Libera me de me ipse!

Just before you get too curious the title is in Latin. You can open up a browser and find out the meaning or patiently read through to find out the answer. As I always tell “Thy choice is for Thy”

The trajectory of human development never ceases to amaze. But what is amazement anyways? Nothing but a natural reaction triggered when we see or feel the unexpected, regardless of the nature of the “unexpectedness”.

I don’t indulge in commonly acceptable social behaviours that befit a guy of my age and end up spending a lot of time reading huge chunks of literature that most of the time seem so insignificant to myself, but again there are some things you can’t change isn’t it ?

So this day some random thoughts surged through my mind probably due to an overdose of long reading hours and wiki sessions I was taken aback as I sat there awestruck by the magnitude of the “amazement” that I felt for my own species. Really look at us; from a group of nomadic people we have evolved into the most sophisticated piece of machinery that ever walked on this planet (the choice of “machinery” is intentional). We have proudly proclaimed “The only constant thing is change” and transformed everything on our way to achieve what we want, without ever realising what that “want” is.

“Wants” that is what it is all about! We want more and more regardless of the price that has to be paid. Want itself is a pretty elementary driving force to any living beings and we are no exception, but the thing that I find amazing is that we go after things without even knowing whether we really want them and it gets uglier day by day.

Pretensions are the order of the day. From dusk to dawn life is a theatre being played out there! Be it family, work place, society, all we want is to “belong” and be “accepted”. Do we care to let someone know how bad they are at work or care to tell a friend what you really think about him or just cut off an unbearable egotist? Somewhere down the line we have lost our individuality and we have created and wish to live in a place that is passively true and not driven by truth and righteousness. So when are we our actual own self?

During Birth? Can’t be as we have not yet attained the capacity to think.

During teenage? Can’t be as we are influenced by way too many things.

During the Middle Ages? Can’t be as we bend and play willingly to the fancies of the social setup.

In spite of thinking it over many a times, there is only an infinitesimally small duration in one’s life where “he is just himself”. It’s that painful instance where he finds himself one step away from death. The moment of venturing into the untold and unfelt. Generations and centuries have passed, we have defied predictions and predicaments, but in spite of all the accolades we are still losing the game of righteousness.

The world is in difficult times right now. So who should we save ourselves from? The racists, the sexists, the terrorists, difficult to believe that one species can be driven by so many insane ideologies. Every morning the only prayer I have is “Save me from myself” (which incidentally happens to be the title of the post)

Another Old One !!

I was on a summer trip to one of my friend's house and was returning back by bus. It was a pretty cold night with cool breeze embracing your ears every now and then. I prefer the window seat and was happy that I got one.

For most part of the journey I just couldn't sleep. Its one of those things which you cant see reason and my mind seemed to be in oblivion with lot of random thoughts which made no meaning. I gazed through the window and could see a faint white light running in parallel to the bus. It was the reflection of the small lights within the bus that took the form of a white haze and it was as if it wanted to take me somewhere.

It was kind of an odd feeling as I knew that I was totally conscious and I hadn’t slept but yet I could not help my mind to dwell into realms of uncertainty and into that wonderful thing they call "Dream". So this is what I wrote on that cold windy night:
I know not much, about that day,
When all my dreams were kept at bay,
I show to the world the smiling face,
Hiding all pains without a trace………
Bright faces, I see down street,
Rainbows atop… a visual treat,
Just as my mind was bringing a smile,
My heart did remind the past,
And my tears did embrace my cheek…
Mirror I heard, shows yourself,
I too, did walk up to it,
It showed to me, My Dream, My Life,
Realize did I, a secret fact,
Mind Stops to dream, but not the heart…..

DO ANGELS EXIST?

This is one of my previous posts ....Just thought it wise to have it here as well, as it is one of those precious ones which you never seem to forget !!

Am I an atheist or an antogonist?
Am I a fierce believer in God?I am not quite sure if I can consider myself both. I am pretty radical in my thoughts and habituated myself to challenge any beliefs which do not seem right and at times do not follow them either. However, having been part of a country that is embedded with cultural heritage and having been bought up in an orthodox family I have grown up thinking that there is a superficial force protecting all of us. I am yet to be convinced on either point of views so naturally I am a bit of both.

It was just another Friday evening with all of us planning out our weekends and the usual choices like multiplexes eat joints thrown in. But I got a call from one of my friend telling that she wanted to take me to a place that would be different. The next day I set out on my bike to what was to become a thought provoking experience.
My stop was the “Missionaries of Charity” located near the outskirts of Bangalore or Bengaluru as it is called now a days. It’s a destitute home where old people mainly women who were deserted by their near and dear ones are being taken care by the tender hands of the nuns running this special place. As I slowly started to interact with many of the people here I realized how unfortunate they were or to put it in other words how fortunate we are to be living such a pleasant and carefree life. There were all kinds of people with nowhere to go and only hope and their daily prayers to give them company.
There was this girl who had lost both her hands and legs, can't see properly and can't speak. She was lying on a bed and by her face I could make out she was old however her physical features told otherwise. She was just a old girl in a kids body. With feelings that have no name I wondered. Lot of questions showed itself deep inside my mind... I wondered why God created people like her? He is supposed to be the master how can He bear the sight of his children suffering? I thought that the evolution and subsequent existence of man should be Scientific and the radical part of my mind was taking over.

