Delightful Delhi-ites: Mogambo Khush Hua

India Gate

Dilli-chalo is the new mantra of Delhi government, with putting Delhi on the world map at par with the world class cities like New York, Tokyo, Sydney, London, and Paris and like. And their efforts towards is great task is commendable with their progress. At the rate at which the beautification projects are given their final shape, not only Delhi would be a traveler’s delight but will make life easy and enjoyable for the people here. All the four directions of Delhi are filled with surprises and to connect them together there is a better and more comfortable mode of transport i.e. Delhi-Metro which is a pride of Delhi. Also not to forget the well made Ring-Roads (outer and inner), which had been made traffic-lights free by making multiple over bridges.


Akshardham Temple

The Akshardham Temple build on the bank of river Yamuna is a builders marvel and east Delhi people pride. Spread over acres of land, it makes you forget that you are in highly congested city like Delhi. The green lush environment makes it a very peaceful yet enjoyable place ideal for picnic and to witness a marvel of human creation. You need a complete day to see this completely. Ideal time is winters or summer evenings as it has more open space and the day-time heat of summers takes away the pleasure. Also remember you are not allowed to carry mobile-phones, food, ladies-purse or any type of baggage inside the campus. It has its own in built cafeteria which has good quality food at economical prices.

Presidents's House

The heart of Delhi is the south, which is also called as the Lutyan’s Delhi which has been planned and designed by the British and boosts of lush greenery, parks, broad and clean roads, buildings like President’s house and Parliament and India-Gate. This complete package can be witnessed during the night time after nine at the India-Gate lawns where if not all but most of Delhi people love to picnic. South Delhi also has Dilli-Haat, a place where you find complete India merging into one. The ideal time to visit this place is Festivals and evenings and winter days. With so much of open space with colors and people around, it is much of my personal favorite. Must try at this place is the varied cuisine from all over India. If you are a shopping freak then very close to Dilli-Haat is Sarojani Nagar Market, but here you must watch for your wallet ‘cause the deals are very tempting, nice and up market.

Delhi Metro

The west of Delhi has its biggest park, “Japanese Park”. It is well connected with Metro, Good if you go there with family or friends. Also you can enjoy the metro ride, which is a must if you are an outsider.

Lotus Temple

Along with the all the fun places above Delhi had rich heritage culture also. Lotus-Temple, ISCKON Temple, Chattarpur-Temple Complex, Birla-Mandir, Bangla-sahib Gurudwara, Shiv-Murti on NH-8, Red-Fort, Old-Fort, Wall-City(Chandni-Chowk) Raj-Ghat, Pragati maidan etc.

Qutub Minar

And if you are planning a long trip to this city then probably you can try the nearby getaways too, like Shimla, Dharamshala(HP), Jaipur(Raj), Haridwar, Dehradoon, Nainital(uttranchal), Agra, Fatehpur Sikri (UP), KuruKshetra (haryana) etc., they are just a few hours drive from Delhi.

The best season to visit Delhi is October-November when the whole city is swinging in festive mood, with Durga-Puja, Navratras, Ganesh-Chaturthi, Dusserra, Diwali and many more adorn to the city. People this time is completely in Dill-Zen spirit

A Suitable Boy: A Long List Cut Short

Vikran seth probably could have imagined the mental trauma of selecting a suitable match when he wrote the book ‘A Suitable Boy’ that’s why he decided to remain bachelor for the rest of his life. But try to imagine the mental torture a poor fellow goes through while selecting the right partner who meets the requirement of his parents as well as his criteria. A tough job, Huh! Especially in Indian culture where you can just meet a person a brief period over formal talks only. Recently someone asked me what would be the criteria for my ‘Suitable Boy’? “Who likes me and accepts me the way I am” was my instant answer, but it did’nt satisfied the person, so I was pressurized for a more elaborate explanation. It’s actually very tough to answer, as I don’t categorize people in good or bad category as such. I feel every individual has some or other unique quality that sets them apart. And also makes them really interesting to know further.
But still there are some factors which blend better than others and you feel that this is the one, with whom I would like to spend my life with. Here’s what I call my small list.

