Without U

I never assumed life to be so,
Without your smile without your sight,
Why should I think of what might
Have been mine, for what should I fight?

No reasons remain to breathe anymore,
No pleasures left, the pain flows
The dreams have been crushed and hanged on walls
Painted in my blood and my soul calls,
For you and you again.... 

Grant me my share of this life,
Why should I cry when everyone smiles?
Give me something to build my hopes on,
My feel to live, to go on.
Without a choice without a reason,
Here I remain lost in every season.

There’s no more any devil there is God no more,
no time no space no light anymore.
Dragging this listless form along the ground,
it has been a burden with you not around.

Get Rich by Making Own Daughter Prostitute

In today’s world, money is everything, if we have money we can buy bread, good living, good education good life style and so on, But if we don’t have enough to fulfill own and our family member’s needs, then what to do, we have daughter who is just 15 years old why not make her prostitute, Because some people are so rich they are ready to pay any amount to sleep with girl who is just 15 years old. How does it sound…..

I came across very dishearten and sadden story which will show you the grey side of society. This is the story of a girl named Geeta. Who were living with her grand mom in a very small village of UP.  Her father named Chaman, mother and brother were living in New Delhi. Her father was hawker and run a small vegetable shop. Rising inflation and tough competition were making their life miserable. Forget about good life for them, it was very tough for them to arrange bread daily. Apart from family in Delhi, her father also has to send money to his Mother so that his daughter and mother could survive in village. With each passing day, population in India is increasing so does Inflation which give rise to other problems in society. There was a guy named Mohan known as commission agent, who used to come at Geeta’s father shop daily. One day Geeta father discussed his problems with that agent. Geeta’s father shared what he is going through how life is getting tough for them. While talking He told to that agent, that he has one daughter who is just 15 years old and his mom also in a village near Agra. He also has to send money to both of them. The guy was commission agent but basically a pimp for ESCORTS. He proposed one offer to Geeta’s father, Bring your daughter to Delhi, and then you can earn as much money as you want.

Immediately, Geeta father went to village ask her to come to Delhi with him by saying that she can go to new and better school and make her life well. Geeta went with her father. Her very own father took her to that agent and then the actual business started. Geeta cried, shouted, refused but her father always forced her to do this, if she still insists not to go. Her father will beat her and make sure she is going to sleep with customers every day. Is Money that much important? This bloody father is forcing her daughter daily to become sex worker. They start getting decent money. Days passed no one were ready to ready Geeta’s problem. With the time her father greed was increasing day by day. At the same time, Mohan offered again one proposal to her father, why not we go for permanent source of income; by selling her daughter to the red light area of Moradabad UP. Geeta was asked to go to Moradabad with some so called token money. Geeta boarded the bus, but she got down in between to some village named Sambhal. Another agent was waiting for Geeta at Moradabad. So that he can receive Geeta and took her to brothels of Moradabad. As Geeta didn't reach Moradabad, her parents were worried about money or her daughter. They checked with Mohan and Mohan suggested Geeta’s parents that they should file a police complaint against her missing daughter. Police will defiantly find her daughter and we can recollect the money.

Police started investigation; they didn't even find their daughter and also find the bitter truth behind all this. Geeta was very upset and no one was ready to listen to her problems. She was so much frustrated, she doesn't want this life. So she got down Sambhal and started working as a maid there.

We all consider our parents God’s gift to us. They have given birth to us. They gives us food of eat. They give us clothes to wear. They send us to school. They teach us good things. They nurse us when we are sick. They take care of our needs. They strive best to fulfill our needs. And Mother and daughter relation is considered to be closet relationship in humankind. Mother can feel the pain of her children without being told by them, But in this case when Geeta told her mother she doesn't like this. Please try to understand my problem. Then her mother replied When you have done once what is the problem in doing again. We can fulfill our basic needs only by this mean. On the other hand, fathers act in a protective, supportive and responsible way towards their children. But what kind of father is Chaman.Now Geeta’s father, mother and agent Mohan is behind bars. And Geeta is sent to rehabilitation center in Delhi.

I ask you again, Money is that much important that one should make his daughter prostitute sell all family values, humanity.

P.S. I came across this story through Crime Patrol Series telecast-ed on Sony Channel.and all the pictures are taken from internet. 

What is Prayer

Question – What is Prayer? Ans. – Prayer is wonder, reverence. Prayer is receptivity for the miracle that surrounds you. Prayer is surrender to the beauty, to the grandeur to this fantastic existence. Prayer is non-argumentative dialogue with existence. It is not a discussion… it is a love-dialogue. You don’t argue… you simply whisper sweet nothings. When a man falls in love with a woman he whispers sweet nothings into her ear. When a man falls into love with existence… the same romance: prayer is romance. It is becoming available to the miraculous. Many people have lost the capacity to pray, because many people have lost the capacity to wonder. They have lost the capacity to be surprised. You go on seeing millions of wonders every day but you are not surprised at all. Your eyes are so full of dust and knowledge that you don’t see anything. A seed is sprouting, and you don’t see any wonder. A new leaf coming out of the tree, and you don’t see any wonder. A bird singing, and nothing happens inside you. A peacock dances, and nothing dances inside you. A white cloud floats in the sky, and you remain untouched. Then prayer is impossible. Prayer needs a poetic heart, a loving heart. Approach reality more poetically — don’t be too much of a scientist, don’t be too much of a rationalist. don’t think that you know; nothing is really known — ignorance is absolute, ignorance is ultimate. Once you understand that nothing is known, and ignorance is ultimate, you will again be full of those beautiful eyes you had when you were small children. Prayer is the capacity to be amazed. prayer is the capacity that you had as children, and you have lost. Claim it — reclaim it — because with prayer you have lost all. The day your wondering eyes closed, God became nonexistential to you. Open your wondering eyes again, and you will find him pulsating again. He’s very close by… he’s all around you… he is within and without.                                                                                        Source – Osho Book “The Divine Melody”

My 5th Service Anniversary

That was a Monday, unlike others I had in life. Fresh formals, tie, black shoes all together in a combo, for the first time. To top it all, nicely trimmed hair and clean shave. Boy 'o boy that was the smartest I ever looked.