We were to serve lunch to everyone that day. I took a plate of rice (a traditional South Indian Dish) and fed lunch to the girl in my own hands. A kind of warmth spread over my body, a good feeling, it was that feeling which is pure and too good to be true. For that brief moment I was lost, I think I could say that, lost for words, lost for any desires out of life, lost for any wordly pleasures. I was just thinking about someone else's welfare and the feeling was so warm and good.

As this feeling started to encompass the whole of myself I began to realize that these people were the special kinds; they are the people who help us feel the good within each one of us and to realize the responsibility we have as fellow human beings. It's just doing simple things, they just want to be heard, someone patiently listening to all the little stories they tell.
As it was time to leave the place I saw angels at work, they wore jeans and T-Shirts, they come every Saturday and share their time with these people, bring light to these eyes who have never seen any, sing and dance for them, bringing a smile to their face and are trying their best to make this world a better place to live in. All these angels were young and enthusiastic, people determined to change the world, determined to bring joy of music to ears that have heard the cries of their past, determined to wipe out the wounds that have haunted them for years, angels from different religion bringing their own message of peace in their own little way.
At the end of it all I walked off with a firm belief that Angels are not invisible they do exist right in front of us and I was convinced God exists too, its a matter of who you call God....

Notice not, Do I, the ocean,
It's a sight, I see often.
Horizon is where I want to be seen,
Aware of sharks lying between.
All my fears come to haunt,
But my heart sang, to me my dream.
Almighty took my hand,
My feet led me to destiny.

Karthik

I don't believe that "Like minds can be the best of friends".. Karthik and me keep proving it wrong..

He's patient and forbearing and patience has never been my virtue...

He's soft and doesn't speak much and I speak out my mind...

He doesn't get angry and temper is kind of inborn with me...

But yet both of us will vouch that we are most comfortable with each other. Karthik is a Londoner in the sense he doesn't stay in Bristol and in a way has been unlucky to miss out on some of the fun we have out here. But again being the people we are, we manage to drag him along for most of the things we do out here whether he likes it or not :-)

I try to be as candid as I can so my posts might not embrace the positives (always) but this one is an exception, after all this is about Karthik !!

Hmm..There are three things why people envy him:

1. He is an awesome singer (just check out the videos to your right)

2. He is a geek in the purest sense..

3. Hez our friend :-))

He's smart, handsome and he's got tons of intelligence and its surprising to see that he's still part of the lonely hearts club. That is why he is often quoted as a primary example on how girls are bad at selection :-) Now for the serious part, he is so genuine in his thoughts and actions that there is none who can think bad of/for him.

His place in London has become our guest house and we have had a couple of amazing parties out there and Karthik has been a pleasant host. I must admit that the "pleasantness" might be involuntary ;-) I don't want to write too much as I would be adding fuel to fire..(guys who can understand, will :-) )

This is a sneek peek of our weekly conversation:

Friday, Around 5 : Sridhar calls Karthik...

Karthik picks up the Call...

Sridhar: Hey Dude..Wazzup..Are you coming to Bristol...

Karthik: Yes man

Friday, Around 6 : Sridhar calls Karthik...

Karthik picks up the Call...

Sridhar: Where are you ? When you planning to leave ?

Karthik: Hey, I have got some work, will try to come today or else tomorrow for sure...

Friday, Around 7 : Sridhar calls Karthik...

Karthik picks up the Call...

Sridhar: What is happening ?

Karthik: Lot of work will come tomorrow...

Friday, Around 9 : Karthik calls Sridhar...

Sridhar picks up the Call...

Sridhar: Yes tell me

Karthik: (Busy day at work/I am really tired/Have some work/etc etc )..Will come next week

Sridhar: K..your wish

The "next week"

Hey Karthik, its time, pack your bags and come to Bristol :-)

Laxians

No part of my Bristol story would be complete if I don't mention about the people staying at Laxey. Yes they are my neighbours and probably the only other house I hang around within Bristol.

Laxey has kind of been a boys hostel, never in the history a girl staying there, so naturally is the epicenter of all the "only boys" talk, party, etc etc. If Bostonians are the kings of hospitality, Laxians are the kings of fun and excitement. There is not a day which will pass through without fun and laughter and obviously I am kind of lucky to be part of it too...

Traditionally it has had many people but let me introduce you all to the current Laxians..

Prashant

Vineet

Ashok

Amogh

Again I shall definitely write about all of em some time later, but as of now again just assume they are wonderful people.