A True Human: Every one has positives and negatives, and that is which makes them different from each other. So, I don’t expect the person to be all goody and no flaws, because such characters exist either in Mills-n-boons stories or in Hindi movies and I don’t have any illusions about things. More so, I like the sweet-n-spicy flavor of life.

Respect for all: the primary ingredient for any relation is respect. Where there is no respect, there is no love. The person should not only respect for people and relations but values, tradition and culture too. It doesn’t mean you are following custom, caste and traditions religiously but at least respect their individuality and solidarity. The existence of caste and social status boundaries are not to create differences in the way people treat each other, they do have some better purpose also. See the bigger picture.
I not only respect people but things also. I don’t believe in the theory if you have in abundance you can waste it. Every utility helps makes your life better so it needs to be handled with care. A well maintained object is a boon and an ill-treated a Junk. And if you have so much that you are throwing away then why not give it to a less privileged one.

Professional: whatever you do, you should be sincere about it and pursue it passionately. Whether you are successful or not, but at least you have an interesting life to look forward to. Every morning is added with energy and freshness, when one has a purpose. The laid back or chalta-hai attitude is an absolute no. there are people who like the nine to five jobs and would like their respective hubby darlings to be home by six, but I don’t belong to this credo. I would love to see a person pursuing his dream and would like to support or even be a part of it if I can.

Understanding forms the foundation of all relationships. And a person learns to understand one relation from other. An individual who has seen his/her own parents happy married life had faith in marriage and is secure and successful in his own relationship with the spouse. They are well equipped to handle the ups and downs of such relationship. They know when to hold on and when to let go. A one who has been a good son will be a good father too. Understanding promotes the bonding between people, which strengthens the relation. It is what we feel for the other that matters than what it looks. So, I would like if my person besides being a good hubby is a good son, a caring brother and a doting father too.

Believes in God. God is my faith, trust, religion and life. I live in him, and without him I am nothing. I find myself very close to him and often turn to his refuge for strength, peace and answers. I am not one of those performing a lot pujas, fast or religious rituals. But I like visiting temples as I find a lot of peace and serenity in the environment. As a matter of fact, I like going to gurudwaras, churches and mosques as well whenever I get time. So I wish if the other person has at least some faith in God.

Progressive: without progress life stands still. It is not just limited to ones ambitions and career but in life also. My definition of progress is being open and flexible to change, an ability to assimilate and understand new ideas, environment and thinking and move ahead in life with times. In don’t means the mad race of material things and show-off but rather to “Grow” with each experience in life.

Cosmopolitan is the way I lived my life as being born n bought up in a city like Delhi which is a blend of all caste and cultures and celebrates all festivals in the true spirit. People here live their live to fullest without much interfering into matters relating to other people. Delhi people are the most flexible when it comes to adaptation and lifestyle. They are enterprising, versatile, colorful and open people. Their religion is humanity and they are friend in need, that’s the reason of Delhi progressing at such a fast rate than any other city of India. A person who had been into such an environment can better understand this.

Taste in Life: taste does not necessarily means indulging into luxuries, but rather one who appreciates quality in life. Whether it be clothing, living, music, food or whatever it matters, an understating and of finer things definitely brings harmony in life. I like a clean, fresh and welcoming home where one feels relaxed when is back from a tiring day, a home cooked meal and some soul stirring music. I like doing all that. And if the other person appreciates and likes similar, it’s a great joy.

Has a mind of his own: Most people are highly influenced by what others say, they do what others tell them to do, without thinking or applying their own mind. This does not mean that one should not listen to others, but do it with a open mind. Listening is important as it opens the doors of possibilities and makes understanding better too, but when comes to decisions or to make an opinion, trust your knowledge, mind and instincts.