For the first time there wasn't a feeling of alone in a group of completely unknowns. All of us stuffed in the bus together, heading towards the campus, of which we had a fleeting glance the day before. Being a chatter box is gender agnostic, it was discovery made that day. Years have passed since that Monday. Walk has been a long one, held some hands, others just shook and left. 

Its Monday again, with the same date and a gap of half a decade time to hit the rewind button in forward mode...

in cricketing terms, it’s a 4 off a no ball. Plus 5 on the board, free hit to follow.

Confusing ;) Well, Today I completed 5 years with Infosys.

Nine Principles for Peace of Mind

1.    Do Not Interfere In Others’ Business Unless Asked

Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others’ affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, our direction. This thinking denies the existence of individuality and consequently the existence of God… God has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act inexactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do because God within them prompts them that way. Mind your own business and you will keep your peace.

2.    Forgive And Forget

This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us. We nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering it. Get over this bad habit. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive, Forget, and march on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.

3.    Do Not Crave For Recognition

This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you. Why do you wish to kill yours if in striving for their recognition? Their recognition is not worth the aggravation. Do your duties ethically and sincerely.

4.    Do Not Be Jealous

We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not. You started a business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbor whose business is only one year old. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should you be jealous? No. Remember everybody’s life is shaped by his/her destiny, which has now become his/her reality. If you are destined to be rich, nothing in the world can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help you either. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere; it will only take away your peace of mind.

5.    Change Yourself According To The Environment

If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment. As you do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.

6.    Endure What Cannot Be Cured

This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control. If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them cheerfully. Believe in yourself and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength and will power.

7.    Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

This maxim needs to be remembered constantly. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations… Why take on additional loads that may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities. Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayer, introspection and meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you restless. Uncluttered mind will produce greater peace of mind.

8.    Never Leave The Mind Vacant

An empty mind is the devil’s workshop. All evil actions start in the vacant mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile. Actively follow a hobby. Do something that holds your interest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work or religious work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or chanting of God’s name.

9.    Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret

Do not waste time in protracted wondering “Should I or shouldn’t I?” Days, weeks, months, and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Value your time and do the things that need to be done. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over the past. DO NOT REGRET. Whatever happened was destined to happen only that way. Why cry over spilt milk?

National Week Vacation – Part 1 (Hong Kong)

Back after a much deserved break nearly after 10 days, thanks to National week in China. I seriously liked the Funda of National week in China. Basically, there are two week holidays in China. One week in October of every year. Some people called it Golden week, some called National week. These national holidays were first started by the government for the Public Republic of China’s National Day in 1999 and are primarily intended to help expand the domestic tourism market and improve the national standard of living, as well as allowing people to make long-distance family visits. And another one week off is during Chinese New Year which is around January and February of every year. Last year also I was in China during National week, but due to some work I couldn't make any trip to utilize it. So this year I want to make most of it. So I planned to visit Hong Kong, Macau and Shenzhen with my other two friends.

I started from Shanghai to Shenzhen; as Shenzhen is located on the border with the Hong Kong (which is also known as Special Administrative Region – SAR of China). From Shenzhen you can go to Hong Kong, via bus, ferry and metro. As long as I landed to Hong Kong; a bus was ready to depart for Hong Kong after 10 minutes. So without any hassle, we three boarded the bus and reached Hong Kong Border. Immigration process seems to be so funny you exited from one country and after few steps you are entering into another country. Hong Kong provides on arrival visa and as I already have china visa so there was no problem during immigration check. As we were not carrying anything extra so problem happened also during custom checks. After completing the immigration process we again took the same bus and reached Hong Kong within one hour. Hong Kong, I would say deeply populated area as compared to China. You will find so many people on roads, metro, malls etc. Even though it SAR of china, still I feel it is much advanced as compared to China. China is communist on the other hand Hong Kong is democratic country. Hong Kong I found mostly surrounded by foreigners/expats mainly Indian, Russian. During my stay in Hong Kong I didn’t feel I am out of India. It was so good to see so many Indian after so much time. After reaching there we checked in hotel and start exploring nearby area. The nearby area was surrounded by so many pubs, bars. And we got a chance to enjoy Indian Pakistan match. I enjoyed a cricket match and Heineken after ages. After dinner we came back to hotel.

Next morning, as planned we started for Disney Land. It took around 40 minutes to reach Disney Land.  The Disney Land Park consists of six themed areas: Main Street, U.S.A, Fantasy Land, Adventure Land, Tomorrow Land, Grizzly Gulch and Toy Story Land. Main Street, U.S.A, is the first "themed land" inside the main entrance of the many 'Disneyland'; it has a train station above the entrance which covers the aerial view of whole Disney Land. We also tried this and it was seriously an amazing experience. Main Street also cover markets to buy souvenir from Disney Land.  Fantasy Land features Sleeping Beauty Castle, as well as the Fantasy Gardens where costumed Disney characters can be met. Hong Kong Disneyland's Adventure land is the biggest among all Disney parks.  It is themed to resemble the remote jungles in Africa, Asia, South America, and the South Pacific. Tomorrow land at Hong Kong Disneyland features an emphasis on metallic trim, dominated by blue and purple hues. Each version of the land is different and features numerous attractions that depict views of the future. Toy story land is the first new themed land implemented in Hong Kong Disney Land; it is themed using bamboo to act as giant blades of grass surrounding the area, toy story land uses the characters from Toy Story Movies. Grizzly Gulch is the new concept in Hong Kong Disney Land. This themed land reminisce an abandoned mining town called "Grizzly Gulch", set a midst mountains and woods. We covered almost every part of the land. You can find Mickey Mouse everywhere in Disney land starting from metro to Disney land to clothes to food to flip flops.

