Ragarewindzzz...!!

Here are the war cries...

Pull down the curtains Turn on the lights,
Pump up the tempo Shine all bright,
Rewind your mind Bring back those days,
Ragarewindz will rock your way!!


Hop into the Retro ride,
Ragarewindz will take you to heights!

Its time to win Its time to shine,
Rock with us We're Ragarewindz!!

Robin Sharma Rocks...

This Power Statement continues to ring a bell in my mind since the day I completed reading The Monk who Sold His Ferrari for the second time last month...I've termed it as my Power Book 'cuz it kinda inspires me. So presenting the Power Line-

"The Purpose of Life is Life with a Purpose..."





Think About It....

Things to be Banned....

Well, yet another month started...so also the festive season! But I'm not in a mood to post the festivities but come down to some 'serious' matters...There are things that irritate us..things that make you go haywire...Things that bug you after some time...Presenting a tentative list of things that are currently on my Hit list:

• 1. Batata Bhaji [t'o'o'o'o bugged up. Still Mum packs it for my lunch!]
• 2. Kopar Railway Station- the Central Railway one [God knows why did the authorities plan it out. There is hardly any distance between the previous station and Kopar. Waste of funds, waste of energy, waste of time.]
• 3. Himesh 'Bhai' [No comments...]
• 4. The blaring cheap qualtiy speakers with wannabe hunks baptized as DJ Pappu etc. during any festival, marriage and such occasions]
• 5. The Cleanliness department of my city's railway station [No use of employing them..The station is fithy with roti kapda paseena so whats the use in paying them for nothing?!!]

The Angel who made my day

A couple of days ago, I was walking towards the crowded area outside the railway station, desperate to hop into an auto and rush home and have a steamy cuppa tea to get rid of the tiredness that clinged onto me the whole evening. No sooner did my mouth open to crib after being pushed by a hasty uncle than my eyes stopped on a little girl resting in the arms of a man(guess he was her father.) This little girl,with her innocent eyes and softer-than-butter smile lit up my face. I got rid of my tiredness. I quickly closed my eyes to remember the fading image of the child that freshened me up instantly, who led me write a few lines today...Children, indeed, have the power of innocence...

It was just another day,
Walking in the greens
Greeting familiar faces
Enjoying yet another evening...


All safe in strong arms
I saw a little angel
Her eyes shining like black pearls,
Floating in a milky ocean...


Her legs were eager to walk
To take tiny steps on the endless earth,
Her delicate finger pointed out to a butterfly,
The colourful creature had caught her eye...


The strong arms put her down gently,
How elated she was! as if freed from clutches
Jerked a bit but resisted to fall,
Heading towards the green bushes...


She couldnot lay her hands on the wings
But to and fro she ran after it
Cries of joy lighting up her soft face,
Dancing around with pure grace...


It was a beautiful scene,
Two angels playing in the greens,
One spreading smiles with acts of innocence,
And the other flying with shades of joys in its colourful wings....

Phew...what a feat!

Finally my college exams came to an end on the auspicious Eleventh day of October 2007. The first words that came to my mind at the very first step outside the graveyard (the exam hall was similar to the graveyard except that the graveyard consists of dead people and we were inferi! a.k.a walking corpses for non-readers of harry potter...) were 'Phew...what a feat!'
But on an honest note, its really a 'feel good situation' when you wake up at the last day of any exam, be it on a pro level or just another lousy test series. I mean, the way students, college students to be specific, gaze at their respective time pieces after the warning bell is really amazing..(the warning bell is the one that 'warns' about the last 10 minutes- a test of patience for those who don't write anything meaningful and a lifeline for those who write more than required in the answer sheets hehehe). I, sometimes, am a part of the second category but never ever of the first (touchwood!). Well, my exams went smoothly except for minor bloopers here and there. Wrote quite meaningful stuff that would assure me a decent score to get my desired options for the last year in the so-called Graduation Year! But, at the end of the day, it all depends on the examiner who holds the keys to my destiny right now. I pray that these Inferis donot slaugher us to death!!

Oopz I did it again...!

