In Love with Astrology

Things are running great. Fantastic! All Events are turning out to be fruitful. WOW! Let’s party...

 

Things aren’t happening as expected. All efforts go in vain. Something is wrong. Let’s consult an Astrologer...

 

For most of us, especially in India, aren’t the above statements true? Of course I do not defy the fact that many people also thank their Stars and the Almighty for all the good that happens to them. I also do not challenge the fact that there might be a system (read Astrology) where we can get to know about things (at least a hint of it) happening in the near future. But isn’t it also a Science; a Calculation-Predictions based on Planetary Positions which may go wrong.

Astrology: The study of the positions and aspects of celestial bodies in the belief that they have an influence on the course of natural earthly occurrences and human affairs (ref: www.thefreedictionary.com/astrology). Since everyone is made up of Molecules, Protons, Neutron and now the GOD’s particle, I cannot run away from the fact that yes, everything in the space, a few inches to millions of light years, does have an effect on us.  Just like any other Sciences, this also is based on facts and figures-correct figures. So if the astrologers do not get the Exact Data of a person, like the correct time of birth in seconds(milliseconds maybe), the exact Latitude & Longitude of the Geographical place where the Person was born, all calculations and predictions done by him, goes for a toss!

But who cares? All we want is a secured Future. Everyone wants a secured Life. Even the Astrologer wants it. If the Predictions made by the astrologer turns out to be correct. WOW! He is the GOD for you. But if it doesn’t turn out to be true; it’s the Astrologers Predictions to be blamed. And so you move to another BETTER Astrologer.

Now, let me assume for a while that YES! Everyone’s future is destined by some Superpower. So, if you get to know the Astrological Predictions, will you be able to change anything in your future? I suppose, NO! OK, if you think getting aware of it helps... Please explain how does it? Things will happen because it has to happen. Remember? All is set by the Superpower?

All, what this Nature keeps telling us is – Change is the only constant! And we humans keep running away from this mere fact. We try and secure things; we try and arrange everything; we try to make sure everything remains under our control; we try what not? Problems are not what you know and are aware of. They are just hurdles. Problems would arrive when you least expect them; on a Tuesday afternoon, while sitting at your home and sipping coffee.

While thinking of all this, what we forget is that we bear a unique power within us – LIFE! All the celestial bodies, that may or may not say anything about our future, are Non Living. We have a Power of Thinking – which a few people call mind, while I call it Heart! Yes, whatever we do, we say, we enact, it all it guided by our feelings for different things around us. Some are guided by the Love, Happiness, Sorrow, etc., and hence we term them as Emotional; while others are guided by wealth, Power, etc, are termed as Practical. Amazingly there are a set of people, who take decisions making sure that their close ones are not hurt, even if they themselves might have to curb their happiness. They too are called Practical People!

I believe Astrology might be fruitful for the ones who are starting something fresh, and have nothing to lose if the predictions turn out to be good or bad. It might be a nice process to choose between two options (I would still prefer the Six Thinking Hats method).

But if your heart has already chosen to do something or if you are in love with it (life partner, Business Plan, Travel, Change in profession, etc, etc...), go ahead with it: This is what Life really wants you to do! Please do not consult an Astrologer anymore. Whatever the Predictions are, it will only make things difficult.

Love and Relations Blog

In Love with Online Chat Messenger

I keep looking at this Whatsapp messenger

With a hope that you have left me a line

And in case I don’t find any notification,

I search when where you were last online.

If the “last seen at” is same

As when my last text reached you,

I know that you might be busy with something

And the phone is kept far from you

But if you were online a few minutes back

I have a set of mixed feelings; my thought goes out of track

Was it just that some friend had sent you a text?

And the notification made you too tempted to check

Or is it that you wanted to take some time out,

Talking to a dear one, or a quick loud shout.

The only fear that I have developed these days

Is what if you forget me and if all this, is just a passing by phase!

I am still wondering if your love for me is already dead,

Because my heart still wants more of you, just as a hungry baby being fed.

Yes! I realize now, that it’s only a habit that we text more

Because love doesn't grow on chat messengers, not anymore!

Well! My Dear!

I have told you earlier

I am an optimistic person,

And my thoughts are very clear.

I am not in love with this messenger or either with Skype,

And I am neither in love with the words that you type.

I am yet to describe this feeling that I have found

It just feels good inside me, that you are around!

I know there are Problems, but don’t run away,

I am with you, and I am here to stay.

I want to love you for the rest of my life.

And I don’t care if these messengers are dead or alive.

