SCL, Hyderabad

For those who are not with Deloitte, Impact day is our annual community service day. On this day, all Deloitte professionals irrespective of their service line, service area or the post at which they are working, have to participate across the world.There are various threads in this league for doing community service which you can lead or participate.Some are really exciting and some just look that way.Unfortunately, mine was the later.It could have been fun if not for my friend Abhineet who tricked me out of a interesting thread in which you were supposed to take a group of orphan to the Hyderabad Zoo.And I still don't know why I selected 'Heritage Hyderabad'. Isn't it a fancy name for a thread? I just thougth I would get to go to some cool mueseum and all.All dreams shattered, I was allocated the State Central Library.

One good thing I did was to get someone else in this stupid thread and was victorious to convince Binu into it.Now I had someone to share the frustration.On that day,had to get up at 6 in the morning because we had to reach office by 7.That's another crappy thing about Impact Day. Why do we need to get up early on a weekend so early? Can't we start at 10 or 11 for that matter.? I knew it wouldn't be worth it and I was right. The buses from the office started at 9.Please note the 2 hour delay. Had these 2 hours been used to extend our sleep, we would have done some efficient community service.Anyways, after reaching office, we .collected the essentials they were giving to all the volunteers.It had some crappy Gujarati crap, a muffin, an energy drink and a bottle of water.Killing time became so difficult.I wonder if it's difficult to small talk in the morning when you have been forcibly taken away from that wonderful dream in which you were romancing with the love of your life on some lonely island amongst the cool breeze and blue currents.

Finally, we started and eventually we reached there around 10.They road trip to the SCL was fun though. Courtesy the world cup fever, we decided to play a football quiz which Binu hosted. The contestants were myself and his friend Kadar.As far my knowledge in Football goes, it starts and ends at Old trafford.I can tell few more on EPL but 'all the world cups' was not my cup of tea.So as I expected, I was trailing 8-0. It became really embarrassing at this point and I suggested that the quiz should be about Football and not just the world-cup. That indirectly meant that questions related to EPL should be there so that I can save myself from being clean sheeted. Somehow the host was convinced and I put up a mind-blowing return performance.Although I lost 16-14 later.

We reached the place.The building was actually a heritage one, really old and all. I was shocked to see what the thread leads had in mind for us as the first task.It was to take a group picture.Duh! Shouldn't be the last thing after doing the community work we were supposed to do. So everyone suddenly acquired pace to find a good place so that they would look good in the picture. After that, people were waiting for instructions from the leads but they themselves seemed lost. Most of the people didn't do a thing for the first hour after the photo shoot.Then, we were directed towards some old building which was the library's office were we were supposed to place new tube lights in place. When we reached there, the electrician was himself was having a hard time.So we had to move to some other place.We were again unemployed.Then we were made to clean the books and the shelf.That actually felt like doing something which had value.We three cleaned a whole big shelf with more than thousand books.After that we short-listed some books among millions of ruined ones which can be useful and which can be scanned in the digital library. The last task was to transfer books from some storage to the front room which had like 30 of us forming a human chain.That felt good.You know what, we always look for instant gratification be it anything. But just the thought that even if our efforts at some point of time influence some reader to pick up some book, that's worth it.I was happy at the end.

But I was disgusted with one thing that happened there. It's a shame that the people who went there for community service were also playing a role to pollute it.Among us were people who had their lunch and left all the stuff and plastic bottles right at the entrance of the library. What a shame! At first i was reluctant but seeing one friend of mine picking somebody Else's leftovers, i too joined him.This was all about SCL and about a day well spent.

Raajneeti * *

This movie has crossed all limits of exaggeration.And it's more of a kill-bill type than a political drama.It has all the big names performing cameo's but nobody except Arjun Rampal has impressed.His performance is so realistic and powerful that you actually feel for him.Be it the 'Akhiyaan milaye kabhi Akhiyaan churaye' or 'Party se to nikal diya, par aap sab ke dil se kaise nikalenge'.If you think for Arjun Rampal 'Rock On!' was sky-high, then he proves you all wrong with his superb performance adding one more gem to his collection of versatile performances.

