Please look at the heading of this news piece from "The Hindu".
If you did not go into the details of the news piece would you know that the Maoists had actually triggered the blast that led to this accident?
http://www.hindu.com/2010/05/29/stories/2010052956580100.htm
Look at Ram's "put-on" obssession with the extreme Left!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Freedom of the press (Journalistic Freedom)
I like to get into arguments. In fact I was called vidhandavadhi in my undergrad school. Something to boast!
Recently I got into an argument with my friend about what constitutes freedom of the press. We were conversing about "The Hindu" and Ram of course and his contention was Ram was free to write whatever he wants to write about and can defend himself citing freedom of the press.
While this is true while writing opinion pieces (he can have different opinions about matters) the same cannot be said when it comes to reporting news pieces. News pieces are what actually happened out there ---- you cannot just write something else or twist them. Of course you can opine on why that happened in a separate piece.
For example, what actually happened would be like this
"The --------- army entered the town of ---------- and in the process of the battle, 30 children were bombed out of existence".
"The Hindu"'s report would read something like this
"The brave and victorious ---------- army entered the ----------infested town of -------- and were met with resistance from -------------. -------------- is a terrorist organization banned in 400 countries. They are notorious for fielding children in war zones. The ------- army resisted attacking children but in the process of the battle they were killed in the cross fire"
You see the difference! The first one is just a news piece. The Hindu's report contains little news hidden inside a dramatic opinion piece.
Recently I got into an argument with my friend about what constitutes freedom of the press. We were conversing about "The Hindu" and Ram of course and his contention was Ram was free to write whatever he wants to write about and can defend himself citing freedom of the press.
While this is true while writing opinion pieces (he can have different opinions about matters) the same cannot be said when it comes to reporting news pieces. News pieces are what actually happened out there ---- you cannot just write something else or twist them. Of course you can opine on why that happened in a separate piece.
For example, what actually happened would be like this
"The --------- army entered the town of ---------- and in the process of the battle, 30 children were bombed out of existence".
"The Hindu"'s report would read something like this
"The brave and victorious ---------- army entered the ----------infested town of -------- and were met with resistance from -------------. -------------- is a terrorist organization banned in 400 countries. They are notorious for fielding children in war zones. The ------- army resisted attacking children but in the process of the battle they were killed in the cross fire"
You see the difference! The first one is just a news piece. The Hindu's report contains little news hidden inside a dramatic opinion piece.
Friday, May 14, 2010
What a match!
You have to admire the Pakistanis but eventually you have to give it to the Aussies. Dear-O-Dear!! What a match! Before the match I thought Pakistan could prove to be a surprise packet and probably make it very tough for Australia, which they did. Umar seems to be a natural like his brother and hopefully he makes full use of his talent unlike his brother!! When Aamer, another natural, got rid of Warner in the first over, I thought it would get very difficult for Australia if they tried to slow down and consolidate. Watson and Haddin attacked even if only briefly and and kept the tempo going . To me this was the big reason for their success today. Had they slowed down trying to preserve wickets, they would have left too much to do in the end. Tempo is everything in cricket -- be it test matches, odis or 20-20s. Cameron White sustained the tempo later when wickets fell and as Chappell puts it, this was a big phase which they won. The last over to Ajmal was a bad move. You need someone who can bowl good "fuller stuff", yorkers or even low full-tosses are ok. Good length deliveries - a big no no! Ajmal looks like a good spinner otherwise!
Meanwhile, our experts are busy slamming the late-night parties with IPL and other reasons for our early exit. Hey, dudes, I think winners win even while partying and doing other things. Just that their priority is cricket.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
A good cricket post
I have been an admirer of Harsha Bhogle for a while now. He writes well in the sense he has a different point of view than the usual cliched argument. The T20 loss does not rankle in my mind very much --- I treat the T20 format as an unwanted diversion: hey! since when did dancing models become part of a cricket game?
Here is Harsha's latest article in cricinfo:
http://www.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/459511.html
Other people when giving reasons for the "debacle" in the caribbean gave only one reason- "inability to play the short ball". I wonder: Are we living in an era where the bowlers are allowed to bowl any number of intimidating bouncers per over? No we aren't. The truth is, and this is why cricket is slowly losing its charm, the batsmen are too pampered by shorter boundaries, docile pitches, one bouncer per over rules among other things.
