- In: general | leisure | mathu kathe | ramblings | social
- 7 Comments
ID card in public
Most of us think that displaying company ID card in public is quite advantageous and people pay attention towards you. But this article is all about the flip side of “Splashing ID card in public” especially in Bangalore.
Usual crowd always assumes that you work for a “Software Company”. Most industries other than IT have similar ID cards in use.
- While traveling by an auto-rickshaw, the curious driver will probably ask “Sir, are you a software engineer?” followed by “What is your salary saar?”. If you’re avoiding it, he’ll throw options “tell me sir, is it 25,000, 40,000, 50,000 or more. I’m not asking to give your salary”. While getting down from auto he’ll demand “Sir give some 20 rupees extra saar, you earn so much”.
- Whilst waiting for a bus or traveling in a bus, a middle aged person sitting next would inquire about your job. After, he would probably throw one these questions:
- If his son/daughter in second year of Pre-University (Class 12): “Is B.E. in Computer Science good for my son/daughter?”
- If his son/daughter in final year of B.E.: “Can you find a job for my son/daughter in your company?”
- Unfortunately you’re caught by traffic cops for not wearing helmet / wrong side entry / 3 people in a bike / parking vehicle at “No Parking” area / anything that’s illegal on road and you think can scot free by splashing your ID card on his face, then you’re a goner. He’ll caugh-up maximum money from you that too without a challan. Because he’s sure that you’ve enough cash in your wallet.
- Seldom happens, you’re late from work, probably in middle of the night and a night duty cop stops you at a junction. He’ll definitely force you to exhale breathe twice without any alcohol detecting device on hand. Even if not drunk, he’ll argue that you’re drunken driving. Makes you afraid and extracts much cash from your wallet.
- Accidentally you bang an auto / call center taxi / bike and he spots you with that pretty card, he’ll go wonky and starts counting money in your wallet. Even for a minor scratch, he’ll demand cash for whole car painting. He clearly knows that you can’t fight on road and much concerned about your so called self-esteem. An onlooker well say “sir, you’re a software company employee. Give him some 500 rupees he’ll go away. why are you spoiling your image infront of a driver”. At this moment what would you probably do, just shell cash and vanish.
- A mechanic who was servicing my vehicle once asked me “saar, what kind of work you do in software company? Will you actually do any work there? and Why they pay so much”
- On visiting any retail unit / showroom, you even look like a Kannadiga (Local-ite). The executive starts speaking in English / Hindi. This even happens when I enquire route, a Kannada speaking pedestrian starts speaking in English / Hindi.
- Walk-in to any household / clothing / footwear / accessories outlet that doesn’t have fixed price, you’ve just made his day. The stuff he sells other for Rs. 200 drastically hikes to Rs. 250 – Rs.300.
- It helps pickpocket to identify the right victim. They are goddamn sure there’s atleast some cash, a debit card & numerous credit cards in purse/wallet.
It’s assumed that folks work in Software Companies are “Soft” and “Harmless”. And that’s the reason people take advantage of that.
These are one of few common instances me & my gang have faced till date. If you’ve come across anything similar recently, just key-in your words in comments section below or just vote.
My ride to Shivanasamudra
Posted on: August 7, 2008
- In: general
- 5 Comments
Gaganachukki
What would you do when your friends chuck your travel plans in the last moment? Will you cancel the trip or would you prefer to dump them and go on a ride alone. Absolutely I chose the latter one.
On August 03, 2008 I finally decided to visit Shivanasamudra alone. It’s me and my crazy running machine Bajaj Pulsar started from Bangalore at 11:00am. My friends warned about jeopardy of traveling alone but, I dare it. I opted for the Bangalore-Maddur-Malavalli route through Mysore road. The road from Bangalore to Maddur through was excellent, I could easily run in a speed upto 100kmph. Road from Maddur to Malavalli till Shivasanamudra is distorted. I’m able to reach Shivanasamudra in just 2.5hrs flat.
On the waters (Gaganachukki Dargah view)
Shivanasamudram runs through Cauvery river and is a deadly combination of twin waterfalls named Gaganachukki towards West & Bharachukki on East, both are just a kilometre apart.
On the waters (Gaganachukki Dargah view)
Gaganachukki:
This Western waterfall branches out before to Bharachukki. There are channels run in Gaganachukki and can be seen through two different locations. First is Guest House view that gives broad view of waterfall. Second is Dargah view, that allows tourists to have a closer look of waters. I got an opportunity to get down to falls and wintess the falls as close as 50 metres away, that’s awe-inspiring.
Bharachukki
Bharachukki:
This Eastern waterfall has more than three channels running through and is little shorter than Gaganachukki. One of it’s channel looks similar to Victoria Falls of Zimbabwe. Bharachukki also houses safe places to swim and boating facilities that takes you near to the foot of the falls.