Basically the movie is all about murders and homicides courtesy the urge to conquer the political stage and my God they make this all look so easy.Killing some big shot leader is no biggie and no one gives a damn. If you remember Mahabharata, then you will be able to associate each of the characters in the epic.They also manage to pull scenes out of the Godfather as well.But i am most disappointed for some other reason.The teaser makes you believe than Katrina would be playing a major role and she looks impressive.But on the contrary, whatever you see of Katrina in the trailer is pretty much she has got in the movie as well.That's a bit of heart breaker.Nevertheless, she even looks great in a Saree.The bottom line is politics takes out the beast inside you.It will turn you upside down and shine your dark side.So enter only if you are clear at heart and pretty strong at holding your character in worst of times.Not possible in this Kalyug though as money outshines everything.

One good thing about the movie is that it does not have songs.I kind of like that.We are slowing moving towards Hollywood baybay.Ranbir and Katrina showed signs of growing up though the Fevi-Stick-presents-same-expression on Ranbir's face through out the movie is really very irritating.I mean come on boy, you on Botox or something? Rest all cameo's failed to make impact.Talking of Ajay devgan and his performance,lets just say he should do some different try outs.Will he be in Gangajal Hangover for every drama flick? I wonder.Also, the plot of the movie is totally unrealistic with some shocking twists and turns.And I don't get why the focus was on the action killing and stuff like that when this was supposed to be a full fledged drama.Anyways, after this dirty adaptation of Mahabharata, we can look forward to Mani Ratnam's Ramayana.

Hyderabad Auto-Expo

First things first.This post is not about some Auto-Expo taking place at Hyderabad showcasing some ridiculously expensive cars with gorgeous models on them. This post is rather about something much more important.Something much more real to the middle class.This is dedicated to all the Auto-wallah's of Hyderabad who have a unique style of their own and operate only at their terms and conditions unlike any other place in India. They undoubtedly rule the public transport sector in Hyderabad specializing in Hi-Tech city and nearby places.They are no ordinary human beings.They are the real Action Anna's of Tollywood which just couldn't get into movies.But they are in no way behind the heroes on screen.They have attitude, style,pride. And in-meter they don't trust. It has been a year now, so wanted to share a couple of experiences.

Once upon a time, when we were new hires, new to Hyderabad as well, went to see a late night movie show. To go back home, we hired an Auto and told him the address. He quoted a price which seemed reasonable. Actually I was surprised, as at such late hours they used to quote double the usual fare. Anyways, we got in the Auto-cum-Planet M-cum-Roller coaster.We soon reached a place which was half-way our home but the name of the place was similar to our location.Suddenly he applied brakes, which felt more stronger than a standard hydraulic brake of a car.He stopped and asked us to get down.We told him that this was not the place we asked him to drop.We might have been a bit rude saying that but his reaction was outrageous.He threw us out of the vehicle and demanded money. We tried to explain to him that this was not the place we meant.But he was repeatedly said only on dialogue,"Saab, gareeb aadmi ka kabhi majak nahi udhana!".We said we ain't giving him any unless he drops us at the right address.He started to call people from his mobile.We also acted to dial some numbers and call people just to counter his move.Then we threatened him to go to police.I don't what changed his mind but he went back and sat in the auto.We also went assuming that all the drama is over now.We had no clue that it had just started.When he finally dropped us at the right address, he demanded more money. We denied to give anything extra than what we decided. He then said the same thing again,"Saab, gareeb aadmi ka kabhi majak nahi udhana!".And again and again.When he stopped, he threw the money we gave him on the street and said," Aap loga idharich ruko.... main batata hoon aapko ki gareeb aadmi kya kar sakta hai!".Then he turned his auto in full throttle and speeded away from us.We decided to walk to home.Then suddenly we hear a noise increasing constantly.It was the same Auto.He stopped right in front of us blocking the way.He was not looking at us, just raising the accelerator again and again.I was so in fumes at that time but decided to give him at least what we decided on.I put the money in the Auto and the rushed back like a lightning saying," Fir kabhi idhar mat dikhana saab." And I gave him the finger which he might not have interpreted correctly.

I really appreciate people using the public transport options anywhere.It is one of the key factors to control traffic and pollution. But I guess people use public transport till they have a vehicle of their own.That's ok. But in case you dont, travelling in a shared auto/bus/train would be a better option than travelling all alone in a private one.Anyways, people will do what they want and what they can pay for and won't care about the damn problems.Sad but true.So from our location, people like to take private auto's to Hi-tech at a over priced rate.Ergo, a couple of auto wallah's shave formed a gang.They don't allow any other Auto to pick up people from this locality.I have seen many outsiders being threatened by these local boo-hockies.Such low have fallen the heights of humanity.Another interesting ride was when I was returning from office in an Auto and the driver was a Muslim.So we started talking and somehow the talk started about Islam.Suddenly he went all impulsive and was trying to rope me in.He said you should also consider Islam and then gave numerous examples.I told him that I believe in one God. He said, exactly his point, Allah.He went on and on.Even after reaching the destination, he talked for 15 Min's.I somehow closed the argument.It was a fun debate though. So, there are many more such encounters with this third kind.The thing is, you cannot escape them, people's lives have so much dependency on them. You cannot cast them out.They are after all the spirit of the city.