The truth behind India's flop show lies elsewhere as Harsha points out, lack of body language and the lack of will to succeed against odds!
Here is Harsha's latest article in cricinfo:
http://www.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/459511.html
Other people when giving reasons for the "debacle" in the caribbean gave only one reason- "inability to play the short ball". I wonder: Are we living in an era where the bowlers are allowed to bowl any number of intimidating bouncers per over? No we aren't. The truth is, and this is why cricket is slowly losing its charm, the batsmen are too pampered by shorter boundaries, docile pitches, one bouncer per over rules among other things.
The truth behind India's flop show lies elsewhere as Harsha points out, lack of body language and the lack of will to succeed against odds!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Indian tantrums
Recent news about the US-Sino joint statements have sparked some excitement in India. I really wonder why. Just at the mention of somebody else working for our peace with Pakistan , we get worked up!
There is no need to even lend a ear or care about this joint statement. All of us know deep inside us that nobody, including China or the US can ask us to do something in the manner the US asked Iraq or Afghanistan to do.
We will resolve to solve the border issues our own way with the people in mind rather than the countries in question or our political ego. That is the function of a good state.
Throwing tantrums at some vague statement will do more harm than good. We will be treated like a baby crying over some nonsense and China will behave as if he is our big brother or a parent enforcing discipline.
We need not give it the opportunity to do so!!
There is no need to even lend a ear or care about this joint statement. All of us know deep inside us that nobody, including China or the US can ask us to do something in the manner the US asked Iraq or Afghanistan to do.
We will resolve to solve the border issues our own way with the people in mind rather than the countries in question or our political ego. That is the function of a good state.
Throwing tantrums at some vague statement will do more harm than good. We will be treated like a baby crying over some nonsense and China will behave as if he is our big brother or a parent enforcing discipline.
We need not give it the opportunity to do so!!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Ram sollttaruppa! ellarum samatha aathukku pongo
http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/12/stories/2009111257561000.htm
I am going to dedicate some time following "The Hindu's" comments on
Indo-China relations. It may also include comments from 1959-1962. If you can provide me with some archives that would be helpful
Thanks
I am going to dedicate some time following "The Hindu's" comments on
Indo-China relations. It may also include comments from 1959-1962. If you can provide me with some archives that would be helpful
Thanks
Sunday, September 20, 2009
"The Chinese question"
A lot of people have asked for my expert opinion on the incursions the Chinese have made in the last few months, paintings on the rocks and other aggressive activities (actually, nobody has asked for my expert opinion. I just like to think so).
Lets leave the question of incursions alone. Let us concentrate on what "The Hindu", the national newspaper reports. I promise -- it is funny.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/09/20/stories/2009092057400100.htm
"“The Prime Minister has just made a statement that there has not been any more incursions or transgressions as compared to last year. They are at the same level. So there is no cause of worry or concern,”
Oh yes... thats good enough then?? What was the transgression level last year? Why wasn't the public informed last year? Or, did you inform them and I missed the news somehow?
As for the Chinese, they are very very clear in this issue. They have never accepted the "Indian rule in Arunachal Pradesh" and have always maintained that Arunachal is "southern Tibet". From the 1962 debacle and even before that, we have sought somebody else (US, Russia) to help us out in the face of a confrontation with China. Does any of you honestly think somebody else can really help us out in a war?
The answer is an emphatic "no". Others are embroiled in their own problems and moreover nobody will help you out unless they have a genuine economic interest in doing so.
So that leaves us with diplomacy and other intelligence maneuvers which we have failed very miserably too in recent times.
If we are faced with war, do we have the technology to defend ourselves? I doubt it
Lets leave the question of incursions alone. Let us concentrate on what "The Hindu", the national newspaper reports. I promise -- it is funny.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/09/20/stories/2009092057400100.htm
"“The Prime Minister has just made a statement that there has not been any more incursions or transgressions as compared to last year. They are at the same level. So there is no cause of worry or concern,”
Oh yes... thats good enough then?? What was the transgression level last year? Why wasn't the public informed last year? Or, did you inform them and I missed the news somehow?
As for the Chinese, they are very very clear in this issue. They have never accepted the "Indian rule in Arunachal Pradesh" and have always maintained that Arunachal is "southern Tibet". From the 1962 debacle and even before that, we have sought somebody else (US, Russia) to help us out in the face of a confrontation with China. Does any of you honestly think somebody else can really help us out in a war?