Laxey is the place where all our delicious non-vegeterian dishes are cooked and Mr Vineet is the master chef. But Laxey thy name means Prashant. Hes the senior most amongst us but the good thing is that he doesnt have the air of a senior and is so sociable sometimes you wonder there are still some decent people around..For Prashant Laxey is in his breath, so when he speaks everyone knows that hes from 5 Laxey :-) And ya he takes care of the house bills and is the mass entertainer for all of us..Thus his nick name Mama (there are other reasons, but tatz too personal to print :-))

Then Ashok, hez a dude, I am yet to come across a more patient guy like this one but really really fun to be with. Very good at sports particularly cricket and never the one to be a spoil sport and I must admit he is a very very very very optimistic person good to have these days aint it ? And he always says "THIS YEAR ATLEAST..Liverpool will win"..Yes a hardcore liverpool fan and is telling this from the past 10 years..

Then comes Amogh, hes the new entry to Laxey and is an amazing cook (vegeterian only please) and a game freak, has turned much of the living room to a gaming parlour..good singer, god fearing man who does his prayers everyday, so kind of ideal you see..Yes yes..we do have good people amongst us ;-)

Then comes Mr Vineet...My most trusted and close fren...he has many nick names that personify many of his qualities..but the two names that everyone can recognise is Billa and Fundooo...Billa coz hez the chota Don...and Fundoo..coz of his philosophical dialogues to everyone...I can keep writing here coz I have had some wonderful time with him..but as for now think I shall keep it short...

But then there is the Omnipresent Junaith...He was part of Laxey before he had to move back to India...I still look forward to the day when he shall be back and we will have that old magic once again. Hes multitalented...guitarist...rock star..lyricist...not sure why he chose the IT field...his biriyani is still numero uno in Bristol...the times we had were just unbelievable...again as I usually say.."I just got lucky"

Laxians will always be special..the food festivals....12 to 13 hour on the trot carrom sessions....backyard cricket....diwali celebrations...theres so much of memory for a lifetime here....

Thank you Guys ! And you Rock !

Bostonians

So once you land in any foreign country the most difficult part is to find accomodation. So this is what happened a couple of years ago.

As soon as the excitement of onsite died down I was faced with a daunting task of managing my accomodation and it was a litmus test. Getting the right house mates is quite important as they are the ones who will be your family out here and as far as my case goes, this is what happened:

1. I Got Lucky

2. I Got really Lucky

Yes sounds odd..aint it ?

There were four of us looking out for a house at the same time and thankfully landed up taking a house together. Once we selected our respective rooms and got the things we need, we were ready to ROCK ON!!!

It's sometimes so difficult for even people who know each other for ages to click..but we...we just clicked..the bonding was perfect and we took off from day one..no hassles..no problems..it was one hell of a time...We were called Bostonians and our house is known for its hospitality and delicious dishes :-) except me all three were expert chefs...

So here go the Bostonians:

1. Pooja

2. Sowmya

3. Rakesh

4. Me

Then came Suresh after Rakesh had to move to a different place...

Half a year later, Suresh and Sowmya had to move back to India so Lohith and Sangeetha joined in...

I shall write about them in detail but as of now...here is a brief summary...

Pooja is that rare breed of people you come across..very soft and well mannered..not the kind who speaks ill about others, etc etc all the good qualities you see. At the beginning I did not know her at all, but the past couple of years we have grown up to be trusted friends...And ya her favourite food is yogurt :-) and she claims that she can make around 10 dishes in it...

Rakesh..He was like a big brother to all of us. Amazing cook, I am yet to taste such north Indian dishes again..The kachoris..cutlets...my mouth waters even now...Again was lucky to befriend him...

Suresh..I have probably never come across a more hardworking and dedicated person and probably the only guy who actually went to the gym regularly..An amazing cook and I am happy to see him grow the way he has...Absolute pleasure to be with..

Lohith..I knew him before he came to our house and have known him to be a great sport...sports and dancing are his passion and is pretty good at it...great guy to be at home..full entertainment and no hassles...

Sangeetha..I have seen her career grow right in front of me..an amazingly talented individual who knows how to handle things professionally and more so personally too ;-) Again an awesome cook and shes good at chess...and mighty good at it..I still remember she beat me in 9 to 10 steps the first time we played and I am still recovering...

Sowmya...My very dear fren..who shall be etched in memory for a long long time...She was my constant company when I first came and we just bonded...yes there were small fights...silly arguments..but most of the it ..for the fun of it all..has been an influence in me kind of "letting go" of things ...I think itz best to say..I was lucky again

About Us !!

This one is going to be difficult as there is lots to write but at the same time don't want to bore you guys as well. So my plan is to give a brief intro about me, my friends what we do and don't do....

Well I am part of an overwhelming group of people who hail from the IT community. For newbees IT means Information Technology. Most of you would have now almost charted my career profile correctly. For those who are not intelligent enuf this is our career summary:

1. An Engineering graduate from India

2. A nice job in an IT company

3. The rest as they say is painful history

We pride in calling ourselves the tech coolies (coolie is an Indian word for people involved in manually labour) and are very cheap to get now a days. After initial adventures and misadventures most of us generally get to travel outside of India to work for a foreign client some time or the other.

So here I am working in the UK and have a good number of ex-colleagues turned friends. If you haven't guessed it already - obviously I switched to another job here, that is an interesting story and would be injustice if I dont write a seperate post.

But this blog is all about us..what we do...why we do..all the crazy and notorious things...so here I come...