Weddings are Wonderful

Wedding season is round the corner and December is the month of marriages in Kerala Nair community.

It was my favourite cousins wedding last week.
All of us, from different corners, reached my grandpa's place three days before the wedding...last six days were filled with so much of fun and so many thoughts...have tried to capture my thoughts in various segments below

ARRANGED MARRIAGE vs. LOVE MARRIAGE
Initially I was confused.....my cousin is very beautiful and had agreed for an arranged marriage...somehow the term arranged marriage give me jitters
I know the concept works very well in India.Throughout the wedding, the grooms family was very very jolly and I knew that my cousin will be looked after well, she was the most beautiful and stood out in the crowd
The groom was smart and hats off to her to take such a matured decision!!!
She will be leaving India in sometime and I was wondering what would be life to her then, she will enjoy the first year going places and then next five years they will understand each other, wow thats magical
During the entire course, my perception started changing towards arranged marriage concept

Me and A courted for almost two years before tying the knot and trust me even today I get to know a new nature of his and vice versa.
I got to know one thing of life and that is, there is no point of having an arranged or love marriage concept coz everything changes once you start living with a person, its from then that life changes
If you are with the right person, your life is beautiful, no matter the wedding was arranged/love
I hope my cousin is with her Mr Right and here's wishing her loads of happiness :)

FUNNY/EMBARRASSING SIDE OF WEDDING
Throughout the wedding, I came across so many different characters, like one of my Aunts who fakes everything, she exaggerates the smallest stuff,its very funny and yes irritating at times!We havent met for years, but when she meets, she invades our life like crazy...I just smile to myself during those times.
Then during the wedding, there are people who come to you and ask, "do you know me?", if we answer no they get offended, so I just say Ofcourse, I know you, how are you doing? and the conversation flows...there is another set who would again question, "If you know me, tell me who am I?
Eeesh, that is such a embarassing situation,I just smile and start looking out for someone who could help me out, thankfully my mom would be somewhere near to rescue me
I dont believe this, we meet once in say 6 years, where we meet and they expect us to remember the way we are connected...in some instances, they would have seen me when I was a toddler, how do they expect me to remember them? :)
Poor cousin of mine, she had a tough time explaining connexions to her hubby :)

EMOTIONAL ATYACHAR
Oh yes, there are times when your eyes are filled with tears, like when, the bride takes blessings from her close family members in the morning
My cousin seeked my blessing and I was completely on tears...whatever said and done she will be part of a new family
When mangalsutra was tied to her, even that brought tears to my eyes...these traditions are wonderful
When she was leaving to her husbands place, after the wedding (even though we were to meet in the evening for reception :)
But the worst was when she came to our place in the third day and while she was leaving, we felt the lump for sure
Not that we meet on a daily basis, we meet once/twice in a year, but still somewhere we felt sad that even that may reduce as she will not be in India

NOSTALGIA
Each instance, during the wedding, reminds each one us, on what happened during their wedding...its so much fun as we become closer to each one

As my Aunts and Mom tell what happened in their case, its like reading a book, I keep imagining those times
And yes even I remembered my beautiful moments throughout my wedding
We even took out old albums and each one had a story of its own
Its wonderful :)
Weddings are definitely wonderful!!!

P.S-Will add more on this :)

Humanity:Where do we learn???

This was something, I have been thinking to blog for a long long time
Two of my favorite movies, which hits on to me, are Taare Zameen Par and 3 Idiots
What is common in both?Strict Parents?
I think that the thoughts were similar, the fact that in India, so much of importance is given to education..which is definitely good any day but does degree prove that one is a good person or a bad person.

One question...Why  are perceptions on individuals behavior based on their education???