We also tried Big Grizzly Mountain Mine Car basically a roller coaster ride in Grizzly Gulch. There was also one more roller coaster ride in the completed dark. It was horrible yet adventurous. The best part is the moment you are out of the rides. Your pictures will already be waiting to show your expressions during rides. J At the end of day, around 19:30 PM we also witnessed nightly frameworks performance at the Hong Kong and event is known as “Disney in Stars”.

It was nice experience to visit Disney land but I feel the kids and girls will be more enticed with Disney Land as compared to Guys like me. So we were done with Disney Land by the end of the day.

To all who come to this happy place, welcome. Many years ago, Walt Disney introduced the world to enchanted realms of fantasy and adventure, yesterday and tomorrow, in a magical place called Disneyland. Today that spirit of imagination and discovery comes to life in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Disneyland is dedicated to the young and the young at heart - with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration, and an enduring symbol of the cooperation, friendship and understanding between the people of Hong Kong and the United States of America. – Message from Walt Disney

Hong Kong is also characterized by low taxation and free trade, so there is huge difference in prices of clothes, perfumes and electronic goods. Next morning we went to Apple store to check IPhone 5 price. It is around 39k which is less than India and in China is yet to be launched. But to buy IPhone 5 you have to register on Apple Site if you get mail in response. You can go to store and buy IPhone 5. Basically it is lottery system and the store manager was saying you will be very lucky if you get mail within same day. And probability is one in thousands. In China, I have seen people crazy for IPhone and may be same scene with Hong Kong Residents.  After Apple Store, we visited IFC mall to do little bit of shopping and trust me perfumes were really cheap in Hong Kong. I also believe - Make Hay whiles the Sun Shines. So I also took the advantage of the opportunity being in Hong Kong.

After shopping we planned to visit Victoria Harbor. Victoria Harbor is a natural land form harbor situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. It is famous for its stunning panoramic night view and skyline, particularly in the direction towards Hong Kong Land where the skyline of skyscrapers is superimposed over the ridges behind. And it is major attraction for the tourists. It was worth visit to Victoria Harbor.

Another attraction point for tourist in Hong Kong is Victoria Peak. Victoria Peak is a mountain in Hong Kong from where you can see 360 view of Hong Kong and offers spectacular views of the city and its harbors.. We visited there via Peak Tram which is funicular railway. It runs from Central District to Victoria Peak via Mid – Levels.

When the sun goes down, the traders have already laid out their wares and the opera singers and fortune tellers begin to emerge. Welcome to the Temple Street Night Market, a popular street bazaar, named after a Tin Hau temple located in the center of its main drag, and a place so steeped in local atmosphere that it has served as the backdrop to many a memorable movie.
Yes, the last destination for us in Hong Kong was The Night Market. It started from 7 pm and last whole night. Trinkets, tea ware, electronics, watches, menswear, jade and antiques are scrutinized and haggled over, while clay pot rice, seafood, noodles and other treats are consumed with gusto. Temple Street Night Market is an enduring example of the theater and festivity of a Chinese market. So this was my Hong Kong Trip. It was nice and mesmerizing experience.

I will cover the Macau, Shenzhen in the next blog.This is my first blog under Travel category. Hope you all will like.

When Developer Meets Tester….

In layman terms, a developer is a person who develops the application which could be an application a web-site or some other piece of work which runs in the background which end user cannot see. On the other hand, tester is a person who tests the application against customer requirements before delivering it to customer or we can say Testers basically verifies Developers work. How could be the relationship when developer meets tester… As per my experience being a developer I don’t like tester’s job much, I think their jobs doesn't require much of brain. (No offense to Testers).Also, I don’t like someone find errors/bug in my work (code) and asked me to fix it again. And many times I had huge fight with testers during release of work. And what if a composed, prudent, amicable developer Aadi (Aditya) meets an egotist, diligent, ardent tester Smriti…. We know opposite poles attract each other; but how about in real life.

Smriti, a Punjabi gal moved into real time production after cleared her initial training. When she reported to her assigned manager; she asked Aadi to give her knowledge transfer session about the account, processes to be followed, and formalities to be completed for the on-boarding of her. Aadi as described above a composed person who already had two years of IT experience was working as developer. Smriti who just came into production was assigned as tester for the same project. First project for Smriti; believing on the fact – First Impression is last impression she completed her first release of work with full diligence. Due to ambiguous requirements from customer, Smriti raised so many defects/issues against Aadi. Generally, when a tester raises a defect it is against developer’s work not against developer. But sometimes or I would rather say most of the time developer think it is against him/her. In our performance goal settings, the maximum number of defects is allowed up to 2 or 3. And Smriti raised 17 defects against Aadi which results in poor appraisal rating for Aadi. However, it was because of improper requirements; many were because of data issues. But defects are defects – His manager statement. Aadi was expecting promotion but he couldn’t get it because of poor ratings. So, fight started between both of them and it turned into big arguments.
Due to course of time, again one more release came and this time also Aadi and Smriti were working as developer and tester. In corporate world, even though you don’t like people around you, you don’t want to work with them; then also you have to be gentle with them. This time Smriti acted sensibly; she proactively checked the requirements directly with client and again discussed with other team members. This times no defects. Aadi was happy. He was impressed with Smriti’s work. Everybody was sending appreciation mails to Smriti. Being a fresher, she completed the work on time and delivered with sincerity. Her quality work brings her into limelight. Nature’s rule – if you work well; everybody will like and start talking about you.