Well, 50% of the nightmares over...I mean, me through with half of the examinations!
My mind wandered away from the pages of accounts last night (all concepts seemed Greek to me first and then after sincere efforts to absorb them, everything looked one and the same thing!).
Following is the result of the above mentioned situation...It was a semi-instant poem that I penned..started scribbling on a piece of paper and ended up typing directly in my cellphone hehehe...Enjoy...

The time machine blurts out the Call,
Out of lazy beds sleepy eyes crawl,
Even before the Sun god shines,
Collars up on the highway forming beelines...

On and off the speedy signals sign,
Those colours...sigh...will make you colourblind!
The mean vehicles donot pay any heed,
Off they swoosh with a lightning speed...

Hasty feet enter the hall,
The stone laden doors welcome them all,
Each one in his li'l territory
Loaded with sleek devices and dead stationery!

It turns out to be just another day,
Piles of files..Dog-eared papers in the tray
Don't you get the urge to wait a sec,
Sit back in your seat and ponder over this monotonous set?

It takes just a moment of your 'busy' day,
To think about the Soul you left far away,
Some more moments to crash out of the cage,
To realize you are a human..and not a savage...

So open your eyes...The time is not yet over,
As they say - Better late than never!
Let the mind break free and fly sky high,
So that you don't regret your living when you die.....

Examz runnin...Still stuck on poem writing!

The night mares have started...Burning the midnhight oil, sleepy eyes, fits of forgetfulness and aching fingers trying to carve out all what is stored in my mind a.k.a. the RAM on the dull white sheets of paper in front of a professor who looks like a dull dead grave yard digger....

To be precise...

The exams are here!!
And as the title says...I opened my book not to study but to pen down yet another set of thought hovering in my mind!
Heres my latest one...enjoy...


It all started with a Hi,
And soon the Bond was tied,
Friendship bloomed in those teenages,
Movies, fun, studies all the time...

Long calls for no reason,
'Discussions'on any goddamn season,
No cribs, no issues to solve,
Slowly thereby, our Friendship evolved...

A couple of years passed,
And we are still the same,
Tied by the same old Bond,
Playing this lovely friendship game...

But when I met you today.
Felt as if I missed you all these days,
A strange feeling hovered around me,
This wasn't the Bond supposed to be...

It makes me wonder
How did I fall for you,
How I took this whole new turn,
How I gazed in your eyes two!

Your presence makes me feel nice,
Your eyes...Sigh...take me to new heights,
Now I realized the reason for all this,
Its nothin' but your Charisma that gave me this sweet bliss....!

Work Ethics (Ref : Gyan Gurus - Times Ascent)

Another article from my favorite column - Gyan Gurus from Times Ascent...Very useful for the youth's future!

Values and work ethic vary from organisation to organisation, often from unit to unit within the same organisation, and even from one boss to another in the same unit and is loosely termed the ‘culture of this place’! Successful organisations are usually characterised by a robust culture that pervades the organisation and sometimes gets branded as The IBM Way or the GE Culture.

However, bosses do impact work culture through their leadership style. A case in point: GE’s current CEO Jeff Immelt is actively changing GE’s ‘rank and yank’ culture (under the legendary Jack Welch) obsessed with ‘hitting quarterly numbers’ to a focus on ‘need to generate BIG ideas’ with ‘risking failure’ the new badge of honour. In short, what it takes to succeed at GE has changed.

You may have found that while you were able to easily succeed in Company A, you struggled to make an impact in Company B. Given the hot job market, you moved on. Yet, a feeling of inadequacy may have haunted you. Here are some general guidelines that could help:

INTEGRITY
While some companies view integrity as black and white, in others you would encounter shades of grey. A company may have a tax-friendly or tax-efficient pay structure, to maximise ‘net take home’, but this may amount to tax evasion. Some companies may treat medical or travel reimbursement as part of your compensation, overlooking fake bills or declarations.

‘ENDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS’
Public companies live QSQT (Quarter Se Quarter Tak), and are under constant pressure to meet or exceed their earnings guidance to investors. This may lead to a message of meeting the numbers ‘at any cost’ with achievement of ends justifying the means compromised in pursuit of short-term targets. This may start as a one-off and can gain epic proportions till some scam or whistle blower blows out. You need to be clear if you can deal with the pressure of ‘living and dying by today’s numbers’ with attendant connotations.