P.S They also accept Sodexo coupons :D

Osman, Bike and Bang!

It all started at R's place .She invited a couple of friends for dinner at home. She has been planing this since long.I got a call at 8 pm on Saturday night.R said she has been trying the number since morning.'The food is ready and everyone will be here soon, you should rush'.I told myself,'Lagta hai jyada khana ban gaya, that's why she called at the eleventh hour'.Just kidding, R. So, the food was so so so delicious.It has been a while since I had Ghar Ka Khana..Burp! Hat's off to the chef's R,A and V. Although V only helped in cutting vegetables and all that jazz, but hey that's equally real.

So, we were just talking. The usual office gossip.Cruel managers, extended hours and screwed up weekends.Suddenly V proposed a trip to Osman Sagar lake early in the morning. I have been wanting to go there for quite some time now.But that night I was supposed to work for some office work which just couldn't wait till Monday.Damn. Anyways, I decided that I'll definitely chip in if they actually go there.We all decided to leave at 5:30 am in the morning.They booked a cab and I volunteered to take one of them on my bike.

We started sharp IST half an hour late.RR was with me on the bike and rest were in the cab.It was a real nice feeling to drive in such nice weather at such speeds.I never had gone that fast before.Then the cab stopped at a turning and as I was following it, I too stopped by bike on the road side.A car was coming from behind at a moderate pace, but rather than slowing down it attained full throttle, lost balance and banged my bike.RR who was sitting behind somehow reacted quick enough to jump away.And I, just could not do anything. I just closed my eyes.I felt, this was it.The damn car was coming straight at us.There was no going back.I got thrown away with the bike.And somehow, I escaped without any major injuries.Just cuts and bruises.As I write this, that picture is still haunting me and I just can't believe how lucky we were to escape this.Thank you, God.

When I got up, I felt my head shaking a bit.The only thing on my mind at that point was to get the damn driver out of that freaking car and beat the hell out of him. Unfortunately, driver was a lady.Somehow I cannot speak to a girl in a high tone.I had no clue what to say to her.Still, I managed a couple of harsh lines.And then a few more. She was almost in tears.What do you expect? And then came those very popular words.'I am really very sorry'. At least we were fortunate that we survived all in good and the bike was also not damaged badly.I let her go.But I must say, I am still in shock.That was really very scary.

Then since the place we were going was not so far now, and our injuries weren't anything serious, we decided to move on.We reached the place soon.I had google-imaged this place before.And the first look was exactly what I was expecting.No doubt, it is the best place in Hyderabad.A beautiful lake with rocks all around and totally isolated from the city.There were hardly any people there.We decided to go down into the wild.V and RM were occupied in photography all this time.A had a hard time with the rocks.Her every other step on the adjoining rock was like conquering Mount Everest.A also made numerous attempts to throw stones in the lake to a respectable distance, but all in vain.Some of her throws nearly made a U-turn.It was fun watching these kids climbing rocks, throwing pebbles, posing weird postures for the FB and Orkut clicks. I on the other hand, was totally subdued. It was difficult to get out of that shock. Though I loved sitting alongside the water.And the wind sure made it fun.If you are fed up of the crowded streets of the city and the countless vehicles making whinny noises all day long, this is the place to find peace.

So not fair

How easily, sometimes we utter,
"That's so not fair!".
How often, we complain,
"Why me God? Why me?".
But how seldom we question this,
when flying the good times!
So not Fair.

Someone very close,
blackened by those evil shadows,
The ones which can't be shattered!
And we all have the say,
"That's so not fair!".
"Why us God? Why us?.

We then, looked for that holy,
that sacred little light,
which perhaps would heal the fallen,
But there were others,
blackened by those shadows.
Even children among them.
Even children.

How unfair is that, I wondered.
Drowned in shame and guilt,I recollect,
How easily, sometimes we utter,
"That's so not fair!".
How often, we complain,
"Why me God? Why me?".
So not fair.