Well, in a nutshell, it shows that

Almost 80% of Indians believe that the kind of degree makes a man perfect!!!...is it true
Being from a research background, I immediately started finding out how valid my hypothesis is
Well I spoke to some people on this, also was checking on various industries

Marriage Market : In India,first thing one wants to know is the kind of education one has completed...the better the education, more is the dowry...engineers and doctors are most preferred, so one doesn't say that "He/She wants a funny person who can believe in compromising at times, who works hard and loves to enjoy life as well" but the ads are like this "I am a Indian electrical engineer , working in abudhabi capital of uae , i am looking a hindu girl for marrage , girl must be engineer in any branch , if she is Electrical branch it good for me"
Even when we attend a wedding, first thing one asks is What is the guy/gal?If the answer is software engineer, we are like Wah and by chance that person is a MA chap, maybe he is in a great MNC and a very good person at heart...our perception is like hmmm
Isn't that hilarious :)

School Market : Its sad when I see kids around, they are like going for a war..my son is 4yrs old, in lower kindergarden, he is already learning cursive writing, when I asked the teacher that dont you think he is too small for it...answer I get is Not at all..he has to be groomed to get into a bigger school
My neighbors son is in 11th in one of the top school of Bangalore, my neighbor was very happy the other day, he said that in six months, they have completed 11th portions and now they are teaching 12 std, so now for the next one and a half years, they will make them thorough for 12th...by the way the kid is being coached for IIT from 9th standard...Sad part is that he is just doing what his parents are telling him!

Job Market : In India, any day, its the IITians and IIMs who are preferred in the industries. Since I am in a MNC, I have seen people drooling over Inseads, many a times, trust me I have seen them being so lazy and outsourcing simple work, that I think to myself ...do these tags matter?
We believe that Person X from Kirana college of Engineering is bad as a worker that Person Y from IIT!!!

Social Life : Oh Man, in this segment, every one wants the better degree holder in their group, so that they can flaunt them. Oh yes I know Rishi, IITian right?he is with Mckinsey...he is loved no matter what

When I look at the entire ecosystem, I feel that its our fault of looking at things!!!
Don't you think we should look at a person, as to what he is and not what he has earned?What he has earned is great, no matter what but him/her being a good person is his nature and degree has nothing to do with it
When will we change our perception towards life???
I know that with a 1.2bn population and each job being craved by 50 others, its a competitive world but somewhere I feel that education should also cover humanity!!!
Isn't that important???

Humanity...where do we learn?

 

This is for hubby dear...HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Today is our anniversary and I have been wondering as to what gift should I get for A...after some serious thoughts on various kinds of gifts, I thought why don't I tell him what I feel :)

So here you go Mr Hubby, this is for you

Do you remember Dec 25th, 2003???
That's when I chatted with you for the first time! that's when I met you, thanks to some chat room (I don't remember it!)
We then met on Feb 16th,17th and 18th of 2004...well let me get the cat out of the bag...I proposed to you and I do not regret saying those words till date
I knew it was love at first sight for you, it was sooo apparent, but I also knew that if I do not take the first step, this could go along for a long long time...till date I think to myself " Thank God I told you what my heart felt that moment"...do you regret saying Yes immediately?
Jan 16th 2005, we got engaged and tied the knot on Dec 15th 2005 :)

We are going to start our ninth year of knowing each other...and seventh year of life together!!!Congratulations!!!

When I look back, I only have to say "Thank you" to God to bring us together...that was magical...all I know is that we were meant to be together...that was God's choice!
We are blessed with a beautiful son and a wonderful extended family...Thank you

As a hubby, you are so unromantic...or else,who would gift a photo frame for anniversary and ask for each anniversary what do you want...eeesh how boring, however, if I ignore that part, you have the best of qualities and I totally love you!!!...wait wait wait I also have to ignore the part that you are so unadventurous/so boring during weekends/so addicted to loud Suresh Gopi's mallu movies(yuk!) and you have no hobbies!!!
Phew...apart from the above, I adore you so much!!!
Its the first anniversary when we are not together, but you are where its more important and I am not sad at all
They say that if you love a person completely, then you do not regret if he is not there on a special day
I know that I love you in every second of my life!!!
Love you completely and miss you "A"
Happy Anniversary hubby dear!
Here's wishing us loads of years of togetherness :)

P.S: Thank you for accepting the way I am and thank you for being You always!!!

Did the movie live up to the music :Rockstar???