CONFIDENTIALITY OF COMPANY INFORMATION
You’d expect that companies would treat business and competitor information as confidential. This can be carried too far. I know of managers who will keep the strategy or business plan document under lock and key. But, they also keep those responsible for effective strategy implementation from understanding the big picture. Equally, you’ll meet managers who will share everything with employees citing transparency and participation.

E-MAIL/INTERNET USAGE
Company policy, more importantly, practice in this regard, could vary from full and unrestricted access and storage to what you may consider invasive of your privacy, with ‘Big Brother’ type tracking software monitoring the volume of downloads and nature of internet browsing. I know of employees who advocate unrestricted access, including to mail sites and blogs to help in their role as knowledge workers, and abuse it with audio and video downloads. Termination of employment for e-mail/Net abuse in India is still rare, but will undoubtedly grow in future.

HARASSMENT
In many MNCs, any kind of communication, with sexual innuendoes, over e-mail, or even verbally, can get you a pink slip. Remember how the gentle pat that Michael Douglas gave his secretary on the back in Disclosure got thrown up during the harassment proceedings. In other organisations, such communication could be seen as witty and may even get you a pat on the back from your boss!

While organisations do spend time and effort in inducting new hires, it would be in your interest to understand the work ethics that would help you gain acceptance and succeed in a new organisation.

Passion...Defined (Ref: Times Ascent)

Heres another article from my favourite column - Gyan Gurus (thats the only piece I read regularly from the multiple re-cyled pages dropped at my doorstep every morning...!) which I would like to share over here:


There is the story told of a platoon of soldiers who were on a forced march. There was great resentment. It showed on their faces. It showed in their stride. They seemed to drag themselves forward because they did not want to. They had to because they were ordered to!

Yet, after the march was over, and the soldiers were now tired; but free – they had the option of going on a mountain hike; or resting in their camp. Most went on the hike; felt exhilarated by the challenge posed by the mountain; and returned late at night, tired but happy – and smiling!

It is all about Passion. There are some who find passion in their occupation. They are truly blessed. Because if they have passion for their occupation; they will most likely also have a passion for excellence.

Take the case of R. K. Laxman, passionate about political cartoons. One cannot imagine Laxman doing anything else. Day after day – always a new gem everyday. And a large diamond on Sundays! Laxman sometimes gives a demonstration of drawing a cartoon at Rotary meetings. It is a pleasure to see him. So facile, so fast, so entertaining; so passionate! No wonder he is among the best there is, in the whole world. And he keeps at it still, in his eighties. Neither the TOI, not Laxman can unloosen the chord that ties them to the ‘common man’!

Some find passion for a hobby outside their job. This is not as good. But it is better than nothing at all. Commander Eric Lopez worked with me in a pharma company, as a Distribution Manager. He had retired early from the Navy. He always did an adequate job – sometimes a good job. He was honest, sincere and hard working. But every evening he waited for the clock to strike 5.30 – so he could be off... to his home and his passion – playing the wooden saw with a violin bow. He was perhaps the only one who did this. And he was invited to give performances in different parts of India – and even abroad, in Israel and Russia. He taught his two daughters this unusual technique and sometimes one of them accompanied him. It was a heart warming ‘sight’ and it was soothing music to our ‘ears’. Lopez spent most of his non-working hours, practicing on the musical saw. It was his Passion. A passion he found in his hobby rather than in his work.

And there are those who find a passion in what they do, only after the end of their working life – in their retirement! Like my friend Felix down the road who retired from BPL after 32 years, and then began growing roses. He got so good at this that he was elected President of The Rose Society of Mumbai Mirror. He developed some unusual rose grafts. He grew more and more; and different roses. Many five star hotels became his clients. Ferntastica evolved from a Passion to big business. ‘Too little, too late,’ you will say? Well with passion ‘Better late, than never’!

Books that can turn your world upside down!

Here are the shortlisted names of some books that can make you think and kinda inspire too...didnot read all of them but will definitely do so in this lifetime!

