The Lost Symbol, The Lost Wisdom . .The Lost Mind

I am just done with Dan Brown’s new book The Lost Symbol. Set in the American capital Washington D.C., this book is an exciting quest to find the Ancient Mysteries believed to be lost to the history. With the anticipated twists and turns, this book proves to be an exceptional mystery. I have zealously read the earlier books by the author and I just love the way he gels the ancient mysteries, architecture and literature with the present. Its nearly impossible to express the feel you get when you actually imagine that the U. S. Capitol building is linked with an ancient mythological secret. And more over, the secret is still being guarded by a group of people all around the world unknown to others. Wow. This is like realizing that the Ferguson College is linked with some ancient mystery and the mystery is still guarded by some of the elite and oldest families of Pune. Human mind is always attracted towards the secrets, towards the unknown. And this books feeds on that.

While reading the book I realized that, the Christian, the Pagan, the Roman and the Egyptian mythology discussed in Brown’s books are equally old as our very own mythologies. There are a couple of references in the book from the Vedas the Bhagwad Gita as well. We, since long have only accepted the Vedas and the scriptures as a part of the legends without questioning. Never have we tried to explore the scientific possibilities in them – which is what exactly Brown’s book do. If he can dig out such powerful plots and stories from a single folklore, imagine the number of interesting novels we can write from our own part of the ancient knowledge and wisdom. More than the novels, it can generate an attitude of curiosity towards our history which is often considered as ridiculous religious beliefs by educated youths. Take for Ex. The Mahabharata which has numerous incidences which seem as “Miracles” of those times but which if rationally thought today can be simple scientific processes. I hope some historian does think that way, as my own knowledge of these things is far less.

One more thing that I loved about this book is the way it describes our human mind to be. I am giving an excerpt from the book to have a exact idea what I am talking about.

For years the ancients’ claims of man’s awesome mental power have been studied, and now science is showing us that accessing that power is an actual physical process. Our brains, if used correctly, can call forth powers that are quite literally superhuman. The Bible, like many ancient texts, is a detailed exposition of the most sophisticated machine ever created . . . the human mind. Incredibly, science has yet to scratch the surface of the mind’s full promise

The ancients already knew many of the scientific truths we’re now rediscovering. Within a matter of years, modern man will be forced to accept what is now unthinkable: our minds can generate energy capable of transforming physical matter. Particles react to our thoughts . . . which means our thoughts have the power to change the world.

All around the world, we are gazing skyward, waiting for God . . . never realizing that God is waiting for us. We are creators, and yet we naively play the role
of ‘the created.’ We see ourselves as helpless sheep buffeted around by the God who made us. We kneel like frightened children, begging for help, for forgiveness, for good luck. But once we realize that we are truly created in the Creator’s image, we will start to understand that we, too, must be Creators. When we understand this fact, the doors will burst wide open for human potential.

It might be the case that many of you may have thought about the mind like this. But still I wanted to put this for people who have forgotten or don’t think like that.

Worth It !!!