Bharachukki
Some important details:
- Distance from Bangalore: 135km
- District belongs: Mandya
- Nearby towns: Mysore, Mandya & Maddur
- Available routes: Bangalore to Malavalli through Kanakapura Road. Bangalore-Maddur-Malavalli Though Mysore road (Preferred)
- Right season to visit: July – October
- Good to carry: Money, swim suit, friends & family
My bike facing river
- In: classroom | education | general | mathu kathe
- 8 Comments
The Book:
The book is a letter written to a student who requested guidance from swamy to meliorate his studies. This later became popular amongst other students and got published as a book. This magnificent piece is just 12 page pocket size booklet of abundant knowledge and is a English translation of “Vidyarthigondu Pathra” that is originally in Kannada.
The book provides valuable guidance on:
- Learning etiquettes
- Disciplines
- Respect to parents & teachers
- Time management
- Language practice
- Methods to improve neatness of handwriting
- Importance of meditation and yoga
- Secrets of concentration and dedication
- Diet & sleep
- Preparation for examination
- Handling examination stress
- And many other vital aspects that are considered trivial
Book also throws light on difficulties faced by urban & village students and effective guidance to overcome them. This beautiful book suites for all ages at all times and has power to change anyone who dedicates himself to the guidance presented. I have found people got transformed and share experience alike and pity those who haven’t.
One can avail this book from Ramakrishna Mission situated at Bull Temple Road, Basavanagudi, Bangalore – 19. I was fortunate to get introduced to this book by a member of Ramakrishna Mission at my college campus. I have made sincere attempt to introduce this book to among my peers and others too. And still love to read this book now and then.
Last Word:
If this book can change me then it can change anyone who endows commitment & dedication towards it.
One night @ the Kumaraparvatha
Posted on: February 27, 2008
- In: adventure | expedition | general | trek
- 12 Comments
Good to know before (Approximate):
- Distance from Bangalore: 295km.
- Total elevation above sea-level: 8000ft
- Elevation above ground(Kukke): 5000ft.
- Distance from base to KP: 8km.
- Nearby villages: Kukke, Somvarpet
- Public transport available: Yes.
Important Contacts:
- Mahalingeshwar Bhat / Mr. Bhat at Girigadde (For food & accomodation): 94486 47947 / 08257 281501
- The Chief Wildlife Warden, Aranya Bhawan, 18th Cross, Malleswaram, Bangalore – 560003
Tel.: 080-23341993/23345192 (For general reference, not essential for trek)
Did you touch flying clouds in your own hands, witnessed lush green hills under your own pedes or ever experienced nirvana, then it is here and it is Kumaraparvatha. Kumaraparvatha (KP) is located near Kukke Subramanya and is also known as Pushpagiri. KP is around 295km from Bangalore and belongs to Dakshina Kannada district.
A trek to KP is not that easy, it has arduous paths, burning heat during summer and chilling cold during winter and blood sucking leeches during rainy season. It is suggested that one should have a prior trek experience before climbing into KP.
The trek to KP can be achieved in two directions, one from Somvarapet via Hegde Mane and from Kukke Subramanya via Bhatra Mane and we chose the latter one. Our trek comprised of two stages. First, Trek from Kukke to Bhattara Mane. Second, Trek from Bhattara mane to KP.
Team:
Unfortunately there is no team, we are only two. It’s me and Ananda.
Day – 1: Trek to Bhattara Mane (Bhat’s House) / Girigadde
6:45am: Reached Kukke from Bangalore. We had a hot water bath and a light breakfast (me having heavy, obviously!).
9:00am: Started from Kukke (base camp) towards Girigadde, a way leads just behind Subramanya temple. A little walk through village leads to narrow route towards Bhattara Mane/Girigadde. This is a medium steep route with a distance of about 3.5 kms. The first 3kms is a lush green patched way where even you couldn’t even see anything around other than trees. And latter 0.5 km is a dry land with no many trees.
12:30pm: At the end of 3.5 km we saw a small habitation with a farm and farmhouse and that’s Bhattara Mane. Soon reaching, we finished lunch and had little nap.
5:00pm: We went out for sightseeing of nearby mountains.
7:00pm: Upon coming back had little chit-chat with Bhattaru in Tulu. We had little painkiller juice with Orange juice (I hope you understood!) and Ananda called it as Mixing Technology.
9:00pm: Went early to bed followed by dinner.
Mr. Bhat and his brother are living in this isolated place from past 34 years. All necessary supplies have to be bought from Kukke itself. Bhattara Mane is a boon for every trekker where they can get descent meal of rice, sambar, curd and pickle. Clear water from creek running all season and space ‘n roof for resting. It’s good to see many trekkers from different part of the country get united there.
Day-2: Trek to Kumaraparvatha
5:00am: We had wake up at this time and we did it. After morning duties we’re set to go. Packaged only necessary goods with us required for the journey and rest left at Bhattara Mane.
6:10am: We’re out to woods and it was still dark then. With the help of moonlight and torch in hand we started the climb.
Once you start from Bhat’s house towards KP you’ll find a checkpost of Department of Forests. Pay the entrant fee that would cost about Rs. 115 per person and collect receipt.