The World is Flat - Thomas L. Friedman
It revolves about America and the competition it faces in this flat
(globalised) world...completed half of the book..need to speeden up!

The Undercover Economics - Tim Harford
This book relates day to day activities with the old theories
of Economics...Still left to read it.

Business Maharajas - Gita Piramal
A very good handbook to peep into the details of some of the pillars of
business of India and their success stories...must read for every
Indian and budding enterpreneurs.


Scam - Sucheta
I know nothing about this book execpt for the title and the incomplete name of the
author.It looks interesting as it deals with the major Stock scams of India. Hunting for it!

Blink - Malcom Gladwell
The Power of thinking without thinking'-says the book cover. Need to read it soon!

On Bullshit - Harry Frankfurt
I read about it in a newspaper..Consider this line- Bullsh***ing is not exactly lying, and bullsh*t remains bullsh*t whether it's true or false. The Difference lies in the bullsh***er's complete disregard for whether what he's saying corresponds to facts in the physical world : he doesnot reject the authority of the truth, as the liar does, and oppose himself to it. He pays no attention to it at all. By virtue of this, bullsh*t is a greater enemy of thr truth than the lies are'....Woah. Should lay my hands on this book a.s.a.p.!!

The Magic Of Thinking Big - David Schwartz
Dr. David is gonna impress you for sure with his simple yet
effective ways to succes...Made little notes while reeading, for
future reference.

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari - Robin Sharma
A nice story about a successful foreigner who comes to India in the search of peace and happiness in the saintly Himalayas. The story throws open many simple ways to attain what you want from life. One of the best creations of Robin Sharma.

The Greatness Guide - Robin Sharma
It put a smile on my face every time I completed a chapter. Simple and straight, Robin Sharma is sure to enlighten you again.

The Alchemist - Paulo Coehlo
Um, Well I read its review but was disappiointed after reading it. Read the story but was not able to get what Mr. Coehlo wanted to convey through the story. If anyone has understood it, S.O.S!

Like The Flowing River - Paulo Coehlo
Paulo Coehlo's work definitely brightened me with short stories from the real world and truly inspired to lead a better life. Short and a sweet read.

Pottermania!!

Heres my review of Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix (finally!)

The movie starts with Harry's trial by the Ministry of Magic for performing magic in the Muggleworld with Dumbledore (wise and firm as usual) defending the Boy who lived who finally got entry into Hogwarts but was not welcomed due to his constant belief that You-know-who has finally returned and is gaining more power and strength. One can easily identify the dirty politics played by the Ministry with Kitten-crazy pinky Dolores Umbridge replacing Albus as the new Hogwarts head (Her room walls were covered with countless pictures of cats and kittens and the whole room bathed in pink!) . She loathes Harry who gets serious punishments like impostion of writing 'I must not tell lies' with his own blood! No wonder Filch was a loyal to the ferocious female...But the Weasley twins (Fred looks damn good!) stole her show by turning things upside down with their famous pranks before flying off the school.Things get interesting when the Dumbeldore's army is formed lead Hermione(she looked so malnourished!) and Ron with Harry teaching some students Defence against the Dark Arts as the school studies were no fun loaded with heavy dull old useless theory. Harry is smitten by Cho Chang and the much-hyped kiss is depicted well. Liked the scene after the kiss though. And yes, Snape teaches Harry Occlumency and we get an insight of Snape's past with the Potters. Harry is nearer to Sirius while working with the Order(they could've thrown more light on the Order and Black's house-elf Kreacher). The movie gets darker with the scenes in the Department of Mysteries where the Order fights with the Death Eaters (liked Bellatrix for her insanity and the way she killed Sirius). The Dark Lord is in full form and the action between Albus and Voldy is depicted beautifully. One can feel how powerful Lord Voldemort has become and how Harry tries to defend himself in every possible way. Thus it proves to be the darkest of all Potter movies...(was hungry for Quidditch actually) and Potter fans will like it as usual!

Yawn-o-mania...