Quarter finished, here come the quarterly project party. Smriti even though looks very simple, but her simplicity was enough to catch any guy’s attention. She dressed very nice nicely for the party. Every guy in the team was talking about her. The way she walks, she talks, she carries herself etc. So somewhere bells starts ringing in Aadi’s heart. In his past life, he never liked any girl so much. After the party he couldn’t sleep whole night. Next day onwards, he started craving for Smriti’s attention. He wanted to spend more and more time with Smriti. But stars were not much favorable; she was always surrounded by her friends. Be it for lunch, for coffee, evening refreshment, and for weekends no chance. He starts getting insecure day by day.

Without any further delay, he proposed Smriti on Office Communicator. It was for the first time he was proposing a girl, not sure how to propose and what to exactly say, he proposed in a very lucid way; which I think girls generally don’t like. For Smriti it was not the first time, someone was proposing her. She thought it as prank and said “No”. I am not looking for any relationship or anything. He said we can be good friends. She replied bluntly I have enough friends. Sorry Aadi, Don’t waste my time. Please let me work. LLL  

You can close your eyes to things you don't want to see, but you can't close your heart to the things you don't want to feel. – Author Unknown.

Day passed, months passed but nothing changed in the feelings of Aadi. With each passing day the intensity of his feelings was growing more and more. Finally a day came, when Smriti dropped a mail to whole team stating, Last Day in Hyderabad. She got transferred to Chandigarh. So Smriti’s team arranged a farewell for her on the same day. Smriti, was excited as she got what she desired for long time. On the other hand, Aadi was completely pulverized. He was confused not to know what to do, what to say, whether to go in the party or not. He thought let’s propose once again, you never know, maybe she agreed for the friendship. So, Aadi again proposed on the same day. Even she also wanted to talk to Aadi. Because she was thinking whatever happened in the past, it was prank from Aadi’s side. Before, Smriti could say something, Aadi immediately said Smriti, I don’t know what it is “But I think I love you and I have fallen for you”. While saying this tears rolled down from Aadi eyes and last line he said I am not liking this that you are going to Chandigarh, now I cannot see you and talk to you. And Aadi went from the party. Smriti totally speechless, now don’t know what to do. She likes Aadi but not the way Aadi likes her and relationship. She is Punjabi; Aadi is from south India, nothing is impossible, even though she gave thought about her relationship with Aadi. She left for Chandigarh next morning with mixed feeling. She dropped a message “Aadi you are a nice guy, I like you but not the way you like me. Even though I think about you, I know there is no future further. We hardly know each other. Good Bye. !!”

Trying to forget someone you love is like trying to remember someone you never met. - Cristina W.

 Aadi was not ready to forget Smriti, so he decided he will again try. Again chat started on communicator followed by late night sms chats. Aadi was not sure what is prevailing in Smriti’s mind. He thought of proposing again but when and where. It was 24th September 2011, Aadi’s birthday and Aadi wants to celebrate it with Smriti. So he booked the ticket. He flew to Chandigarh and directly went to office to meet Smriti. Smriti totally got surprised as she had no idea what Aadi is up to. It was third time, he was saying this thing to Smriti, I don’t know what it is “But I think I love you and I have fallen for you”. I generally don’t celebrate my birthday but this year I want to be with you on my birthday. This time Smriti also replied “I don’t know what it is but I think I like you, when you are not near I miss you , when you don’t pick my phone, I feel so insecure, I think I also love you and I have fallen for you.” Aadi wasn’t sure how to react. Generally it happens; when you want something and all of sudden you got that thing. You don’t know how to react. He thanks GOD, for giving the best birthday gift ever. As they both are from different states and cultures as well. It took more than 6 months for the both families to accept their relationship. Finally they got married in 24^th April 2012. Their love story is nothing less than roller coaster ride.

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. –Lao Tzu

P.S. This is not a mere fiction, I know Aditya from very long time. Today 24^th Septembeer 2012, on account of Aditya’s Birthday and their relationship anniversary I thought of writing this post. Hope you enjoyed the story.

Give me justice or let me die.

What will you say about a girl who is just 17 years old (9 year ago) having so many aspirations, studios; Just like any another college girl she also had dreams of brightening  her parent’s name and  today she is pleading for euthanasia.…… 

Well, I am talking about Sonali Mukherjee from Jharkhand who was pursing sociology honors in Dhanbad women’s college in 2003. Also juggling a job with a private firm and was part of the National Cadet Corps and was a senior sergeant. As I said she was very studious even she got scholarship from her college as well. She was very good looking at that time. She belongs to very a simple family. She has one younger brother and sister. Life was going so smooth for her. Her final year exams were approaching and she wants to concentrate more and more on studies. There were three men in her neighborhood one of who was in 40s and other two were 18 and 17 years old started trying to harass her; passing lewd comments and tails her; follows her. She got scared and frustrated and told about this incident to her father. Her father and brother complained to their families. But all in vain, instead of trying to make the things subtle, they blamed Sonali for everything saying today girls are like; there must be something wrong with your daughter. Passing comments, following, teasing continued for two and a half months; when it increased she decided to protest; she shouted at them in public and requested them to leave her alone. When she shouted at them; they got angry and thought of taking revenge. For the next 1 month or so there was no troublesome from their side. She thought now that three men will not trouble her again.