The answer is an emphatic "no". Others are embroiled in their own problems and moreover nobody will help you out unless they have a genuine economic interest in doing so.
So that leaves us with diplomacy and other intelligence maneuvers which we have failed very miserably too in recent times.
If we are faced with war, do we have the technology to defend ourselves? I doubt it
சில புகைப்படங்கள்
அலாஸ்காவில் எடுத்த சில புகைப்படங்கள் உங்கள் பார்வைக்காக!!
நண்பர் தங்கமணியைப்போல பெரிய photographer இல்லை நான். பிழைகள் இருந்தால் பொறுத்துக்கொள்ளவும்.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
பறவையின் சிந்தனை
Fairbanks குளிர் ஆரம்பம் போல இருக்கு. கெளம்பிற வேண்டியது தான். நம்மால தாங்க முடியாது டோய்!photos of the rabbit that visits Ashish's place
Hello,
Ashish is our friend and he has a beautiful house with a backyard in Fairbanks, Alaska. A rabbit comes visiting when the sun shines and when he has enough food to eat. I thought he was cute and am attaching some photos that I took of him.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Some of 'em -- Part 2
College Days:
I do not remember working for my first year of Engineering. We had all kinds of courses but I remember hating engineering drawing, electronics and electrical engineering very vividly. Somehow, I was not cut out for these subjects of study. நமக்கு என்ன வருமோ அது தான் வரும்.
The second year of college, we branched out into Mechanical Engineering and had some wonderful courses like thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. Dr.Subrahmanya S.Katte (he was Mr.Katte then) taught us thermodynamics. We often do not know the value of things when they are within our reach. We yearn for them when they are not. Suffice it to say that this exactly happened with Dr.Katte's classes. I did not pay proper attention and honestly this was the only thermo-sciences class I did not pay enough attention to throughout my life. That I passed that course inspite of myself was because of the Dr's brilliance!! Before coming to the US, I met him in his office and he gave me some very valuable notes that he had collected during his studies. Some interest in numerical methods had started back then. He remains an exceptional motivator for me. Thank you very much, Sir, if you are reading this!!
There were some good lecturers and some lectures from the 3rd to the 6th semesters. But something was missing in all of them. Put it down to my lack of interest and motivation, but that was that. By the end of the 6th semester, almost everyone had an area of interest. I was the only one that did not have an interest in anything.
The seventh semester, I got my answer. The moment Dr.P.Govindarajan walked into our class to teach Heat and Mass Transfer, I began to realize my natural interests lay there. And, what a teacher he was!! I can write an entire blog about him if I wanted to. I began working towards a specialization thermal sciences only in my seventh semester and எல்லாமே அவரால தான்.
(to be continued)..
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Some of 'em -- part 1
You see. I was getting bored.. So I decided to start this series on some people who have been inspirational for me. So here we go with the first part.
Very naturally, my first inspiration and an exceptional one at that was my father. He was the first one who taught me to dream and follow the dream. We are poles apart when it comes to opinion and we constantly argue but the very fact that I can argue with him says a lot about him...doesn't it?
I owe all of whatever I am right now to Campion higher secondary school, Trichy. I cannot name just one teacher... most of them were examples to students. If I have to name some people, it would be Mr.Vernum, Mr. (May Allah rest his soul in peace)Rasheed, Dr.Natarajan, Mr. James Arockiaraj, Mr.Xavier and Mr.Elliot Raj, I had the good fortune of being their student. My love of literature can entirely be attributed to this school.
Very naturally, my first inspiration and an exceptional one at that was my father. He was the first one who taught me to dream and follow the dream. We are poles apart when it comes to opinion and we constantly argue but the very fact that I can argue with him says a lot about him...doesn't it?
I owe all of whatever I am right now to Campion higher secondary school, Trichy. I cannot name just one teacher... most of them were examples to students. If I have to name some people, it would be Mr.Vernum, Mr. (May Allah rest his soul in peace)Rasheed, Dr.Natarajan, Mr. James Arockiaraj, Mr.Xavier and Mr.Elliot Raj, I had the good fortune of being their student. My love of literature can entirely be attributed to this school.
Friday, June 26, 2009
A monkey species in papanasam
During our recent trip to papanasam in southern tamilnadu, we found some monkeys that I have not seen there so far! My initial impression was they might be lemur monkeys but I was wrong. Can anybody tell me what species they are?