The title itself induces me to sleep....again...
Me suffering from tryin-to-sleep-as-less-as-possible syndrome. The more I try to wake up early, the more I sleep! which leads to droopy days and eyes that sleep 'wide awake'...lolz!! Hence, I decided not to wake up early today and obey what my eyes say...got a nice 8hours sleep, still can't stop yawning! Not able to figure out why...Gotto splash some water on my face to temporarily get rid of the yawns flowing out...

One of my poems written in 2006 - The Brave Layman

Sweaty brow and fists clinched,
Wrinkles on the forehead,
The warrior stands on Platform No. 4,
Ready for and upcoming fight.

The noisy speaker blurts out the call
The horn of the Antagonist
Rings into the Braveheart's ears
And he gathers his energy and strength.

The noisy train enters the battlefield,
With hundreds of soldiers alike
The warrior battles through the flock
And rushes to the door.

Howls and cries bombarded upon him
But he is no coward
He struggles, he fights and wins
And thus rewarded a Fourth Seat.....!



Comments and Suggestions accepted!

Conscience...for Me

Well I got hit by this question on a local train 'journey' this morning...

What is Conscience?

Well, if we go by the general way, the term Conscience refers to the inner self. The inner voice. It is nothing but the feelings of ones mind. (I'm still not able to figure out the difference between a Heart and a Mind...Or are the two synonyms??)

According to my thoughts that popped up one by one while I was on wheels that were running at a snail's pace, Conscience is talking to oneself. It can me 'Me for Me' or can turn out to be 'Me against Myself'. It is the divine connection to the li'l God that resides within us who helps a great deal in making decisions. Afterall, this is what we really mean by God if we go by the saying- 'God helps those who helps themselves'. Our inner voice sometimes might be wrong (I wonder how people say,the heart always speaks right??!) but the decisions, the tasks, whethr right or wrong, give a sense of satisfaction of doing something what one wanted to after they are implemented or accomplished. Believe me, you will hear a little voice guiding you when you are in trouble, telling you what you really want to do further to slowly de-tangle the situation. This reminds me of a hymn we students used to sing at the school assembly....

Make God your Guru,
Let Him tell you what to do
Listen He's calling clear and true...!
Take time to listen,
Have courage to obey
The Inner Voice is calling calling you
The Inner Voice is calling calling you...

There are voices all around me
My families and my friends
Do this, Don't do that
The chorus never ends
But I will always listen to the quiet Inner Voice,
It is swift and definite and I have made my choice...!

Make God your Guru,
Let Him tell you what to do
Listen He's calling clear and true...!
Take time to listen,
Have courage to obey
The Inner Voice is calling calling you
The Inner Voice is calling calling you...



Think about it...

Monsoons....here I come!

So the month of July kickstarted on a Sunday with a dull grey sky with its army of loaded clouds bringing in gallons of water to attack the noisy earth with the wind egging the angry clouds to run to every empty corner of the sky and follow guerilla tactics to defeat the messy humans who helplessly try to protect themselves by silly weapons of umbrellas and wind-cheaters... Mini-floods were created leading to man-made rivers of grey water making it difficult to balance on one's feet...yeuckh! And the leaked fuel of rusty old pomping vehicles on the road mixed with this grey water giving it an 'oily touch'. A stinky smell replaced the mesmerising fragrance of the damp mud in the breeze, thanks to the garbage which is seen much more on the roads instead of rotting in the bins! The Municipal Council truly disappointed me thereby strangling my plans of enjoing the rains by walking down the roadside with music plugged in my ears and little droplets moistening my face...boohoo!

The Fragrance of Innocence...

This little incident kept me happy throughout last evening and will definitely keep me smiling the whole day today...

I was buried in reading my book last evening and my neighbour's enthusiastic kid came running to me to flaunt off her clean new books of her first year in school. She was in a mood to do something cool, something creative but wasn't able to explain it. I went through her new study material with great interest and accelerated her bubbling interest to explore the colourful pages. But she had other things hovering in her mind. So she came with a piece of paper and a stack of crayons yesterday, stood beside a table and got engrossed scribbling something...
I wasn't aware of what she was upto as I was busy reading. She went on scribbling to her level best and after a few minutes...came to me with a masterpiece...a cute pink and brown house with shades of green here and there!
Actually She remembered that I had gifted her a friendship band (the colourful thing made her damn happy) last week on the much - hyped Friendship day and she did not have anything to give me in return. Hence she thought of putting her creativity on paper and gift me a drawing...really made me feel good! No sooner did I pin her masterpiece on my notice board than she stormed to her home pulling her mother to show her that her daughter did something nice...
Now thats what I call, the Fragrance of Innocence!

