On a High

As the days begin to count down

with every passing minute

im getting high

with a silent sigh.

But im not the only one.

there are a number

sighing over days to remember

creeping in their minds

like an overgrown ivy.

But bliemy! look

who too is on a high;

raging and swelling

on shores and dwelling;

the swollen seas

much like our overflown memories...

As the waves come crashing by

flooding us with old memory,

The high tide of the Century

symbolic of the time

for us to tide- into the new country!

The Devils Alternative

Recently i went through 'The Devils Alternative' all over Again. And even now the book had the ability to take my breath away. The way the author presents the history behind the characters or even large organisations and leads to the present events and makes the characters take Futuristic decisions is really enchanting. One thing i loved about the plot is the way it unfalteringly opens up providing us a peek into the uppermost echelons of global power. I still get the same feeling...the significance of the title hitting me.

Being really busy these past days...this much should be enough for here....for now.

BWSL Anyone ?

Bandra to Worli in under 7 mins ? The long awaited wish has finally been fulfilled.

In the unfortunate case that you dont know what im talking about (in that case you should definitely pay attention) this is the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (or whatever name it would be called) that has changed the skyline of Mumbai.

After a long wait, watching it grow inch by inch, it finally opened to the public on 1st July 2009 at 7:00AM. I had the chance to "experience it" along with my aunt,grandad, bro and mom at around 7:30 the same morning. Being in the Festive First Five Free days the toll of Rs50 was not applicable to us or the hundreds others present.

It was indeed a real pleasure travelling on it, soaking in the 'early morning air' and the breathtaking skyline that is Mumbai. Moving through the cable-stayed way really invoked a magistic feeling that will surely last me a lifetime. The Link was more like a tourist hotspot with All eagerly craning out of the ( usually shut) windows to capture figments of their memory. This is what made the Experience Extra 'Especial'. For a change the "oh! do i know you?" or the "oh! do you exist?" Mumbaikars were smilling across windows, gesturing and exchanging the shared extacy.

In the car beside us was "a-live" radio reporter whom i quote " there are Generations of Mumbaikars travelling with me". After smiling pleasantly at her- to our great surprise she sprang out of her car to catch a few bytes out of my grandad. Apart from radio the television crew were there too...but now in hindsight i feel that it was the mood of the mumbaikar and the feeling in his heart/mind that was to be captured rather than the large queues of cars at the ports of entry or exit.

Now what remains to be seen is what the mood is after 5 days ( or probably a month). Is it still friendly people enjoying the engineering landmark or is it 'business' as usual with 'cars' rather than peeople rushing to work or returning from yet another day.

Koyna Kommentary

This is June 16 to 18 2009.

I had the opportunity of visiting the first 'Indian' dam to be built post independence and the largest in Maharashtra. The Koyna dam (actually the surroundings of it). Situated in the lush green Sahayadri range in western ghats, this dam is actually a collection of 4 mini dams. The large backwater apart from mainly providing hydroelectric power, irrigation and potable drinking water has made the surrounding forestation evergreen. The koyna dam appears very small as compared to others in the himalayas but still its unique engineering vision has made it really very special. Its 4 phases have ensured year round supply of water and electricity; even in the harsh month of May.

On reaching the hill-top overlooking the dam -site we saw just the first phase,this is the oldest and is a conventional hydro-electric power dam. But as always there always "more than what meets the eye" .All the remaing 3 phases are actually underground with water diverted to the turbines via tunnels cutting over 4km through the mountain range. The expanse of the mountain and the idea implemented left us spell bound, literally. The planning and excecution of this task is an engineering masterpiece with perfect management of the human needs and the geological and ecological balance.

We also got an insight into a technique called 'lake tapping' used in the third phase. Here the backwater (level which is the highest of all in summer) is diverted up the slope through a tunnel 80 meter in diameter. The water level pressure itself is used as a pump. So, a deep trench is dug underneth the expected trench. The expected trench (used to divert the water) is then exploded, with the water pressure pushing the debris down into the deerper dug trench; therby completing the water path to the turbine.

There is also a safety feature built into the entire system. By means of two surge wells over 800 meters deep, the backwater is allowed to swell in flood situations without overflowing from the dam. The enegry of this water is also harnessed to generate electricity. Standing on the cliff of the mountain with greenery sprawling all over, along with the gentle humming of the underground turbine was an amazing experience.

So now after trying to provide you the technical details, i must inform

you that 'permission' (read influence) is required to actually visit the dam site, the hydro-electric stations and the underground power stations. Having no such luck...we setteld for a virtual tour of the engineering marvel at Koyna provided by Nishigandha Vad; screened daily at the popular Nehru Udyan just flanking the main dam. Another point of note is that due to security arrangements( by way of jammers) no cellphones are of any use here. This i feel is a blessing in disguise, for giving us two days of completed respite.

We realy enjoyed our stay at koynanagar amidst the lush greenery, the local village folk and a total lack of any 'visitors'. Telling people that Koyna is a good place to vist, i find them stumped.