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
"why can't locals get preference"
I chanced upon an interview by Raj Thackeray. Here is the link to the entire interview. Set me wondering about the "nation" we call "India". Some excerpts of this genius's interview
"
What do you propose the government should do about the influx into the city?
The government should seal the corporation lands and allow no one to set up illegal houses. Where will all these people stay then? People come here because there is a message being sent out that they are welcome. Why don’t you send another message — that people are not welcome here. What is wrong in local people getting preference? If locals get the jobs then people won’t come here looking for work.
But most of the jobs which migrants do are in the unorganised sector where there is no reservation?
When people migrate for work, they do so for their livelihoods. People go to the U.S. but do they go there and create political constituencies? Now there are no jobs, Indians are coming back. It’s not a dharamshala. I agree people have specialised skills, for instance Rajasthanis make good snacks. But I don’t see Tamilian politicians and those from Punjab coming here and addressing rallies. Only these people do it. They have slogans which make their intentions very clear.
"
Wow!!! By his argument then, all marathi speaking people should be driven out of everywhere except Maharashtra, right?? (BTW, I do have some very close Marathi friends and am in awe of the Marathi theatre).
The concept of who a local is and who is not has always confused me. "settled here from time immemorial" seems to be the common answer. What is time immemorial? According to whose knowledge?
"
What do you propose the government should do about the influx into the city?
The government should seal the corporation lands and allow no one to set up illegal houses. Where will all these people stay then? People come here because there is a message being sent out that they are welcome. Why don’t you send another message — that people are not welcome here. What is wrong in local people getting preference? If locals get the jobs then people won’t come here looking for work.
But most of the jobs which migrants do are in the unorganised sector where there is no reservation?
When people migrate for work, they do so for their livelihoods. People go to the U.S. but do they go there and create political constituencies? Now there are no jobs, Indians are coming back. It’s not a dharamshala. I agree people have specialised skills, for instance Rajasthanis make good snacks. But I don’t see Tamilian politicians and those from Punjab coming here and addressing rallies. Only these people do it. They have slogans which make their intentions very clear.
"
Wow!!! By his argument then, all marathi speaking people should be driven out of everywhere except Maharashtra, right?? (BTW, I do have some very close Marathi friends and am in awe of the Marathi theatre).
The concept of who a local is and who is not has always confused me. "settled here from time immemorial" seems to be the common answer. What is time immemorial? According to whose knowledge?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Over Finally!!!
I am there at last. I just managed to successfully defend my PhD dissertation on the 25th of Nov and the committee passed me and gave me 3 additions. I managed to add them and convince the committee and they signed off on my thesis.
So, where do I go from here on? I want to do a lot of things .... work for a while, make a few journal papers out of my dissertation, go back to basics on Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, some Charles Dickens as well.
I will miss grad school dearly though!!!
Also thinking about another PhD after 3 years may be.....
Please do not let my wife know!
So, where do I go from here on? I want to do a lot of things .... work for a while, make a few journal papers out of my dissertation, go back to basics on Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, some Charles Dickens as well.
I will miss grad school dearly though!!!
Also thinking about another PhD after 3 years may be.....
Please do not let my wife know!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Mathematics --- Intimidating or enjoyable
This quote ( Lord Kelvin) interested me:
"Do not imagine that mathematics is hard and crabbed, and repulsive to common sense. It is merely the etherialization of common sense.”
The way math is taught in most schools in India gives the impression that mathematics is devoid of common sense. It is my opinion that once this way of teaching is replaced by "a common sense" method of teaching, research minds will benefit to a large extent.
"Do not imagine that mathematics is hard and crabbed, and repulsive to common sense. It is merely the etherialization of common sense.”
The way math is taught in most schools in India gives the impression that mathematics is devoid of common sense. It is my opinion that once this way of teaching is replaced by "a common sense" method of teaching, research minds will benefit to a large extent.
Friday, October 06, 2006
தமிழில் எனது பயணம்
தமிழில் எனது பதிவை ஆரம்பிக்க முயற்சி செய்கிறேன். உங்கள் ஆதரவு இதற்கும் உண்டு என்று நம்புகிறேன்.