Decoding Innovation (Ref: Times Ascent)

Heres the article (Gyan Gurus-Pravin Rajpal- Times Ascent) that inspired me to work better....

“Diamond is a coal that stuck to its job” – Thomas Edison

Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. Innovation has lit up every lamp in this world, made it possible for the man to fly in air, reach the depths of ocean, brought the world on the fingertips through internet, made every single discovery and created wonderful products for better living on this planet. Man is still not satisfied. His imagination is now exploring the possibilities of exploring life on moon and other planets.

Man’s brain is the greatest natural resource in this world and innovation is the priceless ingredient for mankind’s progress in future. It is a creative faculty and the ability to fantasize. The history of the business is essentially the history of innovation.

A powerful imagination makes us infinite; in fact it is quite often an excuse when we say that this is not possible. We should instead ask why is it not possible.

Lot of people confuse innovation with labs, labs with R&D and R&D with millions of dollars investment. Great works are the result of great passions. Microsoft and Hewlett Packard are excellent examples, which have emerged from the garage and not from any R&D labs.

Innovation - Paradigms

Many people think that innovation is a lucky flash of inspiration or unique skill mastered by fortunate few. Some people confuse innovation with invention. There is also a popular belief that innovation is tough. Invention is discovering things that have never been discovered before. Innovation, on the other hand, is the discovery of new ways of creating value. Not everyone can be an inventor, but everyone can be innovative.

Innovation is Easy! I have decoded the acronym ‘INNOVATION’ so that the steps to innovation become simpler to understand and remember.

I – IDEAS / Imagination – Start with ideas. Imagine without boundaries
N – New What / How / Why / Who / When / Where
N – New customer needs - Unperceived and unarticulated
O – Obstacles – Obstacles and problems are the sources of innovation
V – Values – Think customer values to innovate
A – Automate – Automate all human activities
T – Technology – Innovation becomes easier by using existing technologies
I – Integrate – Integrate products, technologies, disciplines & capabilities
O – Out-of-the-box thinking – Challenge the conventional wisdom
N – New products in market– The ultimate measure of innovation

For every customer need or a business problem, which can not be resolved easily through conventional wisdom, there exists an unconventional / unusual solution in the form of innovation.

Shootout At Lokhandwala

Finally I was able to catch the much awaited movie of my list...heres my review:

Firstly, you need to shun the typical expectations from a Bollywood flick before going to watch this two - hour show coz Shootout... is beyond the traditional stuff. Its a crude but a successful description of the chilling activities of the underworld of Mumbai in the 1990's when loyals of the King of the underworld were in a spur to grow their units independently. The film starts with a flashback giving a brief idea about the changing face of Mumbai crime and slowly unwinds with powerful dialogues and a decent music score.

The story revolves around Maya Dolas(Vivek Oberoi) and his friends who part ways from the tasks of extortion on behalf of the D company. The movie kickstarts with a flashback of the terror history and continues with the after scenes of the actual shootout with blood flowing out of the Swati apartment where the infamous incidence took place with a decent music background adding effect to the story narrated by Dutt.
There was no need to add a third song I think. But 'Ganpat' by none other than Mika really sounds good.
In short, powerpacked performances, great supporting cast and fantastic dialogues and above all, the crude depiction of the Mumbai underworld scene of the 90s made me add Shootout At Lokhandwala in my evergreen movies list.

Flying with the wind!

The wind was one naughty guy today...it was wild for one moment and the next moment it carried a soothening effect...creating kinda confusion in the air! It was a mini-cyclone today, with tonnes of dust blown away and my eyes got filled with those nasty particles every time i stepped out of my house. Couldn't even balance my poor self once as the wind was in a mood to play some mischeif! At that point of time, I realized that I need to put on some weight to 'sustain' such guerilla attacks in the upcoming monsoons....hehehe...