It was summer night of April, when whole family was asleep on the terrace of their house; she felt burning liquid splashed on her; melting away the flesh on her face, neck, the right part of her chest and lower torso. Yes, three men who were harassing her from past 2 months poured acid on Sonali’s face. That horrified acid attack on her also ended her dreams when she was hardly 17 years old. Her younger sister was also injured in the attack but she escaped with major injuries.

Her family took her to Dhanbad Hospital; she was continuously screaming in excruciating pain for next two days, there were no signs of improvement and deficiency of modern equipments for burnt cases Doctor’s referred her to Bokaro Hospital. Sonali was there for two months. Sonali’s father raised complaint against three of them. But no arrest had been taken place until Sonali’s Father approached Jharkhand Government. On the other side even after two months; when doctors not able to see any signs of improvement in Bokaro Hospital finally doctors suggested them Safdarjang Hospital New Delhi. Where, she underwent 22 surgeries. Doctors took skin from her thighs and grafted it on her nose and cheeks, to give it a modicum of shape.

Her father has spent Rs. 10-15 lakh in the court cases and on her treatment.. Her father, who had a menial job in a mill earning about Rs. 5,000 a month, has given up his job. Now, they need another 30 lakhs for further face reconstruction surgery.

Her younger sister, who also suffered acid burns on her hands and feet, was married off early; as they were getting threats and did not want it to ruin her life, so they got her married off. Her family was then forced to abandon their home in Dhanbad, and her mother slipped into depression. She also lost her grandfather who went into shock after the attack. They lost their ancestral land and jewels in her treatment, legal fee and innumerable hospital visits.

In the meanwhile, the youngest of the three men (one was 17 years old) was let off on account of being a juvenile, and after spending just 8 months he came out and leading a normal life; while the other two were convicted and sentenced by the district court in 2006 to nine year jail. However, they appealed in the high court, which granted them bail and they spend just 6 months behind bars and now they are both are on bail.

According to Sonali’s father, money was used at every stage of the case. "Justice was bought and sold. My own lawyer, who was my relative, took money from the accused and weakened our case."

Recalling the days immediately after the attack, Sonali said all she remembers is waking up in excruciating pain. "I would scream in pain, and fall unconscious.. I was like that for six months...I would tell god to kill me."

Ever since the tragedy, the father-daughter duo has spent most of the last nine years in either seeing doctors or visiting political leaders. “Both have given them hope, but it's only the doctors who seem to have fulfilled their promise. The doctors are doing whatever they can, but no one else is helping me," says Sonali.

Nine years after an acid attack left Sonali Mukherjee blind in both eyes, partially deaf and melted away the skin on the skull, neck, and chest and back, the 27-year-old is running penniless from pillar to post in Delhi for help from the government or permission for euthanasia.

"The sunglasses cover my eyes, while the duppata hides my burn scars and the ears," she says.

At last, there are still some questions which left unanswered

• What was Sonali’s fault? Those who are responsible for her condition are enjoying a normal life. They just spent less than a year in prison before they were granted bail.
• A similar incident happened in UK, where one guy shoots a student just because of some ego issues and wanted to teach a lesson to him. After the hearing; the accused has been sentenced to thirty years jail and no more further hearing will be commenced in that case. As per their judiciary system, this human being is not normal to be in society; he should be behind the bars. Is our law too weak?

After 9 years, Jharkhand government offered a government job to Sonali. And a plastic surgeon offered free treatment to Sonali. All we can hope for better life for Sonali after her required treatments. And 'The law against acid attackers needs to be made tougher. Otherwise we will have many more Sonalis.'

Maverick of the digital age –Steve Jobs

Undoubtedly, maverick of the digital age; who changed the face of technology; who made dent in the universe; whose mantra was “Simplicity is ultimate sophistication”; a successful business entrepreneur and an iconic figure in the computer industry. . none other than Steve Jobs, co-founder, Chairman and Chief executive officer of Apple Inc; but in personal, an aggressive, shrewd and demanding manager and an excellent team player, who strove to get better with each passing day by looking ahead of time and made a valuable contribution to the technological advancement in society.

Finally, I completed reading the biography of Steve Jobs; I must say it’s one of the amazing biographies which describes very well topsy-turvy life of Jobs. After reading the book I came to know about few facts which I think are worth sharing about Job’s life. These facts may be interesting, surprising, mysterious etc.

Jobs was adopted, and his biological father, Abdulfattah Jandali, was a Syrian unmarried man who went on to become a political science professor. Arabs embraced Jobs because of his Syrian roots, and also

known as “The Most Famous Arab in the World." He was adopted by Clara and Paul Jobs, a middle-class American couple.

After completing his schooling, Steve Jobs was admitted to the Reed College in Portland, Oregon. He dropped out from college but continued with his calligraphy classes. This course would later help Jobs in creating multiple typefaces for Mac. This was perhaps a classic example of the fact that nothing learned is ever wasted!

As an eighth-grader, he called William Hewlett, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard, to inquire about a part missing from a frequency counter he was assembling, the New York Times reports. Hewlett reportedly spoke to Jobs for 20 minutes, and then offered him a bag of parts and a summer internship. He was forced to come in night shifts. The reason behind this decision was that he was on complete vegan diet he hardly takes shower and also avoided colognes; it was difficult for co-workers to work with him. Steve was vegan for his whole life. PETA also praised Jobs for his vegetarianism and support for animals.

He used to do LSD: Lysergic acid diethylamide(LSD can cause pupil dilation, reduced appetite and wakefulness) and he also claimed this is one of the important things he has done in his life. Also Jobs himself has suggested, LSD may have contributed to the "think different" approach that still puts Apple's designs a head above the competition.