நன்றி,
ர.ஸ்ரீவத்சன்
நன்றி,
ர.ஸ்ரீவத்சன்
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Core
Hi all,
when I was in my second year of Engineering (1997), my interests in life were (1) chatting with friends, (2) thinking about what was likely to be on the lunch menu at udayar kadai, (3) catch the bus at 5.15 PM to catch a glimpse of ................ (why should you bother?). It wasn't until my final semester in Engineering that I began thinking about my professional (!) career. Being aloof to what was happening around me had one positive effect; I escaped the "software wave".
Look at what is happening today: A cousin of mine, a very studious fellow, is in his second year of mechanical engineering. what follows is his email to me yesterday..
"
when I was in my second year of Engineering (1997), my interests in life were (1) chatting with friends, (2) thinking about what was likely to be on the lunch menu at udayar kadai, (3) catch the bus at 5.15 PM to catch a glimpse of ................ (why should you bother?). It wasn't until my final semester in Engineering that I began thinking about my professional (!) career. Being aloof to what was happening around me had one positive effect; I escaped the "software wave".
Look at what is happening today: A cousin of mine, a very studious fellow, is in his second year of mechanical engineering. what follows is his email to me yesterday..
"
hi h r u we r fine here
i hope now to get into either TCS or CTS (IT companies but now iam feeling that it is prestigious to join in core industry but it is too tedious a job for me since i got a low cgpa. Yet i wish to join. what I want from you is info on what can i do now to join in core discipline i confess that iam very poor in design and drawing.
further I also want to know WHAT WILL BE WORK GIVEN TO ME IF I JOIN IN L&T BAJAJ ASHOK LEYLAND ETC. i want a detailed mail from u about this. Further please tell advantages and disadvantages in joining both core and it industry
"
And the great Srivathsan (researcher !!!!!) with an air of superiority replied
"
Nice to get an email from you. As I told you before, there are several options for you and you must try and explore them all before coming to a conclusion. All jobs are prestigious enough and none is better than the other. The kind of job one chooses depends on what one wants in life. Some choose software because it pays well. Some choose the core industry because that is where they feel their hearts lie. Some also get into research. It is too early for you to announce that you want to specialize in something and that you are weak in design and drawing. At some stage, no matter what you choose to do for your life, you will need a combination of core and computational skills to succeed. So now that you have realized that you are "weak" in drawing and design, you need to work harder on acquiring these basic skills. Also, make sure you are very strong in basic mathematics, mechanics,thermodynamics, and manufacturing processes. These will help you no matter what you choose.plus, also learn a few computing languages like C, C++,MATLAB etc.
I don't know what engineers do at Ashok leyland etc. you need to ask your seniors who are placed there. maintain a good rapport with them.
email when u find time..
good luck,
regds,
srivathsan
"
hmmmmm, I am very happy for people like this; they are very responsible so early in their lives. The problem though, is, these people get a very disillusioned view of the core curriculum. Professors, institutions need to work on this aspect.
iam waiting for ur reply
"
And the great Srivathsan (researcher !!!!!) with an air of superiority replied
"
Nice to get an email from you. As I told you before, there are several options for you and you must try and explore them all before coming to a conclusion. All jobs are prestigious enough and none is better than the other. The kind of job one chooses depends on what one wants in life. Some choose software because it pays well. Some choose the core industry because that is where they feel their hearts lie. Some also get into research. It is too early for you to announce that you want to specialize in something and that you are weak in design and drawing. At some stage, no matter what you choose to do for your life, you will need a combination of core and computational skills to succeed. So now that you have realized that you are "weak" in drawing and design, you need to work harder on acquiring these basic skills. Also, make sure you are very strong in basic mathematics, mechanics,thermodynamics, and manufacturing processes. These will help you no matter what you choose.plus, also learn a few computing languages like C, C++,MATLAB etc.
I don't know what engineers do at Ashok leyland etc. you need to ask your seniors who are placed there. maintain a good rapport with them.
email when u find time..
good luck,
regds,
srivathsan
"
hmmmmm, I am very happy for people like this; they are very responsible so early in their lives. The problem though, is, these people get a very disillusioned view of the core curriculum. Professors, institutions need to work on this aspect.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
"Why didn't the bells toll for them"
I am very tired of the long journey to India and seek solace at the New Delhi airport. I look up to see uniformed commandos in camouflage uniforms assembling to board a plane, most probably for an excercise somewhere.
I am proud of them, not because they show "patriotism" in battles with another small country but because they bear and have borne the brunt of all political misadventures over the years. I think of one great misadventure in an island, ordered by a primeminister who was a commercial pilot and became primeminister only because he was son of a slain prime minister and who was ill-advised by people who did not understand.