Hope you are too. :)

Happy Travelling !

Hope

After having said stuff in the last post i just couldnt stop myself from entering the Innovators of Tomorrow contest. People may Call this "Double Standards" -it may be to a certain extent but for me the 2 Lenovos were enough of a bait.

So heres my entry...lets see if it passes muster...

"Bionic Plant: With Global warming threatening all ice caps and polar glaciers there is a need to use up all the excess green house gases, like carbon di-oxide, to prevent global warming. The bionic plant would be a Silicon/photonic plant that will use the chemical properties of the material to produce oxygen from carbon di-oxide just like natural plants do by the process of photosynthesis. Modified versions of photosensitive Si would act like the Chlorophyll which is activated by light. Pressure transducers would control the valves of the stomata to let in carbondioxide and give out oxygen. The function of water and minerals would be done by Electrons/photons in the bionic plant. Using chemical nature green house gasses will be used up. Also this plant can survive severe polar winds and colds and hence global warming will reduce in the absense of natural plants that do not survive here....thereby saving the planet"

A Lakshadweep Adventure

Having nothing (much) to do...im sifting through 'old' photos...and i happend to lay my hands on these...our School trip to the Lakshadweep !

This was in...Nov. 2001...my first and last School Trip. The destination was exciting and caught the imagination of every 1 around. Add to that the availability of NVfood ( esp. sea food) on a school trip; which has been very traditionally V.

Now without rambling on about the things leading up to the trip...i start with the first days- a long train journey to Cochin, Kerala. This was a our base for the first 2 days...where in we managed to see much of this sleepy little city. We visited the Jewish Synagogue, the Chineese Fishing nets,the sea side avenue, the first Church in S.India and the huge local shopping complex.

Then came the part we were looking forward to the most...the sea journey from Cochin to Laksadweep aboard 'The Tipu Sultan'. The ship was magnificent and befitted the name...Huge decks and a very comfy lounge and dining area. We were shown our acco places which was an array of V small rooms ( i doubt thats what they call it on a ship) with 4 bunks deep in the hull of the ship and surprisingly quite close to the kitchen. Depositing our luggage there we came face to face with the strong coconutty fumes emanating form the kitchens. Never being used to such oils they left most a bit heady and nausseated. But the excitement of exploring our environs took over and hardly any1 felt anything. Withen no time it was time for lunch. And I witnessed an amazing array of tantalising, mouth watering dishes...which soonproved to be a prelude to the days to follow !

Gorging on Heaps and heaps of fried fish (esp. Tuna), classic curries and soothing desserts really left us feeling like the Tipu Sultan. Being heavily satiated, majority of the gang went for a nap. This turned out to be the biggest mistake they could ever make. Barely a few hours later the ones awake, me included (though i find it strange now), saw sights straight out of NatGeo or Discovery. Tens of Dolphins leaping out of the waters; not on TV but live, left us leaping with excitement. Most of the remaining day was then spent hoping for more dolphins to create the magical spectalce again. In this wait apart from the standard gossip a nice discussion came up...here many realised what our destination was really named: 'Lakshadweep' or 'Lakshwadeep' ? In hindsight it seems so obivious but believe me it was not so then. :)

Then that night was the one which has literally been burned into everyones memories...forever. A fire broke out onboard. Our guides and teachers collecting the dispersed crowd amidst billowing smoke and flurry of movement and nervous cries is still scary. Finally All assembled on the top deck and within two hours things were ok...Since the rooms were still out of bounds, that night was spent on the bare floor of the lounge...with the organisers comming up with mind diverting games and dances.

Next morning we awoke to find our ship moving at snail speed. One of the propellers had been damaged the previous night. If the speed incereased the entire ship would topple over about the faster propeller..With this slow speed we were informed that Lakshadweep would still take 5 whole days. However another cruiser( Bharat Seema) was on its way to take the people aboard the Tipu Sultan to their destination. Till the cruiser intercepted us (in 8 hours ) we were allowed to visit the Androth Island, the closest of the cluster to the main coast. It was really calm, peacful, friendly and ...

Afterwards we finally reached our destination-

The Agathi Island Beach Resort. This was extremely a splendid place in the lap of nature...truly idyllic. Once we crossed over the

periphery of the lagoon....the water was crystal clear and an amazing colour of blue. The entire expance of the lagoon was like one big natural swimming pool. We were greeted to cool 'narial-paani' after which we lugged our luggage into the cottages assigned to us...and to our utter dismay found that the doors were cut in half-horizontally. The open door policy did not stop here. As a tradition of the islands each person is extremely trusted and practically cant run away (hide) anywhere...hence the people here dint lock the cottage or house doors. We too graciously accepted this and left our belongings 'under the open sky'. The lunch and dinner that day and over our entire stay there was a real feast with the Tuna ruling.