Jobs dated the folk singer when he was in his 20's before marrying Poweell. Jobs met his wife, Laurene Powell, when he spoke at the Stanford Business School, where she was pursuing an MBA. She was a vegetarian, like Jobs, and a former investment banker. The two had an immediate connection. A year after Jobs ran across the Stanford parking lot to ask the blonde beauty to dinner. Both got married in 1991; also his marriage’s cake was without egg and milk; which was not even liked by guests.

Steve Job's quest for spiritual enlightenment brought him to India in the summer of 1974. Jobs came to India with one of his best friends from Reed College, Dan Kottke. Deeply philosophical then, Jobs wanted to study and experience spiritualism and existentialism. In India, he wanted to visit the Neem Karoli Baba at his Kainchi Ashram. However, when they arrived they learnt that Baba has died.

Steve Jobs convinced Steve Wozniak to build some computers for sale. Jobs knew Wozniak for a long time. Both were members of Homebrew Computer Club. Wozniak was too shy to talk in public, on the contrary Jobs was smart enough to handle interviews; product launch events. Apple got its name because Steve Jobs was working at a hippie apple farm at the time, was on a fruit diet (lots of apples), and the word "apple" would come before "atari" in a phonebook. Apple only got off the ground when Steve Jobs convinced Mike Markkula to invest and loan the company some money (about $250,000 USD). Markkula also there to provide "adult supervision" as neither Wozniak nor Jobs have much corporate experience.

Steve Jobs hired John Sculley from PepsiCo in 1983 when Markkula decided he needed to step down and Sculley's corporate history is good for the company. Markkula convinced Jobs to hire Mike Scott from National Semiconductors as CEO in 1978, but after a few years, when Scott fired almost half of the company, Markkula replaced Scott as CEO.

The idea behind Apple was to create world class products not to make profit.

He got pink slip from the company he co-founded. Jobs was ousted from Apple by John Sculley after a disagreement on how to run the company. Steve Jobs hired John Sculley from PepsiCo in 1983 when Markkula decided he needed to step down and Sculley's corporate history is good for the company. However, he only hired John Sculley asking –“Do you want to sell soda water for rest of your life or you want to challenge yourself into different field.”After few months of this incident; Jobs founded NeXT Computer. Jobs sold all of his Apple stock and used the capital to found NeXT and still had money left over (which he then used to buy The Computer Graphics Group, which became Pixar later. Pixar has gone on to produce animated movies such as Toy Story (1995); A Bug's Life (1998); Toy Story 2 (1999); Monsters, Inc. (2001); Finding Nemo (2003); and The Incredibles (2004). When Pixar shares went public in 1995, Jobs became a billionaire.

In 1995, Apple Computer was at its lowest point in history. The company was facing tough competition from Microsoft. Apple's CEO, Gil Amelio, was desperately looking for a way to save the company. In December 1996, Amelio bought NeXT for $400 million and welcomed back the company's founder, Jobs, as an 'informal adviser'. Within eight months of the acquisition, Amelio was out and Steve Jobs became Apple's interim CEO. In 2000, company dropped the word “interim”.

Post Pixar, he wanted another round of revolutionizing to do. This time it was the music industry. He introduced the iPod in 2003. Later he came up with iTunes, which was a digital jukebox. A million and a half iPods later, the music industry still does not know whether this invention will save it or destroy it. Apple has a great advertising track record and its 'Rip, Mix, Burn' campaign was another feather in its cap. Now the industry uses a Mac to make the music and an iPod to store it.

In October 2003, Jobs was diagnosed with a rare type of pancreatic cancer treatable with surgery, but he hesitated about having the operation to the horror of the tiny circle of intimates in whom he'd confided; A Buddhist and vegetarian, Jobs decided instead to pursue alternative therapies and treat his cancer with a "natural diet." He tried doing so for nine months, as the Apple board fretted, before finally having the surgery in July 2004, at which point the cancer might have spread and his chance of long-term survival been reduced.

In 2007, came Apple iPhone and 2010 saw the launc of Apple iPad. Both products continue to rule in their respective categories. Apple was the first company who comes up with the idea of making stores of their products and the design of stores was also based on simplicity (Point to note: All apple stores made of white ceiling and floors). And he also patented the glass staircase of Apple stores.
In 2009, Jobs announced that he would be going on a 6-month leave of absence and that Tim Cook would be the acting CEO of Apple. It was clear that Jobs had serious issues with his health. In June 2009, it was reported that Jobs had undergone a successful liver transplant. It looked like he would soon resume work. In 2011, after a brief leave of absence, Steve Jobs resigned. His resignation from the position of Apple CEO came as a shock to many. But he had always maintained that he would step down on the day he felt he wouldn't be able to meet his duties and expections as the CEO. On October 5, 2011, he passed away. His innovation did distinguish him as a leader; a true leader who left behind a legacy; and whose invented products become status symbol.

You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something - your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life. -  Steve Jobs.

The Shack:Book Review

The Shack was written by a father for his children, to help them understand his relationship with God. William P. Young explains that he never intended to write a book, but that this story became the means of communicating the real conversations he had with God and with friends and family over several years. Though the story is fictional, it seems pretty clear that Young’s claim that the conversations were “all real, all true” is a claim that the words of God found in this book are true. Now, any work which claims to record divine speech needs to be read carefully and critically. Claims to speak for God must be treated with utmost seriousness. 