People here, who claim to be this land's own (sons of the soil syndrome) showed their wrath against these uniformed cadres who went there at the behest of the genius prime-minister by not welcoming them back home. Agreed, it is their policy to not support people who went to fight against their "brothers". But now and even then, it is the same sons-of the soil who align themselves with the party that sent these uniforms.
The uniforms have shown no grudge, not that they have a choice, they go about doing what is required of them despite the fact that the bells didn't toll for them.
The bells will toll for the "sons-of-the-soil".
I am proud of them, not because they show "patriotism" in battles with another small country but because they bear and have borne the brunt of all political misadventures over the years. I think of one great misadventure in an island, ordered by a primeminister who was a commercial pilot and became primeminister only because he was son of a slain prime minister and who was ill-advised by people who did not understand.
People here, who claim to be this land's own (sons of the soil syndrome) showed their wrath against these uniformed cadres who went there at the behest of the genius prime-minister by not welcoming them back home. Agreed, it is their policy to not support people who went to fight against their "brothers". But now and even then, it is the same sons-of the soil who align themselves with the party that sent these uniforms.
The uniforms have shown no grudge, not that they have a choice, they go about doing what is required of them despite the fact that the bells didn't toll for them.
The bells will toll for the "sons-of-the-soil".
Monday, April 10, 2006
Lush Green
Lush Green:
I stopped stunned. It would be an understatement to say she was beautiful: dressed in a green churidhar, she was more than what mortal words could describe, those black eye-lashes maddened me; her long black hair was set immaculately. My mind registered all these descriptions in probably half a minute and then I realized she was gone. I had the habit of strolling around campus after lunch everyday and it was by chance I met this damsel. A small grin spread across my face; probably she was just another girl.
It was the month of February, the monsoons having lashed out in full fury just beginning to subside and the sun slowly beginning to peep out. (In three or four weeks, the scorching sun would be on)! There was a gentle breeze blowing causing lazy ripples in the small pools of rain water. Somewhere in a distant corner I could hear the tea shop owner’s assembled sound system yelling a famous old song. Days I cherish forever…
I watched them for a while and proceeded to my class.
Classes in my dear India where teachers were considered Gods! I was late for the class as usual and the lecturer looked at me with an air of superiority for a moment and then allowed me to get in. I ensconced myself in my favorite last bench and my hands involuntarily searched for a pen with my notebook wide open. The lecturer continued in his monotonous voice “First law of thermodynamics for a closed system states that ……………………..” I began to dream. She was the first thing that crossed my mind and she was the only thing. I had never felt like that before. Where would she be now? The question seemed absurd. How did it matter to me? A strange feeling crept over me. She meant something to me. A temporary lapse in my dreams was brought about by the lecturer raising his voice. He was solving a problem. I looked at my watch. Fifteen more minutes to go. The attendant who rang the bell was my best friend on-campus, he has relieved me of many a boring lecture. I packed my bag to go. There she was in the same bus too. This time she saw me too. I shifted my eyes instantly to the other side. I can’t tell how many times my eyes met hers, all this happening while Hariharan (the singer) in his sweetest voice was trying in vain to attract our attention.
Days galloped and weeks hastened to an end. It became my everyday schedule (and it looked like hers too) to take a walk past the library after lunch and during breaks we had. Just as we neared each other, our eyes looked into each other’s and then we walked on. I had my share of disappointments too when I walked hopefully and didn’t find her. My very good friend used to accompany me on such “purposeful” walks. He wanted to find out if what I was bragging about (to him alone of course) was true enough. He found out that she showed some interest in me too. This exercise went on for a while.
My friend began to goad me to explain my feelings to her. I badly wanted to. People who have been in my state will realize what it means to propose to a girl. We are courageous when we are alone and preparing for the explanation. The scenario entirely changes when we meet the girl. All courage dies inside us at that moment and we end up saying nothing. Our friends don’t realize this till they encounter something in their life. In my friend’s view, I was a big coward not even able to propose to a girl.
That was my final year in college and we still hadn’t talked to each other. We had our farewell party that was customary. There was a lot of singing and dancing but I resigned myself to eating and watching all that. The folks were really enjoying themselves but I had a more important plan to execute, I had to propose. We came near each other and as usual, our eyes met. I could feel my friend watching me from a distance. I managed to stammer “hi” and that was all that I said. I got a “hi” in return and that was all that I got. The party was getting over slowly. Our eyes began to part. All that that should have been said during three years never got said, all explanations due went into thin air. I fancied I saw moisture in her eyes.
