasan.. Chennai SuperKings, MS Dhoni..Shirts, suits, Vaeshtti, lungi, Sarees..Petty platform shops and Police Maama.. Carnatic Music, Dance, Bharathanatyam, December Season, Kalakshetra, Chennai Sangamam, Theatres, First Day First Show, Music Bands.. IITM, AnnaUniv, Kilpauk Mental Hospital..The Hindu,Suntv, Star Vijay, Non Stop FM RJs, Music Lovers..Autos, share autos, MTC buses, MRTS.. Sub-Urb Trains..Cosmo culture( sowcarpet Junoon Settu, Mylapore Maamas, Royapuram Machaans, Alwarpet Executives) and many more..

Happy Madras Day to all Chennaites!!!
This city still carries its gr8 culture and tradition along with new consmo changes it has undergone..No wonder it has not lost its identity like other Metros of India.
For me, Chennai is heaven on earth..GodSpeed!!! :D

An intercept from a tamil saying, "Even people from other places prosper on Chennai's soil"

PS: no intention to hurt other city lovers.we celebrate our city :)

Chak de India..Sakka podu India !!!

chak de India..sakka podu India..
chak de India...sakka podu India

forget the resentful past
rejoice the presently present,
rinse ourselves wit tolerance
be the change we want.

chak de chak de India,
sakka podu sakka podu India..

Hand n hand we stand in,
Voice n harmony we speak up,
thrash n trash we fight out
blinded world if eye for eye.

chak de India..sakka podu India..
let Vande mataram be with a maatram
Jai Hind or Jai ho..
let be Joy hind and Joy Ho!!!


PS: India is just 62 years old.. There are so many problems, tensions.. Youthu na appadi than irrukum.. Happy Independence day!!!

Awe-inspiring

Came across these lines and found them really inspiring..

"When people throw stones at us, we need to convert them into milestones" - Sachin Tendulkar

"The reason why people talk behind your back is because you are ahead of them" - Unknown

These lines were simple but powerful!!!