i vs myself

It's going to be I v/s myself from now on.

Bring it on baby...

just 5 minutes

"Just 5 minutes"

I came out of the interview room and saw AB standing there. "How was it?" he asked. "It was good," I said. "But it took just 5 minutes for them," I concluded. "No dude, it was not that short. It was more than 20 minutes, check your watch," said AB. I checked my watch. Yes indeed, it was no that short. For the first time I realized that time actually passed so fast. I did not realize it at all.

"Yes, It was good" - my first thought. I term it as a 'feel good' experience. Overall I did not feel any pressure (I accept I was nervous in start. I actually repeated one whole line in an answer). In fact I enjoyed it. I am 4-5 Mock PI veteran and I can easily vouch that this was the best experience I have had. The interaction was healthy where the jury (or panel, whatever you want to call it) actually helped me in every way to express myself. There were some funny and light moments that helped me tune my thought process. As it was the first PI in the day, all the jury member showed their interest in listening to me. That kind of environment make you feel better.

What now?

I do not bother much. As I said it was a feel good moment for me. And I know next time I enter another interview room, I will have more confidence in myself. I will have some good memories and experience from this instance to keep my spirited. As someone said, "sometimes the journey is the reward" I know I had one such journey.

The fish market

The GD which took place before the PI was not a bad experience either. 10-11 people sitting around a table tried to discuss "change in investing patterns of Indian middle class" Lots of ideas and facts were thrown out for discussion. Some grabbed group's attention while some just lost their way. There were moments were we behaved like fish traders. But still, we did a good job. I myself am not satisfied with my contribution. This GD was a good eye-opener. It showed me so many gray areas in my preparations and behavior. I need lot of improvement and this is going to be the highest priority in my life now.

the moment

It's not the most comforting situation to be in. Expectations are sky high. Dreams too. Last few days have been those fight-within-myself types. Soul searching has its added disadvantages. In long term, though, I think the pluses will overtake the minuses.

The dilemma is still prevalent, so is the determination to come out of it. Many a times in my life I did not know about "What I wanted to do?". But at those same times, I always knew "What I did not want to do?". This theory of elimination works. It works most of the times. At least for me.

But I think it is time for me to actualy make a informed decision.

RD said it correctly, "There are two ways to go about it. Either you learn trick of the trade or you learn the trade itself."

I guess I have always taken the shortcut, and it is the time for me to find my own way. It's the time I learn the trade.

"Why?" is the question that needs answers.
And I am going to find the same.

taare zameen par - an honest effort

I can not recall any movie from recent time where the songs related so much to the movie's theme. Poetry gives life to the soul. And Prasoon's words do the same for TZP. They touch the heart and take my words - the tears that you saw in those eyes all around you in theatre were reflection of might of these words. Check this -

"Aksahr Jo Nache Kya Khayi Hai Bhang?
Idiot Duffer Lazy Crazy
Idiot,Aye Duffer,Lazy,Crazy
Kyun Bhasha Kharaab,Kyun Na Dete Jawaab?
Kyun Karte Nahin Try, Why Why But Why Why Cant
You?"

These words bring Ishan to life. It became so easy to relate to Ishan after listening to the song "Bheja Kam". Songs in TZP build the characters and bring the storyline to motion. Be it Nikumbh's entry with song "Bum bum bole" or Ishan's heart speaking in "Maa".

Brilliant!!!

The unending energy and enthusiasm that Aamir showed in "Bum bum bole" speaks volume about his commitment to cinema as medium. He is a proclaimed perfectionist and TZP goes well to suit his style of work. It's him after all. Cinema as a medium as immense power. And it takes someone like Aamir's hard work to prove that. OSO will always remain a superhit but it will never be able to prove Cinema's real intent as a instrument of bringing about change.

Coming back to the movie, if you take TZP as just a movie about kids suffering from dyslexia, you are missing the whole point. Ishan is just the medium. TZP is a story about our children. It's a story about the dreams that we thrust in those tiny eyes. It's a story about how wrong can we be in making those sweet little strive for our own failures. It's about some of those unfulfilled dreams from our childhood. It's about how we have changed ourself in this world.

Nikumbh says it right "Aaj sabhi ko engineer and doctor chahiye. 95%, 95.5%m 96 % is not enough. We need every child to score 99%. Sabhi ungaliya barabar nahi hoti, par nahi, ham to usko kheech kar lamba karna chahte hai.. phir bhale hi vo toot hi kyun nahi jaaye"

Every parent should watch this movie. You child may not be like Ishan (thank god for that) but then do not try to make a Ishan out of him. In the movie, though, Ishan is the winner in end. Butevery time we may not have a Nikumbh around.

Respect every child. Respect them for what they are.

Big applause Aamir. It's brilliant effort. I really respect your commitment for cinema.

I pledge for Shashank. Do you?

Here is a mail from Shashank. My personal request to go through it. If you are interested to pledge for him or want more info, feel free to contact him at given mail id. Or else you can always contact me at jain.pritesh@gmail.com

Heylo! J

I am back with my Marathon running! :)

Short personal update:

For those of you who are interested in knowing where I have been all this while as far as Marathon running and pledge raising is concerned, here is what has been happening:

Mumbai Marathon, Jan '07, where I participated in the Full Marathon (42.195 km) I got injured. Although, I completed it but I nearly gave up running after that. Recently after some medical help, I have been training for the upcoming Mumbai Marathon, Jan '08, in the Half Marathon Category ( 21.097 km).
The good news has been that it has been going on well! :)

What am I doing:

Off I go to Mumbai to participate in Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon ( http://scmm.indiatimes.com/) in Half Marathon category on 20^th January '08.