Nothing makes us so lonely as our secrets – Paul Tournier

In this novel, the protagonist, Mackenzie Allen Phillips, receives an invitation from God to meet Him at a shack in the woods. It takes Mack a little while to decide to keep the appointment, but his curiosity and his pain eventually convince him to make the trip. When he arrives at the shack, the whole environment is transformed into an idealistic setting by the presence of God. Mack, too, undergoes a remarkable transformation,  although that change takes longer to accomplish. Four years earlier, Mack’s youngest daughter, Missy, had been kidnapped during a family outing. Her body had never been found, but the evidence pointed toward her murder at this abandoned shack in the Oregon wilderness at the hands of a serial pedophile. Mack had identified Missy’s bloody dress, found on the floor in front of the fireplace in the shack. As would be expected, these years had been difficult for Mack and the rest of the family, a period he describes as “The Great Sadness.” But, after spending a couple of days at the shack with God, Mack returns home a changed man. Through a series of conversations with God, he begins to understand how God’s love provides the basis of forgiveness and the power to change human lives. The trans formative power of redemption through forgiveness is the theme of the book; where tragedy confronts eternity.

It is an engaging story, even though it is very predictable. The horrific nightmare this family experienced is every parent’s worst fear and thus the story connects with the reader at a deep level. The author effectively uses word pictures, characterization, and plot development to probe deeply into the emotional recesses of the reader’s soul. The conversational tone draws the reader into the story, encouraging him or her to experience vicariously Mack’s spiritual transformation. The story stresses God’s love for His children, emphasizes human freedom as the cause of sin and evil, focuses on forgiveness and reconciliation as the solution to sin and evil, judgments, relationships, miracles of Jesus, stresses the hope of eternal life in God’s presence in a new creation, and encourages the reader to interact with the human characters and God in a deeply meaningful way. But the author’s portrayal of God is confusing at best and untrue at worst. Emotional appeal is missing. Portrayal of God is confusing in between. For instance, Jesus had no power within himself to heal anyone. 

You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same you can carry them with you in your heart, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you – Frederick Buechnner.

The quotes used in this post are from the book. While reading this book, I also came across very beautiful poem which I feel worth sharing.

Breathe in me…. Deep

That I might breath…. And live

And hold me close I might sleep

Soft held by all you give

Come kiss me, wind, and take my breathe

Till you and I are one

And we will dance among the tombs

Untill all death is gone

And no one knows that we exist

Wrapped in each other’s arm

Except the One who blew the breath

That hides me safe from harm

Come kiss me wind, take my breathe

Till you and I are one

And we will dance among the tombs

Untill all death is gone.

Chinglish…

How you will feel where no one able to understand your language even if you speak English then majority of people are not able to understand… If they understand half of them are not able to reply. You are often playing dumb sharters to communicate.. You must feeling illiterate, dumb… Well, welcome to Mainland China!!

It has been almost 10 months nearly a year in China. So, I thought I should introduce Chinglish more precisely Chinese English or the way Chinese speaks to all my friends and glimpse of chinese culture.....

When, I was travelling to China for the first time. I was asked to attend internal sessions which includes bit of introduction to Chinese culture, travel formalities and little introduction to Chinese language. Main highlight of the session was that Chinese speaks English in a very different manner and slow not fluent like other western countries. Fair enough, every country has different pronunciation. But I would rather say English here is totally different and sometimes very difficult to understand. When, it comes to US, UK we still can understand they are fluent and clear and we often watch Hollywood movies/series so dealing with US, UK not a big deal. It was first time travelling to onsite and I was appointed as onsite coordinator. But when I landed here I got to know my role is more of translator (precisely middle ware)  help Chinese folks to understand Indian English and get the things done and vice-versa. And also English teacher for freshers.

You know English, A littal; When you will talk to Chinese first and ask, hey!! Do you know English, If the reply comes A littal (actually means little) that means he or she does know few words. For them, if they know “Hi, Hello, Bye, Thanks” That means they know English. There is no word “Wait”, they learned it as “Wait a Moment.”

Be Patient when dealing with Chinese: Chinese speak English very slow. So, you have to really patient and when you say or you want to convey something to them. Ask them again, what they understood; because the probability is very high of misinterpreting the information what you have just told them.

Not only they pronounce differently but they replace alphabets also :In China, the word ‘n’ referred as ‘l’, so night become light… nightmare becomes lightmare… now become low :P. So when they I am busy low that means they are busy now. I will call you afterlool that he will call me around afternoon. For them alphabet ‘r’ and ‘l’ are interchangeable. So Russian becomes lussian  a gal named Rhunjhun becomes Lunjhun and present become pleasant. Some words they pronounced really horrible; like colleague they will say conique. I am seak actually means sick. The word ‘th’ pronounced as‘s’. I was sinking means I was thinking. First time I met my teammate her name was Cathy she pronounced as “Casy”..

No sex discrimination: in china; there is no sex discrimination on grammatical grounds. Males, females, kids, old, young, boys, girls all are ‘He/his’. Generally, they don’t use she/her. So, it is pretty normal if they say He is a girl.

Analogy between Chinese and Punjabi: Being here for almost a year. I could find one analogy between Chinese and Punjabi. Chinese use word “Ni Hao” to say hello, and in Punjabi “Niii” is used to call a girl.; as it is Punjabi so it is little loud. When Chinese answer a phone call they say “Wey” which actually means a very good Hi… and again “Weyyy” is used to call a boy in Punjabi… Some of the words they actually say Punjabi. Just imagine how a Punjabi speaks “Joseph”, if I am not wrong “JoseFF..” J Once my colleague didn’t come to office; next day I asked why you didn’t come I was “seeck”

Chinese versus English Names: Chinese names are very difficult to pronounce. So every Chinese have English name and everyone is liberal enough to choose their own English name. But sometimes they ended up choosing horrible names. For instance, I got know some colleagues with names and reasons for choosing that name is more horrible; “Elephant”(why you chose this name – my elephant is my favorite animal),”Shotgun(because whenever I play counter strike I chose shotgun)” last but not least what if a guy named Fantasy… (reason being my favorite drink is Fanta and I have to choose a name on last minute during an interview).