And the answer is No
I had so much of expectation...
There were just two things great of the movie Rockstar : The music and the hero!!!
Was disappointed with Imtiaz Ali's direction, there was faults in direction and the actress...Nargis, well she is very very pretty but someone please teach her to act
Guess Imtiaz was so much in love with her face, that couldn't he check after every scene, whether she could act?
Poor Ranbir Kapoor, he has such immense talent but he still hasnt got the right movie..but yes he is outstanding in this movie!!! First half was great, and I was expecting second half to be better, but after the interval, it seemed that Imtiaz Ali had lost it and just did not know what to do next...it got so boring and so fictitious!!!
Music is out of the world and I have described each song in my previous blog!
Well the movie never lived up to the music!!!

I have nothing else to day, but, thanks, thanks and thanks. ~William Shakespeare

Today I want to say thank you to everyone around me!!
I am so grateful to be part of this beautiful world
Thanks to my wonderful hubby, a great son, lovely parents and supportive in-laws and everyone who has helped me and supported me
Thanks to all my teachers, friends, colleagues,relatives and all acquaintances who have crossed my life at any time!
Thank to each one across this world                                                                              
Thanks to this beautiful world for accepting me the way I am...thank you...thank you world!!!

Guhantara! Rocky outing :)

Well Guhantara-India's first rock cave resorts!
Thats where we spent our Sunday...my take on this place is as follows
Well this is located off Kanakapura Road, Bangalore

Well the trip was fine, thanks to NICE road, however when we take the right from Kanakapura road, expect very narrow roads, however thats just 3 kms...you have to travel through muddy roads for a km
You also see a unit of Brigade being constructed and one thinks to themselves,how will people travel or will all of them work from home? :)
Anyways once we reach Guhantara, its a nice experience...don't expect it to be a minimal crowd kind of scenario...this place is economical and hence suited for both family outings and corporate get aways
When we reached there, thee were already team activities happenings for two major corporates
Well the passage to the main entrance is scary in the begining...however, it soon turns to be romantic..and you just hope that it does not get over
We were welcomed with a drink, which was sad :(
Anyways the restaurant looked good and they announced that they have a rain dance concept in the afternoon
The restaurant had two pools, one for kids below 5 and the other had a waterfall concept
The former one's water didnt look that great, however waterfall concept was a huge hit amongst visitors
After having the drink, we left to explore the place
There were horse ridings,dart trips,archery,pottery making,badminton,basket ball, indoor activities(billiards and TT) to name some
Please expect a huge crowd in the play area..there is also a children playground (for kids below 5) which was something kids in our gang enjoyed...its a simple playground, but kids if they have their friends, they can enjoy in any playground :)
After trying out outdoor activities, it was already 1:20 and we headed towards the restaraunt and I was taken aback, as the crowd was huge..well it was a Sunday
It was a buffet with India dishes and one Chinese dish...it even has simple dal chawal which is definitely a boon when you have toddlers in your group
However, while having lunch you realize that the restaurant does not have proper seating arrangements and hence you will see people eating anywhere and everywhere...you will also see mothers feeding child...the place gets dirtier, however, there are people cleaning the place in frequent intervals
After food is done, its time for rain dance and everyone changes in a jiff to their swimming costumes
At 2:45 rain dance starts with a not so great DG...However is you have a good group, you will be able to enjoy..we had a blast with the kids around and trust me kids enjoys this concept...why wont they for once their parents do not scold them for getting wet :)
After this is done, we then explored other pools...well too small and too crowded
However we were determined to have fun and so we did
And finally in the evening they serve tea and snacks, in our case it was bhajjies!
By 6, you see everyone leaving the place, except for those who are staying there
To sum it all-If you have a group of kiddos and want to experience a fun filled day, then Guhantara is not a bad choice...you may not end up coming here every now and then but yes once and maximum twice, you can think of this place
I would definitely like to stay here next time, I think that would also be a good experience
My rating is *** to Guhantara
*Sad (Will Never come) **Okay (Will come if have no choice) *** Average (Will visit, once or twice) ****Good (Will come whenever I can) *****Superb (Would love to camp here for life)

The link to this place is http://www.guhantara.com/new1/index.html
Do let me know your views!

AR Rehman does it again!