Why I am doing so:

Apart from my personal passion to run, I dedicate my run this time for Ananya children.

Ananya management needs funds for construction of hostels for children thereby attempting to reach out to more children in the society.

What you can do:

1) Just call/write/say to me that you support me! J

2) Pledge for me, i.e. donate money to Ananya!

3) Forward this note of mine to as many people as you can. Ask them to pledge for me.

Your pledges will not only reach to a really passionate NGO but will also encourage me in effort! J

How can you donate:

· Visit the page that I have created at the GIVE India Site.

http://www.giveindia.org/give/pledgepage/ShashankGupta

The website helps you out with how you can proceed.

· In case, you have any problems or don't wish to donate via website, write a mail to me at:

Shashank Gupta amitabh.bachchan.bigb@gmail.com

I will be eager to help you out!

After you donate:

You will get receipts from GIVE INDIA. Ananya can accept money in INR/UK Pounds/USD. So, feel free to contribute from wherever you are! J

Final word from me:

Sometimes my well wishers have felt apprehensive thinking that I may not appreciate a small amount pledge considering the fact that my target is in 6 digits. Please rest aside such inhibitions and support me with however you can! For me the spirit is more important!

Thanks a lot for your taking time to read this mail of mine. I will be back with more updates!

Best regards,
Shashank Gupta.

About Ananya: ( http://ananyatrust.blogspot.com/).

Ananya is an NGO working with underprivileged children providing them with food, shelter and education. Education in this school is 'non-formal'. They do not follow classroom, standard system and the education is customized based on the capacity of a child. Respecting the uniqueness of a kid is one of the core values Ananya has been practicing and preaching for close to 10 years now.

About Marathons:

Marathons are often seen as fund raising events for charities. A lot of people run in Marathons dedicating their run as 'Run for Cause'. They run to convey a message to the world about their passion and belief about some cause of their thereby generating awareness and seeking support.

Good Game is on...

Heard this in a song from Johnny Gaddar:

क्या होगा वो है तेरी किस्मत
लेकिन बाजी खेलेगा इस वक्त...

Yes. I am doing the same.
The good game is on.

ps: It's a sixer. :)

Amen...

It was a beautiful dream. I saw it on a chilly morning snuggled up in my cozy blanket. Logic compels me to think that it's just an extension of my thought process. But I would love to defy my logic today. I am dreamer and I want this dream to come true.

A moment to cherish for the whole life.

May this dream comes true.

Amen...

Garv nahi to kuch nahi...

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suspended its tour of Australia pending the outcome of an appeal for suspended spinner Harbhajan Singh.

"The Board will appeal to the International Cricket Council to review the decision of the Match Referee and suspend its operation till the appeal is disposed of," the BCCI said in a statement released on Monday.

- rediff report

my two cents: I am really proud of BCCI for taking this action. "The Indian Board realises the game of cricket is paramount but so too is the honour of the Indian team and for that matter every Indian." - this speaks volumes about the passion we have in game of cricket.

chalo bhatinda - chalo ludhiana

Euro study notes says "Eighty out of every 100 Mercedes S Class sold in India are sold in Ludhiana."

One more reason why we should leave Bangalore and move to bhatinda or ludhiana. :)

ps: News clip taken from youthcurry by Rashmi Bansal.

Stories from the far lands

Life at home [Maheshwar] is really different. It's relaxed and peaceful. Imagine this - for 15 long days I did not curse my boss. No tension of work [or no work], share market or girls. Last one is a surprise for me too. Luckily this time my parents did not bother me [much] with this. :)

It feels so great when two little monsters wake you up every morning to go for a morning walk to river side. My nephew and cousin made it a point to wake me up every morning at 6:00 am. How could they get up so early automatically is a question to be answered. Here in Bangalore 2 screeching alarms can not do the same in these chilly mornings. Early morning fresh air filled our lungs and pumped in all the energy to keep us active the whole day. That followed by sight of sun rising. River Narmada is very beautiful in this stretch in MP. Watching people taking holy dip in the river, offering their prayers to maa narmada, kids learning swimming from their grand-dads - so simple and beautiful a morning to start a new day. An inspiring sight was many people coming to ghat to feed fishes. They came with home made fish food and fed the fishes. They do it every day without fail.

Breakfast followed as soon as we reached home. Sardi ke laddoo, Poha and loads of namkeens. We Indorians have a capacity to eat namkeens. We can survive on them. Give us namkeen any hour of the day and we will be a happy clan.

Play time from here till evening. Lunch and some more rounds of namkeens to take some breaks from playing. Lunch at home are grand affairs. On a normal day too, you can have a 3 course meal. Sweets and Namkeens are found in our kitchen as abundantly as salt and sugar. It's winter time so Hola [I don't know english word for same], singada and ganna (sugarcane) can be enjoyed too. We had great time fighting for that last singada left in the basket. :)

Evening it was the same walk, this time to witness the sun set. I have never seen sun so beautiful. Day and again we saw it setting in the backdrop of a temple in river and some boats making their usual trips. The reflection in water make you think so much. I did think for some time too. Not much though. I was on a break yaar. :)

The palace on the banks on Narmada is beautiful. Everyday we explored new parts of it. Temples, corridors and other sides that we had never seen. Little kids have so much enthu that you automatically forget all your laziness. I used my camera after so long.

Being at home means early dinner and then lazying in night. The towns sleeps early. So we played indoor games. And were in bed by 10:30 pm types. Evening was the only time we enjoyed the idiot box. A cheerful end to a cheerful day. Getting ready for a new day ahead.

Overall a really satisfying day. My vacation this time was filled with such days. I really enjoyed it a lot.

Missing you all :(