Scribbles

In a flashback, anybody's life can be made to look glamorous. I intend to make mine reflective. Yet another year just passed yesterday and 2019 began. At the start of this new journey, let's look back and see what transpired last year, each month. So, we begin.... January I just got a huge scare while searching for stuff I did in Jan last year. I have no activity on FB or Twitter. I don't use any other social media. All photos are transferred to personal laptop which is in repairs right now and my diary has nothing but daily to-do's and expenses. Even my wife is taking a nap right now so can't ask her. This forces me to rely only on the memories of the time I lived last Jan. I had completed four years with RCOM on 10th Jan 18, my longest tenure in any organization so far. There was no celebration or outward joy for achieving this landmark mainly because our organization was under tremendous pressure and lots of negative press had muddied the waters. Though,...

Have you ever had a journey of thousands of mile sitting at your desk? If you are a reader, you will understand what I mean. This book is one such experience. Let me take you through how I cam in contact with Mr John Grisham and how I got to travel to Camino Island through his imaginations. This is not strictly a book review but an attempt to take you on similar journey. Title - Camino Island Author - John Grisham Genre - Fiction, Novel Goodreads Rating - 3.7 / 5 Status - First time read Since March this year we were waiting to move to our new corporate office in Ahmedabad. Hurdles kept coming one after another and the move eventually took place in June. The new office is a shared space, with three companies occupying same floor as us. Various events like a Vastu puja, a small Katha, a cake cutting etc were getting deliberated and as usual decision making was delayed. Finally in second week of June, few of us were asked too report from the new office and so we d...

This is the hardback cover of the novel as picked from library Title - Chandrakanta Author - Devki Nandan Khatri Genre - Mystery Novel Status - First time read Don't judge the book by its cover, the saying is true for this masterpiece. A few weeks ago I read an article about the upcoming TV serial based on this novel. The writer went on and on about how great the story was and how the first TV serial of some twenty years ago based on this book was blockbuster success. I remembered the 1994 serial but had never read the book. This article spiked my interest and I went in search for it. Finding this book in MJ library was harder than I thought, mainly because very few of his books are actually there. Secondly, the cover is misleading and does not strike as suitable for a classic of this stature. But I found it, obviously, and decided to read it in next two weeks. However, almost a week went by before I even opened it. Story started literally from the first pag...

Title - Siege of Mithila Author - Ashok K Banker Genre - Fiction, Mythological  Status - Re-read Few years ago, browsing through the aisles in MJ Library, Ahmedabad, I spotted a book titled 'Armies of Hanuman'. Immediately I picked up the book and thus got introduced to the works of Mr Banker. AOH was the 4th book in Ramayan series penned down by him. Today's topic is the second book of this series - Siege of Mithila. Obviously, the story is well known to most Indians. The retelling however is tremendously different. The foreword itself is huge compared to most other books of the genre. Although, author has used same foreword in all books of the series; the build up is superb. Story in this book starts after Ram has killed demon Tatka and her minions with help of his brother Laxman. First chapter shows Ram receiving some dire news by a mysterious beauty and some conflict stirs between Ram and his temporary Guru Vishwamitra. While Sita is faced with a v...

Winter has peaked in Ahmedabad. Temperature has gone considerably down and it is officially best time to eat and sleep. I don't think many of you would have slightest idea what it feels to wake up and brush at 4.30 am in this cold. It feels I am the only person awake at this hour, however, that's not true. The moment I walk up to the main road, I can see people jogging or walking or going about their business. So, truth is while it is a big deal for me to get up this early; I am not the only one doing that. There are hundreds who do this out of habit or necessity or choice. I feel fortunate to have made this my goal, four days in and I am going strong. Project 21/7 is ON. Today is Uttrayan, one of the most fun festivals in Gujarat. Actually the day is over and I am about to sleep to keep up with the wake up call. I am writing this late is because I was able to sneak in couple of hours of sleep during the day. So, want to take this time to thank a few important aspects of my ...

Hello, good evening. Its a bit late but I have made up my new year resolution. It took me a while to decide what I wanted  it to be so posting it now. My resolution is simple. A project for 21 days wherein I will complete seven set goals or tasks. How I came to fix up the tasks? Well, some I borrowed from motivational video and books and some from personal desire. Day one is complete as I am finishing up the final task for today - to write :). Change is inevitable and people say you can transform your life through small changes to your routine. That is what I am testing. You can check the tasks I have set in the picture. I am also recording some bites in hopes of putting it on YouTube. Hope that on the other side of this 21 day project, you find a changed ME. Wish me luck.

God narrates the importance of Karma in Bhagwad Geeta saying only thing one should focus on is ones Karma. The Fal or result of any karma is beyond your reach. Hindu religion puts great emphasis on karma and it's consequences. Naturally, many of our stories revolve around similar concept. No other story however is as complex as the one told to me during Mata Ki Chauki organized at my aunt's house in March 2015.  Let me present to you this long story in hopes that it will entertain and intrigue you. Tara Rani Ki Kahani King Sparsh was childless after years of marriage. He conducted a Tapa "religious meditation" to appease Devi Mata with hopes of gaining a boon. Mata, eventually, was pleased and blessed that Sparsh shall father two daughters. Soon, his wife was pregnant and in due course gave birth to a beautiful girl. Good omens followed this child. Entire kingdom witnessed divine bliss and prosperity. King's Guru proclaimed that this girl is very lucky as she car...