Remembering 2010

 So 2010 has almost come to an end (approx an hour away here in India now as I write this). Since its been awhile since I wrote a blog post thought it would be a good way bidding farewell by sharing few key aspects and moments of what happened with me during this year. Keeping it chronological as possible, with some over the period stuff here and there.
 
 Starting with the beginning, I remember my initial days in January.  The atmosphere was more or the less same as now, with the end of the 00's decade and this year 2010 beginning which is to meeting an end. So many things happen over a span of time, and recollecting them is one pleasure that one can always get. I was in another city that time, Kota for my studies and a course. The anxiety of upcoming exams had me kept busy.

In February, I turned 18. Considered as something big, I didn't much celebrate or enjoy it though (as any of my birthdays) and was amazed (as always) people actually remembering it and calling me up. #small happiness in life.

 My two year course got over. It was time for taking photos, any remaining final contact info, enjoying the last time before everyone return to their respective homes and farewell to everyone and Bansal Classes. Then came along the hot season. Not just summer but much more to it. Exam season. I came back home after my 12th board exams and was delighted being back, yet did miss my those days over there. Preparing for the upcoming engineering entrance exams, jumping around every part of the city took most of the time and was really tiring. 

 After all the exams got over came some amount of time of freedom. First time went to organize a national camp with an overwhelming response of around 800 participants from all over the country based on the title 'Face Life Make Life' being hosted by Chyk, International youth wing of Chinmaya Mission held at a beautiful place surrounded by the mountains and nature called Chinmaya Vibhooti, a wide 70 acre campus of international status. CV is perhaps one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I've ever been in my life. Also had another opportunity to go on a trek on Indian Independence day. (See here)

 However things weren't going so well as time went. They say happiness is short lived and shit can happen anytime. That was so dam true. Life became miserable (looks like those lessons I learned from that camp and all my life had to play a role here too). I did face a lot of shit in my life before, varying from health problems, disgrace, having to be with cheap shitty people (and their worse families too), having to fight for myself all alone, having to be considered different among everyone and so many others. But thats life and you got to live with it. Everyone has problems says people who try to console, and why me and this is what I feel (just like everybody else, probably)

But now things were equally worse - faired miserably in my entrance exams, was in a life/dream shattered situation, parents lost all sense of hope and trust, being treated like an outcast (as usual), closest & best friend whom I loved the most had a bad quarrel and she not talking to be for about 5  fmonths. In all this in one way or the other it was my fault and I had to live with it.

Though eventually everything went back to normal and two of the most significant things of my life happened this year.

 

Firstly after all the initial shit, got into SFIT, Mumbai University making me the most closest person living to the college as it is just a wall away from my apartment :D

Doing Computer Science Engineering, which I wanted to do, so happy in one way because I'm doing what I want. Important mark which will determine my life.

 

 And the other thing is about me and my love. The most beautiful and most important person of my life, apart from my other family members (here family includes parents and life long friends). She sure is special for tolerating all my life long (and on going) non-sense XD






She was always there for me when I was down, even when my parents who criticized me badly of my failures. If I had someone to turn to, it was her. She was one of those who accepted me as I'm, because of whom I feel I'm a better person today. Not everyyone can influence you and mould your character into a better person.


This year things went terrible for some time. Despite our so strong bond, always had quarrels (which is a normal thing) but I committed such a mistake that I blew her head off (ya as usual I'm the criminal). One of the most worst periods of my life, its not that we didn't fight but for this time it went insane - didn't speak to me for like 5 months! Even ignored me right on face in her own house when I went to see her (and apologise countless times). I felt miserable and terrible.



Eventually things went back to normal and better. Sometimes in life such 'shock treatments' are required to bring you back to reality and not make the bloody mistakes which you did. I never imagined such a sweety-pie like her would turn into a demon like that. But that showed me her real concern despite my initially disturbed state. I just can't express how happy I am to have her and I hope she feels the same for me. (She does, I just hope I can live upto it)



 Its real love if you and your partner can just sit there and talk about nothing and everything at the same time. Its all about connection.