One more incident, I would like to share, as all of us might have seen one or more Chinese movie or some Kung Fu series. So, once my teammates asked they want to watch some Indian movies of Shah Rukh Khan, I suggested DDLJ, K3G, KKHH. They all watched K3G and next day they came to me and asked when you landed in India or you are around; your mother also got to know that you are somewhere near or you are coming home; as our moms don’t feel any such kind of things. (First I thought what I should answer) because of enthusiasm I couldn’t say No. J.

At last, I would like to say Chinese are undoubtedly hard workers not smart workers. They don’t know English because they are not necessarily required (except some of the IT companies); there is only one language that is spoken country wide with difference in dialects. Unlike India, different states different languages and even within states difference in dialects. Other than international schools, nowhere English is taught in china. If a Chinese wants to learn English either he/she has to join International School which is way beyond costly or by the means of private coaching centers. Still, they are advanced in terms of technology, beauty and fashion.

P.S. By this blog I have tried to show a glimpse of Chinese English and not with the intentions to make offense to anyone be it Indian or Chinese. After all Chinese Indian (Bhai Bhai) :)

Love, Lies…...

It is a common saying every relationship should be built on truth. In fact, trust, integrity,purity,forthrightness are basic pillars of a strong relationship. But sometimes or I would say in today’s era what if we have to compromise on one of the thing. So what you say relationship is not true or strong enough?

There was a guy Nikhil; an average guy with average looks. Also, he was kinda fitness freak. One day he was doing his regular workout; a girl rushed into the gym. She was innocent, nice and on the top of it she was looking so much charming. Just like another guys Nikhil also stared at Isha. So this how Nikhil and Isha saw each other for the first time. Looking Through Your Eyes ……. I mean this thing continues for some days. Isha also was kinda attracted to Nikhil. From Isha point of view- She is girl, how can she initiate. From Nikhil Side- What if she snubs, slaps, rejects, stab etc. Nikhil was flooding with so many ideas – how to overcome all these phobias and talk to her. One day Isha was doing some exercise incorrectly. So Nikhil gentle enough told her, you are doing this wrong and he corrected her. I don’t know why girl got furious when someone corrected them, despite the generosity of poor guys; so do Isha. Even though she didn’t say anything not even thanks. But Nikhil could easily make out that she didn’t like it. “Poor start!!” Nikhil uttered.  But you never know what’s cooking in a girl mind. And also what’s written in the destiny.

After some days, Isha asked Nikhil about some abs exercise how to do it and could you support me doing this. After exercise; Nikhil thought this is the chance which I have been waiting for. Nikhil immediately said “Hi, I am Nikhil.” She said “Oh Hi!!I am Isha and I work for Microsoft and I am from New Delhi. I tried so many gyms before joining this gym. I guess this gym is costliest and the best in the city.” Nikhil somehow got the impression that she is some kinda of self obsessed girl, who is so much fascinated by the brands and she is so proud that the she works for Microsoft. On the opposite side; Nikhil even though, he was a very small town guy but he knows very well how to cover himself. So he also said I am also from Pune and I work for Cognizant.

So this is how Nikhil and Isha story starts. They started meeting each other outside the gym. Meeting becomes more and more frequent with each passing day. Just like another boy and girl they were also going out for movies, outings, trekking, coffee, chit chats, long calls, exchanging messages and so on. But still there was nothing more than friends. They didn’t realize, but they were getting used to each other so much. For Instance, If Nikhil has to go for shopping; he will call Isha and vice-versa. They were helping each other in making some important decisions as well.

With the rolling time, they got to know each other so well and liking, attraction becomes more and stronger from Nikhil side. Nobody knows from Isha side. Nikhil was kinda fallen for her; he wants to propose her but not in a simple way. He knows Isha so he was thinking to plan it something frenzy or extravaganza. So he thought of candle light dinner on her birthday which was coming next month.

Finally, the day arrived. It was Isha birthday and Nikhil planned it as he wanted. He arranged candle light dinner, roses and very exquisite gift for her. Nikhil also rehearsed it so many times how he will purpose. I will say this that to her. And I am damn sure she will say yes too. Then we will tell our friends, parents. Isha arrived; they cut the cake and had dinner. They enjoyed the dinner. After dinner Nikhil said –“Isha, I don’t know how you will react but I want to say something.” Isha smiled and said-“Sure...”

Nikhil - “The very first day I saw you, I liked you and it might sounded more of like melodramatic but I always felt some spark which make me more attracted to you. I can see all the qualities in you which I am looking for my life partner. I have completely fallen for you. Day and night I think about you. But I want to tell you one truth today. I am not from Pune. I am not from well off family. In fact, I am a small town guy and from very simple family. I lied you because the day I talked to you, I was totally confused. I got illusive and I thought you might get attracted by the fact that I am from a rich background and eventually we will become friends; but now today I have realized my mistake. Please forgive me. I don’t want to force you for anything. Take your time. I told you which I feel for you.  ”

Isha became completely speechless. She was astounded by the fact her own friend lied to her. When you lied in very beginning how you can expect of any relationship further. She felt like betrayed. No relationship can survive based on falsehoods. She doesn’t know what to say; what to do next. What difference it had made by telling the truth. On the other hand, Nikhil intensely loves her. Whatever he said false to her; it was out of insecurity.

Isha said I want to leave now and I don’t want to discuss anything about it. She went back home. After that, there was no contact from Isha side. It has been six months and there is no contact from Isha side. Nikhil has tried to reach her but all in vain. Isha doesn’t want to talk to Nikhil.

I understand nobody would like to start a relation on apocryphal? But what if we are untruth to anyone out of insecurity; Does it really a lie. For Nikhil, a start of their relationship was at that time when he was proposing to Isha and he had confronted all his mistakes.

Today, they are not together. Sad, but true!!