The Personal Touch: This is the one quality that sets people apart from the league that is the very personal trait of a person. Though very few people are able to keep alive their creative side in this busy schedule of work, but those who do are really worth knowing in depth. Writing , poetry, sports, adventure sports and travel, music, singing, painting etc. not only help you distress but also provide a way of expression. I find such people very interesting and consider then truly intellectuals.

Well, this is my small list, but not mandatory one.  Any suitors  ! mail your entries soon.

Sing(h)ing the song of quota again

After VP Singh it is another Singh singing the song of minority quota again. This time it’s the HRD minister Arjun Singh following a similar suit as done by his fellow minister VP Singh some years back. Yet another time they are asking for an additional 27% seats for SC, ST and OBC making the total amounting to a cool 50%. These quotas will be applicable on seats to the most prestigious organizations in India like IIT’s, IIM’s, medical and other central universities also. The politicians aim at bridging the gap between the minority class as well as higher class, but in the process they are only widening it. More so it is creating bitter feelings in the heart of qualified, talented and competent class other then the above mentioned. There has been adequate quota reserved for them, in which still there is blank seats to be filled. Then why 27% more they need? For the Vote-Bank indeed! The upper caste reconciliation to mandal was the idea of VP Singh, seen as the “Raja Manda” onemanship against backward leaders within the Janta Dal, rather than justice for the so called backward classes. Had it been in the people’s favor and fight for the people’s rights and justice, both these men have taken a look back at there constituency where there is no signs of development and progress. They look the same as twenty years before; either it is Manda(near Allahabad) in VP Singh or the same for Arjun Singh. If it is the greater good of people then why don’t they mind their own business of and do justice to the people who had send them to the parliament to at least bring the basic amenities like electricity, water, better roads and education to their door step. Or else stop bragging the Raaga of quota to come in light with the media and people for the sake of publicity and the vote-bank politics.
The selection process to any institution should be made totally on merit and talent of the student, not on the basis of caste or creed or religion. Already there are 80 to 85 thousand Indians studying in foreign universities, had the quota been implemented in the way it has been time is not far that more talented Indian will move across the border in search of quality education where their own country betrayed them. Imagine for tomorrow the country will be run by doctors and engineers who have been the bottom slot in talent and brains. Can you rest your future in their hands? and will these MP’s who run to foreign lands even for a minor medication to foreign lands, would like to be treated by these QUOTA SELECTED doctor’s who are not competent enough.
But still I favor quota, provided it is implemented at the place it had been held up for long: PALIAMENT. Let us remove 50% MP’s who do not belong to the backward caste and have a perfect example of doing justice to this sect of class. Let’s start this motion ‘cause this is only justified. Agreed ! what’s say …

Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki … the soap opera of every household

Since Ekta kapoor started the K-series Saas-Bahu sagas the DIL (Daughter-in-Law) and MIL (Mother-in-Law) sagas come out in open. It has given an excuse to both to vent out their opinions and views directly an indirectly. The Indian-Happy-Joint-Family may be a dream for all but it a hardship in reality. Both the sides has to put a great amount of hard work in order to understand each other and the relationship. There’s no fast track to it as “boss is always right”. Though there’s no hard and fast rule to it as every person and household is different as also the saas-bahu background, tastes and preferences.
But still there are certain rules to it and if they are kept in mind; things could better be smooth ahead. So saas-bahu, are you listening? Also, it would be nice for the prospective ones to give attention so things are better from day one.

Rule 1: There’s nothing called a Perfect Relationship , so don’t hope to have one. It will only add to your miseries. There are bound to be differences of opinions, way of doing things, management and many more. Well, you don’t expect to two individuals to be same. Do you??

Rule 2: Don’t be too pally with each other. Such scenes appear only in soap operas and work well there only, not in real life. Being close is good but maintain some distance also. It gives you and the other the required amount of space and independence and also the time to know each other better.

Rule 3: Don’t have expectations. The best way to be happy is not to expect anything from each other, whether materialistically or emotionally. So, anything comes in, is a bonus. And there’s no breaking of hopes too.