I had been working as software professional since two long years and I had been bored up to my nerves since the first day I started my work. That’s the reason, I was immensely happy to start my part time journalism course in Ranade Institute, Pune. I started enjoying the classes greatly where the veterans would talk on various subjects and enlighten us students. Even though I was not at all a star performer in the office, I had made sure that I delivered my objects and programs on time, so I would often find time to surf and search for my subjects in the office. That’s why; I was a bit surprised when I was assigned in a new project from the United States with a high priority. Others in the software field would have jumped at the opportunity. The project promised a chance of going to the US and some of my colleagues had already started teasing me about my future ‘Onsite’ trip. But I was fairly disappointed by this sudden change. US project meant more responsibility, late night calls, work pressure extending till long but my most critical fear was that I wouldn’t be able to give proper time to my classes and studies. I decided that I would come early in the morning and complete my work before class. The project started and as expected it started draining out my reserves of energy. I would go to the office at 8 in the morning, work till 5.45 then rush to class and again come back at 8.30 in the evening for client call, which extended till 10.30pm sometimes. I was left with no energy at all to study and it had started taking a toll on my health as well as my performance in class. Even so I kept my work fairly satisfactory. At one such tired moment I confessed to my Team leader that this hectic schedule is getting very tough for me. At this he rudely told me to forget my class and pay attention to the project as its very important. I was so hurt, I told him straight that I would not miss the class even if I had to quit my job. What I expected was a certain level of understanding from a person so senior and experienced than me. But I forgot that I was expecting it from an IT professional who can’t think beyond codes, deadlines and money. We were supposed to come to office for the weekend too, but I was so upset that I took an unplanned leave for three days. As expected, I got a call from my Project Manager (Boss ka big boss) and he immediately started shouting about how irresponsibly and immaturely I had behaved by taking leaves. This was pretty much expected.
But I was shocked when he asked me how did I go to the classes when I had so much of work left to do. I had never told my PM about my classes neither I had delayed any work object due to the time I spent in classes. More than the work, my studies had been badly affected, so I was in no mood to take it from PM that I had neglected my work due to classes. But he was not to be convinced. He bluntly told me to immediately stop the classes. “ How can you go to the class if the client expects you in the office” was his point. I told him that I would complete all my work on time, and I would come early but I can’t stop my class. But he had just one thing in mind – Client and Project as if the entire world depended on the silly project. I tried explaining him that I had come early in the last 15 days, completed my work and then again I had even come to attend the client calls till 10.30. Even after doing so much, if I am not able to claim two and half hours from my own day and own time then what’s the use?? Is this all worth it?? No no no – My mind and my heart were screaming to their limits and I was feeling like going to the office and just throwing my resignation at his face. But I decided to keep my cool and act with a thought. The next day I went to the office and drafted a mail to relieve me from the project. As expected, my request was granted and now I am happy to be on one month’s leave away from that crazy schedules of project. I am free and i am studying - giving full justice to my studies which had taken a backseat in recent days. This is really worth it.

Some - ANTAR

When you go to watch an Amol Palekar's movie, you expect it to be good or excellant. But Samantar is unfortunately neither. This is a story of Mr. Keshav Vaze, who after a suuceesful stint as a progressive businessman suddenly wants to end up his life at the age of 60. Reason - He feels life is not worth living anymore and so should be ended with dignity and respect. In a desperate attempt to bring back his interest in life, Keshav's daughter takes him to Kolkata for a psychiatric treatment. There Keshav comes face to face with Shama - his long lost love. A past tragedy had made it impossible for Keshav and Shama to stay in touch and that has turned Shama into reclusive and silent woman who hardly speaks even to her son. Keshav, who is confronted with such an unexpected turn of event is confused how to handle it and is scared to face Shama. So he is in dilemma including his quest for ending is life and his relationship with Shama.
Just like the name, Samantar, the movie runs with two stories parallel to each other.
One - About Keshav's quest for choice death or "Iccha Maran" and
Two - His relationship with Shama and its present possibilities.
Due to this, i found the movie a bit scattered all throughtout with a very weak thread connecting the events that take place. The content was interesting enough but if more efforts were taken on screenplay and editing, this would have been a really a good watch. Dialogues are good enough but the thing is, when the screenplay is sloppy, even good dialogues fail to have that "punch" effect.
This film, it should be said, belongs wholely to Mr. Amol Palekar. As expected, he has given a splendid performance. His brooding, intelligent persona has best suited for this role. But sadly, the veteran Sharmila Tagore is wasted in the role as she doesnt have even a single good dialogue to utter and the scenes dont have much to emote. Other actors are not even worth mentioning except Sameer Dharmadhikari , who has done a good job with the limited scope.
But i did find the cinematography to be up to the mark. There were some amazing shots from Kolkata captured which makes you take notice.
Conclusion : Go for the movie just to watch Mr. Palekar. If you want something serious to think - no chance.