Love and Relations Blog

In Love with Festivals

When do you plan to take a week off from work? Anytime next week? Next month? Next quarter? Or, wait! Let's see the calendar. Yes! Next month I see a few dates, consecutively colored red. Ooh! But I might just miss to attend my cousin's marriage as I might not be left with additional leaves for this Quarter.

                                                                                       

Most of us who have now been used to tackle these situations easily, would still agree that we do have to compromise on some events to make it to the other! OR, compromise our work to make sure you attend all of them! Yes! This time I am talking about our relationships with these Religious & Social Festivals!

Of course, our family, relatives & friends are the sole reason why we love these festivals, but the way we have been brought up we have gradually placed these events on priority than the people behind them. Look at your last one year! Diwali, EiD, Guruparb, Easter, Birthdays and Anniversaries of your loved ones! Haven’t you tried meeting them, or planned your holiday just on or around these specific dates?

I believe festivals were planned by our ancestors, to make sure where ever we were, whatever would keep us busy, we would make some time for our loved ones, to gather and not just celebrate the festival, but celebrate the gathering itself.

Consider a thought of why do you celebrate your birthday? Importance is that you were born, and not how many years you are counting! Consider another thought of lighting a Candle/Diya on Diwali all alone in your room. No one to share the sweets you bought! And now consider another thought of you are with your full family - siblings, cousins, parents, in-laws, close friends; at not necessarily an exotic place, but just at your home - No birthdays, no anniversaries, no festivals! Just a cup of tea/coffee in each hand, and a few snacks on the plates. Did the mere thought of a day like this move you?

People across the globe are in deep relations with these festive days. These Festivals, across the calendar, year and again, have been an inevitable part of our lives. We have grown, lived and got old with them. It’s a fantastic way of the Society to make sure we stay connected. Every action or a plan, directly or not, is either based around or for these events. But I still believe that it does not give us an excuse to wait for The Date to be with our loved ones!

The ticket booking portal is just a click away! Book yours now! 

And wish you all a very Happy Independence Day !

Love and Relations Blog

In Love with Home Town

My father was born in a small village in Rajasthan, but had shifted to Kolkata early in his life with my grandfather, who came here for work. When he retired, he went back to his HOME state (if not the same home city), while my father stayed back. As I grew up, I started referring this city of Kolkata as my HOME city.

I suppose not just humans, but even animals have this thought about relating a town/city/area as home. And each individual is in love with its PLACE, where s/he has been born, or brought up, or even better, has lot of childhood/school/college friends. Unlike many of my friends, life did not give me an opportunity to move out of home at an early age, rather not until I started earning. So the Love and Relationship with this part of earth grew stronger.

Year - 2006: Summer internship was inevitable. And being an Electrical Engineer, what would be better than the Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL), Durgapur. Not too far from home, and rather, within the same State, it ought to be a fun trip - My First Stay Away Outside Home as an Individual. Six weeks, at a stretch; that too for work; add to it the fun of staying with 4 other college buddies: can you beat the experience? I hope Pritam, Sourav, Supratik & Nabendu would agree.

Year - 2007: There were high chances that I would have to join my new company at Pune or Hyderabad. Honestly, I was as disturbed (for the fear of moving out from this city permanently) as excited (for being able to spread my wings and fly). I suppose, my friend Pallavi would agree to this. Fortunately, or otherwise, my company kept me, and her, back here.

Year - 2008: I was sent to Pune for a few weeks, to undergo a project training, which eventually became a temporary transfer and I ended up staying there for three months. Since I always knew I would come back, sooner or later, I never missed home as such. At times, things would get stuck, and we knew no place to hide our emotions. Yes, here too I had a friend to accompany the experience - Vijeta, one of my earliest few friends at workplace. I would always thank my team lead, Sriraman, and two other friends amongst many, Abhishek & Tanushree, who made sure, our stay was easy and fun. Somehow, I didn't miss home much!

Year - 2009: United States of America was calling! And the best part was, that my Visa said I have to come back once every 3 Months. Relocating, across the globe, with a guarantee of coming back was great. Traveled across different cities in the US during my stay, NY to LA, meeting my relatives and friends. Life was great. Thanks to my Project team members, my Sister & Brother-in-Law, Navneet, and 3 other friends I made there. Konark might have had a similar experience, as it was his first trip abroad too! Didn't miss home again!

Year - 2010: This Trip was small, lasted for just 7 days, but changed my life for ever. MUMBAI-PUNE-MUMBAI.I had cleared all selection processes and qualified for the final round/workshop for the Acting Course at Film & Television Institute of India, Pune. While the stay at Mumbai with Prashant left me in love with the city of Dreams, Pune told me to follow them - My Dreams! Attending this workshop with 70 others, with celebrities from the film fraternity judging us, and many other creative minds in and around, the candle of pursuing what I love was lit. I now had no other inhibitions left for the CITY OF JOY, KOLKATA.