Think bout it....

Robin Sharma, in his book The Greatness Guide(its more than a book,a goal-reader may be) has said...

'Nothing fails like Success....'

One of my favorite statements to think over....so true!

Heres that little incident that put a smile on my face today....

I was on my way back home, with music plugged in my ears and my tired legs drawing me further. First two autorickshaws whooshed past me,then two trucks from my opposite side, was nearly saved, and no sooner did i began cribbing than i noticed the backside of the vehicles were 'christened' with interesting statements...One truck carried - Mera Bharat Mahan and the other one....Sau me se assi baiman!! One auto was - Raja hindustani and the other carried - Ghar laut jaa. Kinda related to each other....funny!!

Go Goa! Part 3

South Goa:

Margao:

Also known as Madgaon, it is the prime city in South Goa. The Municipal Council is a proud Portuguese structure with its strong red walls and a park at its front. Margao still carries the Portuguese essence in the Church of The Holy Spirit.



Colva:

One of the peaceful beaches, one cannot miss the Colva winds and the milky waves on the silky sand. One of my favorite beaches of Goa.



Cruises:

Atleast one cruise,be it sunset or river or sunrise cruise,is a must to complete one trip to Goa. One can get an overall view of Goan culture, enjoying the Goan music,drinks,food and dance on such cruises.



Water-sports:

Go-yatching,surfing,para-sailing,water-skiing...Goan waters have lots to offer!

Go Goa! Part 2

North Goa:

Panji:

Also known as Panjim,the name means 'the land that doesnot flood',is the capital of goa. It is famous for its carnivals.



Basilica of Jesus:

This contains the tomb and the mortal remains of St.Francis Xavier, the saint who was assigned the work of spreading Christianity by the Portuguese in the east in 1541. The remains are removed from the silver casket every decade. The walls depict the saint's life. The church was built by the Portuguese in 1501 and still doesnt fail to mesmerize every person coming to pay a visit to its structure.



Convent and church of St. Francis of Assisi:

The original thing was built in 1517 and the new structure in 1661. The floor and the walls depict the saint's history. The convent is now an archaeologial museum.



Se Cathedral:

It is the largest church in Goa, its construction started in 1562,completely in gothic Portuguese style. It is famous for the Golden Bell.



Fort Aguada:

It was built in 1612 on the mouth of Mandovi River to protect the shores from the Maratha and Dutch. It provides a view of scenic beauty.



Calangute Beach:

This beach once attracted foreigners. The roads are flooded with stalls of Goan dresses,jewellery and handicrafts. This beach os one of the most crowded ones in Goa and is 45km away from Panjim.



Vagator Beach:

Its is famous for its rock cliffs and reddish sand that wash the rocks clean. It attracts Bollywood industry.

Go Goa! Part 1

Went on a week trip to areas of Goa and Konkan with parents in the early days of June.
Heres a short description of the prime places of my interest:

Chiplun:
The Konkan region is a strip of land with the Arabian Sea to its west and the Sahyadris to its east. Chiplun is located in the heart of Konkan. It its famous for its temples and lush greenery.

Ganpatipule:
As the name suggests this place is famous for its more than 400 years old temple of Lord Ganesha. It is located on the shores of Ratnagiri and provides a heavenly view to the loyal worshipper, with the Creator and His creation - the lovely shores, the tall waves washing the Creator's feet. Ganpatipule, due to its unadulterated beauty, is fast emerging as an all-tourist destination.

pandemonic sky...

The Mumbai sky is turning nastier day by day...it shows signs of rains and then the sun pops up from nowhere. How unpredictable! I stumbled upon some stones and the muddy pool didnot miss the chance of dirtyin my brand new slip-ons...boohoo! Gotto go to enjoy the evening outside now.

the first showerz!

Finally, got a good occasion to kickstart my pending task of blogging..its been months since I've been delaying it...the first rains proved auspicious in this case...hehehe. Had a cooler yesterday than today as the city was cleansed by the first waters and I enjoyed every bit of it. The naughty sky indicated showers today too, but it did not rain. Oh well, looking forward for more showers...