The "I" Day

When we say Independence Day, what pops up in our mind? May be a holiday. A day for rest. If the day is a Friday or a Monday then an extended weekend. Let us plan a small tour to a nearest holiday destination. Right? So this is the only significance of the Independence Day left in our lives ??
The other day I was discussing this subject with my friends. I asked them whether they felt bad that Independence Day has been reduced to just another holiday in there lives and thought process. At this, all of them gave me a look of
?has it ever been anything else since we were born?. How true !!! I must admit that I was surprised by this sudden realization of a fact. Even without speaking it aloud, mention of the subject had led us to this strange understanding about how we take our national festivals and anything related to national interest.
One of my friends surprisingly shrugged it off. ?Why and what should I feel bad?? was her quick reply. So what exactly did she think about this day? ?Well, I just remember that lots of great leaders made lots of sacrifices for the independence we are enjoying today? .That?s it? Just the leaders? What about the countless common men who sacrificed their lives for it? What about the countless people that are still not enjoying the fruits of it in the real sense ? I again got a shrug for an answer. One of them told me about her hostel days. She liked to go to the flag hoisting ceremony which was held on the terrace of the hostel. ?I would wake up early, take a bathe and then go up the terrace for saluting our national flag?, she said with pride. Wow! That was quite unusual thing to do for a hostelite and that too on a holiday. I tried to probe their concern a little further. Don?t you feel that we should do something for our country?. I asked hoping to stir some part of their conscience. I was mistaken.
?What should we do yaar? Just drop this ok. Its enough that we stay here and are not running away to become just another NRI. Doesn?t that count??, was her curt reply. Hmmm. So that?s it. . Isn?t it? She had a point.
Fair enough.
This is what I got from some young girls my age but I m sure its not much of a difference if we try and ask people in other age groups, unless they are very old freedom fighters. The fact is we take our freedom too much for granted. It doesn?t make any difference to us if we are celebrating 62 years of our independence and still we have not realized the significance it holds in every individual?s life. Imagine if we were denied to enjoy the simple pleasures of life like traveling, investing, purchasing homes, talking, expressing ? Yes I know we can?t imagine it. And there are two reasons why we can?t imagine it.
One: we can realize that that?s really an awful situation to be in so we fear to even think about it.
Two: we are too na?ve to think that it could ever happen.
It?s the second reason that most of us would be thinking. Right ??
And this alone constitutes that we should value our independence more than anything in our lives. For valuing our independence we don?t require a reason or a day, just if all of us could spare some time and give it a thought it would be sufficient. Some simple duties like keeping our surroundings clean, following traffic rules, objecting to corruption, helping the poor can bring about a considerable change for our country so that we uphold our independence and eventually make us feel happy and proud that we live in a free, independent country.
Come on guys, Ours is really a very beautiful country. . . we all know that. But it is high time now that we start feeling it that way for each and every aspect of this country.
I find Independence Day quite similar to one?s birthday. We think of what we have done for ourselves in the last one year on our birthday. We do plan for the next year. Similarly, on the Independence Day we can introspect about all that we have done for our country and fellow country men. And I m sure the day wont be far away when Independence Day would cease to be just a holiday for all of us.
Have a thoughtful and enriching Independence Day.

Some things we never think are worth thinking !!!

This makes an interesting reading .
:-)



1) When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
Wow !! i look gorgeous in wet hair :)

2) How much cash do you have in your wallet right now?
Rs : 750

3) What's a word that rhymes with DOOR?
MORE !!! I want to learn more and more and more . . .

4) Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone?
My mom. . generally its her habbit to call at weird times. And i usually miss it !!!

5) What is your favorite ring tone on your phone?
Swades Theme music - absolutely pleasant and sufficiently alerting !!!

6) What are you wearing right now?
Jeans and T - shirt, how come i am always wearing what looks best on me.
:)

7) Do you label yourself?
Never because i dont know what is a label

8) Name the brand of the shoes you currently own
No shoes for me

9) Bright or Dark Room?
Dark room when am sleeping, otherwise a bright room.

10) What do you think about the person who took this survey before you?
A very interesting and funny person. Must be an intellectual.

11) What does your watch look like?
Sleek, decent and simplistic. Like me

12) What were you doing at midnight last night?
Dreaming . . in my deep sleep

13) What did your last text message you received on your cell say?
I love you -


14) What's a word that you say a lot?
SAHI :)

15) Who told you he/she loved you last?
My sweetheart - The love of my life.

16) Last furry thing you touched?
My dog - - Snowy !!!!

17) Favourite age you have been so far?
Every age and everyday has been my favorite

18) What was the last thing you said to someone?
They have blocked the blooging from office, damn it !! These heartless creatures.

19) The last song you listened to?
Sathi ya ye tune kya kiyaa !!!!

20) Where did you live in 1987?
Akola

21) Are you jealous of anyone?
Nope

22) Is anyone jealous of you?
Might be in dozens :)))

23) Name three things that you have on you at all times?
Finger ring - gifted by my dad . . thats the only thing.

24) What's your favourite town/city?
Akola - my home town

25) When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it?
April 16th 2009 - For my dad - for his bithday - on april 17th

26) Can you change the oil on a car?
No.

27) Your first love/big crush: What is the last thing you heard about him/her?
He is my best friend. Going great buddies !!!!

28) Does anything hurt on your body right now?
No.

29) What is your current desktop picture?
L n T infotech - boring offwhite empty space

30) Have you been burnt by love?
Yessss !!! still burning :)

Come rains !!!