Year - 2012: Now, that I have already taken the plunge, my dream wants me to move to the Silicon Valley of India - Bengaluru! My so called Home Town, The City of Joy, Kolkata, wasn't much excited about me and my Dreams. Of course, I started it here, and happy by the way we did, but birds need to fly out of the nest. And so, Zubin has flown already, and today I am stretching my Wings.

The love and Relation with my Home Town doesn't end here. A very dear friend, Sarthak is awaiting my arrival. I just wish to create many more such Home Towns for me!

Love and Relations Blog

In Love with Riding

While I was driving to the Authorized Service Center of my vehicle, I knew there was something in the engine that’s not smooth. I have never studied an engine, but still that was like an expert opinion rolling in my mind. Little did I know about that how small parts of the whole device, together make the ride smooth! But of course I knew nothing was severely damaged or ruptured. After all I was driving the vehicle for the last 1000kms with this same feeling.

The enlightenment happened when I drove the same vehicle back home. I am sure you all would agree to the fun of riding a freshly serviced vehicle. The sound of the engine, the clutch, gear, lights, brakes, etc., were all so nice to handle. Even the polished parts were a treat to the eyes.

I was wondering if the Mechanic found and replaced any damaged body part. But nothing was mentioned in the bill. Then what had he done to my vehicle? Just opened all the spares and parts, cleaned it and put it back with some lubricants? That’s it? And to my astonishment – YES! That was what he did.

I know we would tend to conclude as to why we have to pay the service center so high when they didn’t add anything to my vehicle! And for the next time why not a road side garage? Or even better, why not just do this myself on a Sunday afternoon. It would be fun.

Compare the same with your life problems -Problem related to your work. We know something is not running smooth within your team or your family. We generally think that the fault lies with others.  We think it might just be the Leader (read engine). Who knows if it’s about collaboration of each and every one of the team (read body parts).

Here comes the importance of Training. What would a trainer do? Replace someone in the team? Give you a perfect solution to THE PROBLEM? The answer is NO! The solution to better performance lies within the Team. What he does is - rips apart all the problems that are stuck, cleans up our mind, and puts in those important positive thoughts & process that will eventually solve the problem when you utilize it in your work.

So, do choose the Trainer judiciously. A roadside mechanic might be cheap, but may leave your vehicle with a permanent damage!

Love and Relations Blog

In Love with Food

When was the First time you heard, "Waao.. Congratulations... so? when are you throwing a Party?" .. or in the Indian colloquial way.. "Chal..Treat dey... ". I am sure it dates back to your childhood. Whatever the occasion be! Birth, Examination results, New Clothes, New Bike, Girlfriend, Job, Promotions, Car, Returning home after a long period of time..and the list goes on.... this is one thing that is common to all the Celebrations - rather, Celebrations are incomplete without this - "FOOD"!!!

 Humans and delicious Food - The relation is very deep. Spin the globe, and any random state you point on will have a history of at least one special cuisine related to itself. At a few places, we even find a city named after a Food Dish, or may be vice-versa. Men have undertook adventure travel across land and seas to find variety of Spices. And i just got reminded of the famous saying, that "The way to a Man's heart is through his Stomach".

I wonder sometime, what makes the food delicious? If it was about the Red Chili Powder, i am sure people would have never love sweets. And if it was about Grilling, Fresh Fruit Salads would never be so popular. It also cannot be a particular place or a Chef, Piazzas and their variants would never be so popular and readily available across the globe. I believe its the Toughest Muscle called Tongue, and the way it has been brought up (read practiced). For some people, Turmeric Powder is the most essential ingredient, while others cant stand the slightest hint of Pepper in their food.

This Industry is one the most fastest growing ones and as analyst say, it will be the least effected by any Recession. But, coming back to the question that creped in my mind - "What's more important?" People & Celebrations or FOOD? Imagine a newly married couple enjoying their honeymoon on the Palm Islands, and having just Bread & Butter for their breakfast. Can you imagine? Now imagine a guy, sitting lonely somewhere, and calls up the Pizza service for delivery. Now is this imaginable? I was amazed to know that at few parts of the World,. even on an occasion of Death, delicious food is prepared and close ones are invited to have a Feast (of course they say its for the Peace of the Ongoing Soul).

 Relationship of Humans with Food has been a long term affair now. From the era, when we hunted and ate raw flesh, to the day when we use microwaves ovens. I believe, this relationship tops the charts, for you may find a person not talking to another for years, but you will rarely find anyone with such enmity with FOOD !!!

Love and Relations Blog