I got a job in a small factory at a place about 300 miles from my hometown. I came back to my hometown for a holiday. I saw this beautiful damsel of mine again at the local bus-stop. This time, I was determined to tell her. I approached her with a new-found determination inside me. I got near her. A man appeared from nowhere handing her a packet. She noticed me. “He is my husband”, she blurted out, carefully avoiding my eyes.
I shook hands with the man I hated the most and after a few uncomfortable niceties I left her. Lush green memories!
I stopped stunned. It would be an understatement to say she was beautiful: dressed in a green churidhar, she was more than what mortal words could describe, those black eye-lashes maddened me; her long black hair was set immaculately. My mind registered all these descriptions in probably half a minute and then I realized she was gone. I had the habit of strolling around campus after lunch everyday and it was by chance I met this damsel. A small grin spread across my face; probably she was just another girl.
It was the month of February, the monsoons having lashed out in full fury just beginning to subside and the sun slowly beginning to peep out. (In three or four weeks, the scorching sun would be on)! There was a gentle breeze blowing causing lazy ripples in the small pools of rain water. Somewhere in a distant corner I could hear the tea shop owner’s assembled sound system yelling a famous old song. Days I cherish forever…
I watched them for a while and proceeded to my class.
Classes in my dear India where teachers were considered Gods! I was late for the class as usual and the lecturer looked at me with an air of superiority for a moment and then allowed me to get in. I ensconced myself in my favorite last bench and my hands involuntarily searched for a pen with my notebook wide open. The lecturer continued in his monotonous voice “First law of thermodynamics for a closed system states that ……………………..” I began to dream. She was the first thing that crossed my mind and she was the only thing. I had never felt like that before. Where would she be now? The question seemed absurd. How did it matter to me? A strange feeling crept over me. She meant something to me. A temporary lapse in my dreams was brought about by the lecturer raising his voice. He was solving a problem. I looked at my watch. Fifteen more minutes to go. The attendant who rang the bell was my best friend on-campus, he has relieved me of many a boring lecture. I packed my bag to go. There she was in the same bus too. This time she saw me too. I shifted my eyes instantly to the other side. I can’t tell how many times my eyes met hers, all this happening while Hariharan (the singer) in his sweetest voice was trying in vain to attract our attention.
Days galloped and weeks hastened to an end. It became my everyday schedule (and it looked like hers too) to take a walk past the library after lunch and during breaks we had. Just as we neared each other, our eyes looked into each other’s and then we walked on. I had my share of disappointments too when I walked hopefully and didn’t find her. My very good friend used to accompany me on such “purposeful” walks. He wanted to find out if what I was bragging about (to him alone of course) was true enough. He found out that she showed some interest in me too. This exercise went on for a while.
My friend began to goad me to explain my feelings to her. I badly wanted to. People who have been in my state will realize what it means to propose to a girl. We are courageous when we are alone and preparing for the explanation. The scenario entirely changes when we meet the girl. All courage dies inside us at that moment and we end up saying nothing. Our friends don’t realize this till they encounter something in their life. In my friend’s view, I was a big coward not even able to propose to a girl.
That was my final year in college and we still hadn’t talked to each other. We had our farewell party that was customary. There was a lot of singing and dancing but I resigned myself to eating and watching all that. The folks were really enjoying themselves but I had a more important plan to execute, I had to propose. We came near each other and as usual, our eyes met. I could feel my friend watching me from a distance. I managed to stammer “hi” and that was all that I said. I got a “hi” in return and that was all that I got. The party was getting over slowly. Our eyes began to part. All that that should have been said during three years never got said, all explanations due went into thin air. I fancied I saw moisture in her eyes.
I got a job in a small factory at a place about 300 miles from my hometown. I came back to my hometown for a holiday. I saw this beautiful damsel of mine again at the local bus-stop. This time, I was determined to tell her. I approached her with a new-found determination inside me. I got near her. A man appeared from nowhere handing her a packet. She noticed me. “He is my husband”, she blurted out, carefully avoiding my eyes.
I shook hands with the man I hated the most and after a few uncomfortable niceties I left her. Lush green memories!
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