I had to go out of the office today in the afternoon to have lunch with Mom and Rahul. It was after around one month that i was out on the roads of the city at such afternoon hours. The incessant rains since the last 20-25 days had made the weather absolutely miserable with the constant wetness and moisture. Along with it the obligations of work had me locked in the air conditioned interiors of a posh corporate house. So either inside and outside, i was stuck in constant feeling of cold and boredom with no brightness and sunlight to enjoy.
Let me tell you, i enjoy the rains immensely. There was a time when i used to crave for rains to come and make everything wet and cool. Somehow rains used to make the dullest of the things come to life and make it beautiful. Even the footpaths along the tar roads would look beautiful with all the fresh grass growing alongside. But that was when i was in Akola and everything around had a different aspect to it. Basically being a hot place, rains were always welcomed by all in Akola. Rains used to be minimal and for a short while and the sorroundings would remain considerably dry with rare cases of dirt and mud ponds. It would be enjoyed immensely for the short time it stayed and in that short while it would turn everything into green and splendour.
But when it comes to Pune, rains are a constant hazard making everything dirty wet. Roads, societies, gardens, bus stands, stations, public places are all converted into huge dirt grounds and the constant wetness makes it almost impossible to go out without nauseating about the surrounding. There is stench everywhere, there is shit everywhere. And due to lack of sunlight, there is constant feeling of boredom, decay and depression. So much so that at some point i had started to hate the rains which i loved so much. I had even got to point of getting a phobia whenever it rained heavily.
In such a situation, it was plasant experience for me when a warm, bright sunlight fell on my face when i was outside the office premises. The rains had stopped in the morning itself and sun was shining proudly since long, soaring the temperature by 8-7 degrees. The mood in the environment immediately reflected in my heart and i started enjoying every moment of my driving. The traffic was usual high but even all the drivers seemed to be enjoying this sudden change in weather. The wetness on the roads was considerably lessened and the trees and leaves were all shining and giving off a divine radiance.I remembered Akola. I deliberately slowed down my pace and took much more time to reach the destination. We decided to eat outside in the open to enjoy the weather. While having lunch, i was thinking about this sudden change. I wondered about the natural phenomenon called rains. Strange how it has different meaning, aspects and different repercussion depending on the place and environment.
Never in my life had i thought that i would somehow start hating rains. But after today's experience, i realised that rains are after all just that - rains, when water pours down from the heavens. Whether i feel wet or fresh all depends upon where i am and what i think. I am off to enjoy the weather for now, and i am sure that next time when it rains real bad and everything changes to wet, i will have at least a different perspective about it rather than complaint.

Ek chehra !!!

I am glued. I am completely and absolutely glued. I just listened to that marvolously romantic song from a long forgotten film " Takshak " .


Khamosh raat . .
Sehmi hava . .
Tanha Tanha dil apna. .
Aur dooor kahi roshan hua
Ek chehra . . .
Ye sach hai ya sapna . . !!!

What an absolutely delightful experience.!!!
It feels so refreshing that sometimes some of the most neglected or forgotten songs are rediscovered by chance.
This is one song i had heard long ago and thought as a boring run-of-mill creation from the mystero A.R.Rehman himself.
But luckily, i found this song in one of my common songs folder and just out of habbit of random selection i played it. And to my utter delight, that was something which woke out all my tired senses. Now i am playing the song continuously for the 35th time i guess.
My God !! the guitar, the violins, the strings and finally that remarkably honest voice. .
Mr Roopkumar Rathod has woven magic with that honest, rasp and deep voice . . not to mention the feelings he induces in it.

When you hear "Ek chehraaa " you feel like going Ga Ga over the mood.
The mood and the feel of the lyrics is so convincingly captured out of the voice and the rhythm. There is one moment when in the background an entire symphony of guitars is being played complementary to the voice. . and its like soaring to some unknown heights and then again falling in a cool water with a splash.
Thats amazing.
I then thought about other such long forgotten songs which instantly makes us believe in the magic of music.
Take for Ex. Jane do naa - from chini Kam
Kismat se tum - from Pukaar
Aey kash ke hum - from Kabhi haa kabhi naa

All these are some of the most sensitive and sensuous songs created from Bollywood which i think havnt got their due popularity.
But whenever you listen to them, they do blend in with your emotions so convincingly, that it becomes mandatory to accept their beauty and splendour.
I am off to find out more such songs now.
In the mean time - Ek chehraaaa . . . !!!!!!!