Rockstars music is beautiful...just heard all 14 songs and boy it was a musical treat
Thank you ARR and special thanks to Irshad Kamil-he has penned such beautiful and interesting lyrics
The first song "Phir se Ud chala" is fresh and inspiring
"Jo bhi main" : tells us so much and the lyrics are so perfect...I relate to those words completely..my 4yr old loves it!
"Katiya Karoon"-well its nice..I know its a hit but its not my personal favourite amongst the 14 tracks
"Kun Faya Kun"-Its heavenly...too divine and peaceful...loved it completely
"Sheher main"-Its a cool song
"Hawa Hawa"-very interesting...it reminded me of Guzaarish, but the track is fun
"Aur Ho" - The background music is awesome,dark..it reminds me Tu hi Tu!Its the same theme of desperateness
"Tango for Taj" : Wow thats the word : The music leaves you with joy and I wish the track was longer :)
"Tum Ko" : starts off as a typical Kavita number...but after just few seconds I realize that nope..this is differenct and the word is beautiful
"The Dichatomy of fame" is pleasant...it starts off in the same lines of one of the song of Rang de Basanti...but thats for a fraction of a second..its a pleasant track
"Nadaan Parinde": is truly inspiring
"Tum Ho" : Its romantic and Mohit Chauhan is so perfect in it
"Sadda Haq" is a rebel with an India twist!
"Meeting place" is just nice and yes make me feel sad :)
14 tracks with each having its own distinct style statement..thats what Rockstar's music is all about!!!
Its a musical journey and I loved it
Hope the moves lives up to the music
Thank you ARR!!!

The Great Indian Independence Tamasha

Our apartments notice said that there is going to be Independence day celeberations and all should be present in the club house at 9
Well yes I was there...but what was the celeberation, All families were decked up and there were programmes where in kids showcased their talents
Since it was independence day, everything revolved around desh bhakti geets. These kids has mugged up songs and many did not even undertstand the meaning of many songs
There was also a contest on What Independence day means to you?
There was a talk as well by a chap who mentioned uniqueness of India : at the end he said that we are also home to the largest number of poor people
Its sad that in such times also we do not do anything for the poor, its like we are no way related to them

Our apartments has around 400-500 families...they are majorly from the upper class, thoses who have been staying in the US for couple of years and now thought of coming back to India and felt Bengaluru is the only city which suits them.They live in a world of contadictions...well they are fitness freaks but live on junks
You should see our newly opened PHD is full of them
They love nature but their kids are always prone to allergies and many of their kids who are at the ages of 2 and 5, have under gone scans!
They always wear their seat belts and feel that if someone in the group who is not wearing one will fall away :)
They only belive in mineral water and many but cans of mineral water to take bath as well
They look at Autos, in a matter of disgust and believe that its a horrible vehicle to travel in as one gets exposed to pollution and they are always inside AC driven cars,office and house...hence very less immunity!
They research for every damn thing, and yes major time of theirs is spent on Internet researches
They get excited for the silliest things and read a lot on parenting...I would like to see their kids after 10 years
I can write a lot about them as they are a different specimen...however, let me continue my subject.. I should write more on them in my next blog

Where were we...yup so if we have around 600 such families, and if each family provides Rs 1000 on Independence day..we have 60000 Rs
(I am sure that they spend more than 1000 on a visit to a mall!)
That means we can sponsor education for minimum 12 children for a year...isn't that wonderful?imagine if we collect this money for other days like Republic day, Gandhi jayanthi, Holi,Diwali, Christmas etc..in a year we will be able to educate 100 chillren...Isn't that wonderful?
Even kids of such families would value life!They may be going to orphans and donating them food and clothes during b'day of their child, but that does not help a child on a long term basis
But the fact reamins that until we dont start educating the issue will always remain...I belive in Education, especially education of girls as when a girl gets educated , she makes sure that the entire community get educated!
I think such efforts would stop all kinds of Independence day tamashas and India would be truly Independent!!!

Ages since I have posted something...decided to pen down my thoughts on a regular basis from today onwards :)

Happy New Year

So here we are, as ever saying goodbye to last year and looking forward to the next year
The difference only lies in the number, this time, we bid bye to 2010 and are eagerly waiting for 2011
"HOPE" thats the key word to our existence...dont we all hope for a better year, better life and better world!
So here's wishing a better life and better world to everyone around
Happy 2011!!!