Rule 4: “My Way, or The Highway” never works. Cause the other side will always choose the later. Who doesn’t likes independence anyway. Try to find a mid-way or take turns in deciding for small things like; menu, shopping, family matters etc.

Rule 5: Don’t arrive at the conclusion so early. Humans change with time, situation and with mutual adjustments. So, to say my-saas or my-bahu is bad, is too soon won’t be fair, isn’t? also it creates a block in your mind, which will make you see everything negative.

Rule 6: Never compare a relationship in materialistic terms. What one saas gives to her respective bahu may be a matter of concern of jealousy with the other, but does the materialistic wealth make a happy relationship or family. Never equate a relationship with material things or deeds (like neighbor aunty keeps her kids, or gives expensive gifts on each festival) This is a major matter of discord in this group… as the grass will always be greener on the other side.

Rule 7: Be Expressive: Letting each other know your feelings doesn’t mean fight always. Don’t hesitate to tell each other’s good things which you really like and appreciate it too.., whether it is cooking, dressing, taste in clothes or keeping a house, patience or listen to you or to learn from you. Appreciation goes a long way and these small doses can be the binding material for your relationship. But be cautious; DON’T FLATTER! Flattery is cheap, and can o more harm than you could imagine. Also you could tell the things you don’t like. And when the other does the same, take it positively not as a criticism. Well, this is the most important rule as this helps to know each other better and brings you closer.

Rule 8: Don’t take Fights to Heart: at times fights are also good as they clear mental and emotional clutter. And fight doesn’t mean something is wrong with you both. Remember your fights with your siblings, parents and children. Well, nothing was wrong there and the bonding is still great. So, why not here. Only thing that should be kept in mind that there shouldn’t be any third person butting in between, and also don’t drag past events. Keep the current issue in mind. And once finished, get over it and move ahead.

Rule 9: Don’t drag Husband/Son in between: For this poor fellow you both are equally important, so don’t make an issue of him. To get him more, give him more. And do the time sharing reasonably. All three of going out for a movie, picnic or shopping would be a great idea. What’s say !

Rule 10: Respect each other: The last but not the least ‘cause here lies the key to all the above nine. Unless you have mutual respect for each as a person and the relation, nothing can work out. Love only succeeds respect.

Then only will the two DIL-MIL each other.

Sahaj Yoga: Healing through Vibrations

Sahaj means “In-born” or which comes naturally with birth. Human is a reservoir of immense energies and power for its well being and healing process. These energies gently need to be awakened to do the purifying process. From the moment on one decides bring balance to life these energies starts to awaken. This balance is in mental, emotional and social form. Practicing Sahaj yoga is the meditation in the simplest form with benefits to the maximum. It advocates a life full of energy, joy, calm, confidence and living in present. Balance here is to find a mid point between too-high or too-low of anything. Whether it be energy, activity or emotion. One had to be on the mid to enjoy life in the healthiest form. Sahaj is pure experience to be verifiable by one own nervous system and there by later with the environment too. We can only be healthy if our body and mind are fit and our relationship with the world is healthy. Along with the health benefits Sahaj also helps overcome addictions like alcoholism, drugs and smoking.

Sahaj is very easy to practice and simple to learn. To experience the power of this yoga, sit in a comfortable position, open your hands with palm upside (you can also keep your hands on your lap, as that’s more comfortable) now sit quietly, calming the body and mind. Close your eyes. Let your mind run free, don’t force it. Now say to your god (or to Shri Mataji ) you believe in “God give me blessings and make me feel your presence” say this with a pure heart and mind at least three-times. You’ll feel something flowing through your hands. Concentrate on this feeling of Vibrations flowing through your hands. This is natural bliss or chaitnaya. You can be in this state as long as you like to enjoy it this is the experience which is instantly felt. It relaxes our nervous system and soothes the inside calm in us. For the rest of the day you’ll have a feeling of being so light of well being throughout. It is a gentle path for a healthy living.