rishikesh-hardwar-roorke

After getting a bit of Himachal Pradesh last october I decided to check out Uttharkand. I headed to Rishikesh, a 6 hour drive from Delhi. Its been many years dreaming of seeing the Ganga. And off I was, on the way to rishikesh. Travel is a sort of way to de-stress.

Not a very religious person, a little spiritual, a little atheist, that’s me. The haridwar evening pooja for Ganga. It was something I had to watch. It was off season, not too many people where at the Pooja. On the banks where a thousand people, all chanting in rhythm waiting to dip them selves in Ganga. The water was freezing, I decided not to take a dip. After clicking a few photos I proceeded to Rishikesh.

It is holy city for Hindus and a famous center of pilgrimage. It is also known as the gateway to the Himalayas. “Hṛṣīkeśa" is a name of Lord Vishnu. It is said Lord Vishu him self appeared in front of a rishi who had devoted to his life. It indecently is a holy place of followers of lord Ram, who came here to do penance after killing Ravana.

It was dark, I did not get to see Ganga properly. On reaching the camp site, Keerthi our, host treated us with a hot cup of tea and snacks. Lead us to our tent and gave us a brief of the next days plan.

The drive to rishikesh was quite bumpy, all I wanted was a good night of rest. Spent a few quite moments by the bank and slept outside in my handy sleeping bag. The night was cold, but the moon and the countless stars gave me the best view.

Slowly fatigue got the best of me, I quietly dosed off. Waking up at 6 to actually see what was around me. Few feet away the Ganga, and a beautiful blueish-purplish sky. The ganga flows through Rishikesh and is know for its fierce rapids and currents. The water is a mix of green and brown, which gives it a very distinct colour. Many rock and roll bands like the Beatles, rolling stone have come here. Back to my gyan ….

To be continued …….

Music, the only thing around i trust.
The only friend i can rely on.
The only sound that constantly echos in my mind.
Music is science, music is mathematical
Music is a language.

Why do i need music ?

To be relaxed,
To recognize things around me,
To get the control out of mind.

I take bath with music,
I work with music,
I speak with music.

It is beyond the mind, heart or soul

Cheers to music !!!!

"Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons, and you will find that it is to the soul what the water-bath is to the body."
William Shakespeare

Cut, copy and paste

Dog used to be man’s best friends, fortunately or unfortunately Google had replaced our dear old friend. Google, the baby of Larry Page and Sergey Brin started out as a college project in Stanford College and now one of the largest Internet based company with a revenue of around $ 17 billion. Ok that’s a good enough introduction of Google. Journalist, don’t need any introduction; we report issues in the most objective and unbiased way to serve the public good. At least that what we all think we do.

Now am going to tittle-tattle about a great union that has developed over the last few years and the art of CCP (cut, copy paste). Google was our best buddy in college, last minute assignments, articles and features solely relied on Google. Cut, copy, paste your main points and just fill in the rest. Viola, you have an A+ assignment.

Most of us in college knew a day will come when we would join work and not file an article without Google’s help. After joining work I was blown aback. Most people at work solely relied on Google. Am not saying it’s wrong, but I’ve seen many people CCP a large chunk of their copies. Best part bosses encourage this whole affair. CCPing some one else’s research and data is not just.

For my blog a CCP can be justified, as am not trying to sell my information. But at work I do feel very guilty as I’ve become addicted to CCPing.

My job - a mean world

With no other substitute I took up journalism as my first job. After completing my degree in commerce i mostly bummed around for a while, in fact 2 years. Even today there is no clarity on what i want to become, my future (career) has not been planned. On the other hand one thing is clear; i want to run my own business. Arrogance and ego being my two best friends will not see me to the top of any organization.

I am undergoing this training module by an Australian Journalist. From the brief interaction with him I have come to understand that the Indian media industry functions differently. Just like the government offices we Indians make life tough in our jobs.

You don’t need to be a psychologist to understand and interpret the unwanted behavior of Indian Media professionals. For example most people in my office unnecessarily make a noise over trivial issues. When I asked a senior why? She replied ‘this is how we function, and chaos is good for the industry’. In my opinion the most nutty and arrogant answer.

Even the Australian guy agrees that though we journalists may be the people with an opinion (at least that’s what they say) just function as bad as a regime office.

I am an amateur photographer and in my idea I can click pretty decent photos. Hence, I have certain knowledge about the functions of a video camera. However at the office, ‘journalist’ like me are not allowed to use the camera. I don’t get it, when a person is qualified enough to operate a camera why shouldn’t he/she use it.

Day by day it has become quite evident to me that am not cut out to be a journalist. The only problem is what can I do next ? well clock is ticking Krishna, wake up !!!! ;)

She is mean, clean and has got the moves

Who is this ?
This is my new found interest and passion. Her name Firefox Dart 2.6. She has got two wheels, built of a complete steel-aluminum alloy. With 6 gears she moves like the wind.

Every time i passed the firefox showroom during my college days i wanted to get my hands on one of these babies. I decided that when i start working i will buy one. And here she is, riding her around takes me into another world.

I have got some crazy plans, but what can i do?.... need more money. So for now let the plans take a back seat and work take the drivers. Soon, yes soon them crazy fantasies will come true.

last year

After reading my friends blog I also decided to write down the some of the best moments of 2008:-

1 Yoga and pranayam

2 Fitness

3 Half dozen successful treks to savandurga

4 Graduating – finally I proved that I can study

5 Cracking the interview at Economic Times

6 Shifting to Delhi and Living on my own

7 Finding a new friend - you know who you are !!! :)

8 Trek to Triund and seeing the Dalai lama

9 First salary

10 Visit Home

These are few of the moments I cherish in 2008

Looking forward to another wonderful year and of course more bloggin, traveling and Photography

cheers