Next morning we went snorkelling...and believe me no amount of praise can give you the actual thrill and enriching experience as actually doing it yourself ! The vibrant colours, the thriving sea-life, the extraordinary corals...oh the list is never ending! I also happened to celebrate my 14th birthday on the Lakshadweep. This is one BDay i will never forget ! Over the next 2 days we moved about the island which was hardly 3 Km long and 0.5 Km wide. Visiting the local school (children travel by the local school boats) seing the small airport (yes) very small meant only for the ATRs and seeing the sun rise and set on our left and right was indeed memorable. Though each one was hoping and wishing for another chance for snorkelling the sudden sea storm (which are quite common here and happen unanounced) dashed our chances.

After a real once in a life time experience we finally left Lakshadweep with a Laksha worth of memories. Our return journey to Mangalore by ship went of very smoothly. And then we returned to mumbai by train completing our 10 day trip.

Rewind of The Days

As im writing this post...im seriously getting a hell lot of furious flashbacks of the years gone by.

It seems only yesterday that on 26/7 2005 (yes that day) i enrolled at SPIT... and now as its the day to leave i really cant imagine how days are going to be like.

But the strange irony of the things is that in the last semester there was no time to think about the momentous stage in our lifes that we were on ....and now....it really hasnt sunk in that those days are really over....

Some times i say the days are 'finally' over...all the fabled submissions, vivas, PLs and semester examinations are done with...But are they really? 'finally' ?

Looking back i realise that these- like the zillion others in this microcosm of things- have passed their lifetime; giving the owners opportunities and freedom in the guise of being bound to a really periodic monotonous schedule.

Is it this that makes 'finally' really very unnecessary?

While i further ponder over the philosopical nature of these days and the (un)importance of using the word 'finally' .... i look at the suvenir from SPIT ( yes a green coloured mug inscribed with Sardar Patel Inst of Tech, The Class of 2009) resting rock solid on my mantlepiece.

I would like to share with you a wierd alternate/additional tagline that struck me in the 'Rewind of The Days'

" A cup full of spit"

(As usual the pun and the yucky feeling it generates is totally unintended)

This and That

Its been a long time(again !),and lots of things have fluttered by.

and here i am learning skyeye...

Since the last meet,

ive had a great treat.

the trip to Kerala

with the spicy fish Masala.

all the "Loha"

and the HaHa

coupled with 'fish at 2',

reminds me of the famous kovalam Loo;

more than the local Zoo..

i wonder what the thing would be

without the MiB.

the serious lack of jokes,

would kill us-poor young blokes,

and the loo would undoubtedly be,

an uneventful place to be [:)]

Rustic Retreat To The Rat Race...

caught us like a ball of pace,

And then came The hope

to the new world gone broke...

With the oaths' mistake,

and the retake...

the eager world gazes at the Man

Yes, that He Can.

The rides by bus and boating

with all the gloating,

finally lead me to the 'toeing'-

Down Under,

where the Master's spill-over...

shocked the world over,

and now can i say, the story is Over ?

yet another one....

another turbulent stream has been crossed.....and now the Wait begins......

Saw 'tomorrow' for a tuesday, on a tuesday !!

In the midst of 'a' Extremly hectic and 'rushy' week i went to see "A Wednesday", and i am very happy that i did. (Im marvelling at how all my posts come when i watch somethin...)

Though its almost a month since the release of this film, it still has around 2-3 shows daily at many screens here. And this speaks volumes about the succes and/or the connect the story has with the Mumbaikars, especially considering the days of the "global crisis" and the "finiancial meltdown", "burning huge holes in the pockes of" not only the national treasuries but also the 'stupid common man' (Oh! what 'cliched jargon'......oh gosh another cliche......OHNO whats

happening?) ..................listening to and reading such news every day; these words have become "embedded" (OOPS another cliche for Electronics Engineers !!) in our day to day phrases, and flow out almost instantaneously; subconsiously. 

Loosing track of what i initially started out with, i once more return to a wednesday. With strong performances by 1 and all (yes... even the news reporter, reminded me some what of the Grand Stand host... :P), the marvelous twist in the tail, this provides a very practical, a bit radical, approach to crush terrorism. The stupid common man, taking time out of his daily routines, has suggested stopping terrorism arising from attempts rescuing former terrorists by "thoko"fying them once caught....... not at all a new solution, but yes A wednesday made it compelling.....

My bro...(yes he was with me again !) said that THIS film should have been named 'HELLO' and not some other one, simply because the entire plot revolves around a telephone conversation....

Hmmm.......different people different ideas........different here even goes to the extent that there might be people taking inspiration from the 'phoney connections' plan  to try and hack the telecom networks......

(im now remembring my pct topic of movies as a "2-WAY mirror of society")...................

.................................and if i continue any further ill be entangling so many social issues in a single post itself that......................................................................

.........ill be violating a very famous B-concept : K.I.S.S. (Keep It Short, Stupid!!)...........AAH.....

this is like the famous G.M. (Green Machine) concept in the famous  M.S.D. class in college.......

BYE !!!