And in the end Linkin Park released their fourth album A Thousand Suns. A very different and epic album which is a must hear. As an Indian, very happy that many such related elements are seen in the album and are a part of the inspiration in making of it.







And by the looks of it there are mostly going to come here in India next year! 2010 gave A Thousand Suns. Let 2011 give us Linkin Park :)

 So thats it!  Overall it was a good year mixed with every element of the usual and unusual, of great movies and good games, heart warming events and happiness. Feels good to remember the good old days. Lets see what the future holds.

Remembering 2010

Water - Action!

Yes water - one of the most basic entities of life on earth. Just like many existing global issues like global warming, recession, poverty and the list goes on, this one is no exception.

- Millions of people all over the world have no access to clean and safe water whereas most others just tend to neglect it's importance and wastage. To such people clean water itself is a luxury.
- Not to mention the countless who die each year because of this unhygienic water.
- There are more people who have access to cell phones than those (approx 2.5 billion) who don't have access to proper toilets! Sounds funny but definitely isn't.
-  Loss to marine life, oil spills and all need no introduction.
- As time passes will we have water for ourselves one day?

These facts don't have to be that way, but as normal people what can we do? Do we have the power and capacity to take some action? Are we first responsible enough to understand this crisis?

What can YOU do?

For starters,
- Don't let the tap running when not required.
- Don't use more than necessary.
-Support some NGO who help in the 'conservation of water'
- Keep water bodies like rivers and seas clean by not throwing away your garbage. They are also home to many.
- Educate yourself and others. Spread the awareness.

Petitions by Change.org|Start a Petition »

Water - Action!

A hoax of our time

A very famous hoax among the millions on the internet (said to have been written by George Carlin)

Very true and worth reading.

The Paradox of Our Time

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. 

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and
hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space.

We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. 

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. 

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. 

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. 

Give time to love, give time to speak and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breaths away.

____

Dr. Moorehead, minister, author, and former pastor of Overlake Christian Church in Redmond, Washington wrote it in 1990.

It was later published in 1995 in his book WORDS APTLY SPOKEN 

courtesy of http://www.truthorfiction.com

A hoax of our time

Invaluable values by the man who knows the value - Warren Buffet

"I always knew I was going to be rich. I don't think I ever doubted it for a minute" - Warren Buffett

Invaluable values by the man who knows the value - Warren Buffet

A THOUSAND SUNS

... is out!

Get it today!

A Thousand Suns by Linkin Park.

A THOUSAND SUNS

4 beautiful babies

New born sparrows at my window.

4 beautiful babies

God bless us everyone

Music video for The Catalyst by Linkin Park is here. Released on 26/08/2010.

God bless us everyone

Random Images

Random images I came across here and there...

Our virtual world (Click to enlarge)

This white guy is a big nemesis of all Twitter addicts.

ah the power of Integral Calculus :D

Ramayana on Facebook?

Unspoken communication.

gender discrimination still prevails (virtually!)

.

Random Images

Vibhooti to Moksha

On 15th August 2010 India celebrated 63 years of freedom. Everyone had their own way of celebration and hoisting the national flag, so did I and fellow (empowered) youth along with some of the greatest acharayas.

Went on a trek in the nearby mountains of Chinmaya Vibhooti in Kolwan, Maharashtra, India where we hoisted the Indian tricolour. Singing the National Anthem, patriotic songs, breakfast, discussions and solitude time made it an experience of a life time. A genuine way of showing patriotism.

The journey begins...

Rishiji and Swami Mitrananda. Leading inspiration...

Hoisting the national flag.

The free team :)

as seen from vibhooti

For more pics check out my facebook album.

India is free BUT are we Indians really free? A very intriguing question it is. Where is the freedom when we are bounded by our mind, thinking, emotions, fear, the world etc. ? What is the true meaning of freedom? Are we at peace with ourselves and what we do? Think.

Let us work for this second freedom...

.

Vibhooti to Moksha