7:10am: Exactly after an hour we’re at Mantapa (Abandoned Temple). It’s a simple old hampi style stone temple. We also met many fellow trekkers camping out there. It was very serene to see morning sunlight falling on mountain giving different hues of green. En route saw more jungles, creek and rocks all along.
10:00am: We’re at atop of KP and totally exhausted. After quite relaxation we went for sightseeing around. KP is mountain that divides two cultures of Karnataka. On the west it is Dakshina Kannada and towards east Coorg (Kodagu). Upon reaching the peak we can see Somvarpet (Coorg) on east and Kukke Subramanya (DK) to the west.
11:00am: Soon after capturing catchy photos we started towards Bhattara Mane. While en route we got to see wildfire and approaching clouds just inches away.
2:00pm: Reached Bhattara Mane and finished lunch.
3:00pm: Started to move towards base (Kukke).
5:00pm: Reached base, having cold water bath gave better relaxation to body & mind. Visited sacred Subramanya temple and finished dinner.
10:30pm: Started our journey back to concrete jungle.
Tips for trekkers:
- Be aware of season you’re going. Avoid trekking during rainy season. Best time is February, April, and May. And carry gadgets that are required for that season.
- Have an experienced member in your team, who already visited the place at least twice.
- Don’t try to climb in hurry, it may lead to slip-down.
- Carry sufficient water.
- Never forget to carry a electric torch with you.
- If possible carry a stick while coming down.
- While climbing down try move in side-wise or zig-zag manner, this will not only give additional grip to your foot and also reduce body weight over your knees.
- Carry your own garbage bag to collect waste like excess food, plastic bag etc & dispose it in any garbage dump in city. This will help keep the place clean.
- Call Mr. Bhat before starting trek.
- Make reservations for travel and lodging before starting. Kukke Subramanya is a sacred place with devotees aplenty.
- Knowing Tulu would be a little helpful. You can expect personal attention.
- And don’t forget camera, to Click!!!
Last word:
Our heartfelt thanks to Ananda H.M. for organising such marvelous expedition.
- In: general
- 7 Comments
I have this practice, whenever I write a post I mail the URL to everybody in company. Instantly my blog stats skyrockets with huge visitors, but not much comments could be seen in posts. Through continuous interaction I got to know that many doesn’t know what’s a blog is all about, think that it’s too expensive to run a blog and even doesn’t know how to comment.
A link just below the article title saying “comments” will directly lead to past comments for the post followed by input boxes for writing comments and it doesn’t even ask for any username & password.
Advantages of commenting:
- Comments provide actual stats between “article read vs. article just seen”
- Makes it proximate to be cached by search engines
- Motivates blogger to improve blog in terms of Quality & Quantity
- You leave your footprints in blogs, so that a blogger can remember you
So, whenever you visit any blog, kindly don’t forget to comment. It’s a humble request.
- In: crazy | fun | general
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crazyQuestion #a: How to hate your favorite music?
crazyAnswer #a: Make your favorite music as your cellphone Ringtone.
crazyQuestion #b: How to make your favorite music hate by others?
crazyAnswer #b: Make it as your Caller Tune, simple.
No game like “Go Karting”
Posted on: December 22, 2007
- In: adventure | fun | go karting | racing
- 6 Comments
Introduction:
My ambition of riding a Formula One (F1) race car became partially fulfilled when got an opportunity to steer away a kart and scorched the track. It was part of team outing event organized by company on successful completion of project. On December 18, 2007 a serene cloudy Tuesday evening we started to race at Patel’s Inn of R.T. Nagar, Bangalore, India.
Team:
We are team of 18 including our Project Manager Sutapa Pal, and Senior Director Parminder Saini who came from US, all geared for adventure and for most of us it was first time steering a kart like this. We made batches with five riders each. My race commenced in first batch with many amateur riders like me. A smooth start with slow beginning for sometime and later picked up a good speed. It will be enjoyable to see friends ramming into safety boundaries made-up of tires. Shouting spectators boost our energy to ride well. By end of the day made 3 races of 21 laps with zero crash and recording average time.
Few interesting moments:
- Loknath tried to take a shortcut, ended up with a Bamm! And also attempted to wear helmet “ultaa!”
- Anandraj raced twice, crashed four times.
- Kalyan had two race, a crash and vehicle breakdown in first. And vroomed in second.
- Vineesh drove kart like bullock cart, hence blocking everyone’s way and received a tight pat on helmet from Parminder.
- While Yesha riding with Parminder in double seated kart her scream replaced noise of engine.
- No one able to contend Parminder, who’s known for his speed and safe driving.
- Sarvendu Saxena recorded best time after Parminder, hence declared as winner of the day and me being in runner up to Sarvendu.
Tips for amateur riders from an amateur rider:
- Never ever step on the brakes until or unless you are about to hit someone. Applying brake will reduces vehicle pick-up, hence losing quality time.
- Never try to turn kart with highest steering rotation. Start steering bit-by-bit for low and constant degrees before you approach any curve.
Soon after completing racing session, playing dumbsherads followed by dinner and finally antakshari and hence had put a brake for the joyous day. And told myself “Man, there’s no game like Go Karting yaar”
