Weddings Galore

More than a month back I talked about the two weddings happening on the same day of which I could attend none. Both of the guys are the best of my friends. Here are the snaps of both of the gorgeous couples.

Hemant & Pooja


Manish & Rakhi


Best wishes to both of you.

Two of my best friends - Hemant and Manish - are getting married today. Not to each other, but to their respective brides, of course. However, owing to my illness and some other unavoidable circumstances, I am not able to attend the ceremonies.

I would have been able to attend only one of them anyway, as one is happening in Udaipur, and the other one in Lucknow. That would have angered one of them. This must have angered both or neither depends upon which way they look.

However, one thing is sure. I am feeling lousy for more reasons than one.

Best wishes for their future.

Hate To Lose

When I was in my pre highschools( VIII, IX, X), sports was as much a passion as studies. Every class use to have a team, and often we use to play each other. All teams stood in fairly equal stead. It used to be a fierce competition, and the spirits used to be so high that matches often ended just short of a brawl.

I for one, hated to lose, and the captain of my team hated it even more.

Year 1992, excitement of on going Cricket World Cup was on, and the disappointment of our first board exams was already behind. On an unusually hot day during the early spring we decided to play our last match as 'class X'. The opposition was 'class IX'.

I skipped the match because India was playing a rain shortened, loosing game with South Africa, and I decided to watch it.

Our opposition had two tear away fast bowlers, with contrasting styles - Nitin Mishra, and Vijay Shankar(our captain, who is reading this blog may correct the names, if wrong). Though none of us would openly admit it, but there was an element of awe for these two.

India lost pretty soon, so I rushed to watch the outcome of the other battle. Match was taking place on one the hardest pitches of DAV college. The moment I reached there, it was already in a thrilling phase.

We were chasing, and that pace duo had ripped off our top order. However, the captain was still playing with tailenders. He had already suffered the heat stroke, and had done some vomiting. He had taken some blows on the body as well. Still, he stood like the rock of Gibraltar on the crease, and took us to a memorable victory. Lagaan was scripted much later.

The key factor there was the emotion -'hate to lose', perhaps only one of the few times the word 'hate' could be used in a positive sense. See, at that time there is this undiluted, sincere, schoolboyish attitude for competing. There is no match fees, no sponsorship money, no TV interviews involved. Two things which drive our performance is the love for the game, and the extreme desire of winning it fairly.

The exact corollary of this is what happening with the hi-fliers of our Indian team. The money involved is obscene. The unmitigated desire to win is lost somewhere between it. This continuous flow of unlimited money has definitely diluted the zeal. Now careers have taken precedence. Wining is only a byproduct, a poor distant cousin.

One doesn't deserve 50 lakh a year for losing more than 50% of matches. Nor do we deserve their unwanted advertisements before our faces through out the year. Poor chaps, they have to speak same stuff before camera even when they lose. Also, graded payment shouldn't be according to the seniority of the players, but according to performance of that year.

Look how causally people walked back after every dismissal, as if they were more comfortable in dressing room. I think a few radical decisions have to be taken. Those with suspect attitude should be chucked out, until they mend themselves and fighters like Robin Singh should be sought for, who give more than they possess.

Heck, even my captain Hemant Upadhyaya would fare much better than these loud mouthed sissies just because he hated to lose. So would I.

It's Ok To Be Naughty Sometimes

The incident dates back to my college days. The beautiful IIT campus at Kanpur is situated almost out of the city limits. From IIT gate, the hostel and academic area is further 3 km inside.

Whenever we use to go for a late night movie show, it used to be a big trouble getting back after midnight. It required a lot of haggling to convince tempo drivers for dropping us at the campus because they won't get return passengers at such late hours.

Some of them would only drop us at IIT gate, not to our hostels to avoid hassles with security guys at the institute. Still these guys were much better than those crook-turned-autowallahs in Pune, whose half-return-fares start from as early as 10pm, more so if one is unfortunate and poor enough to reside in some far flung corner of the city.

That night, we had gone for a lavish marwari dinner at the very kanpuriya, Manish Kankani's place. The food prepared by aunty, bhabhi and didi was brilliant and sumptuous. Servings were generous, and to add to that, we had to also follow the typical marwari diktat of not leaving even a tiny scrap of food on our plates.

It was already very late and the place, RatanLal Nagar was at another corner of the city. Our loaded-to-the-brim tummies made walking very tedious. After much effort we found a rare tempo ready to take us to IIT gate, but not up to our hostels. With our condition, walking three kilometers was impossible therefore, we pleaded, cajoled, cried but the driver refused to budge.

Since beggars can't be choosers, all fourteen of us hopped in. But Kankani had a plan. Just after half a km, Kankani and Anant Mishra, the biggest pranksters in our group started acting as if they were very heavily drunk. Soon the rest of us followed. Following is the sample conversation which was used, lavishly punctuated by mild profanities.

Speaker 1: "Daru Ne Sara Mood Kharab Kar Diya Yaar. Agar Aaj Kisi Faltoo Ne Panga Liya To Tangey Tod Doonga Uski!" (The drink has spoilt the whole mood. Anyone who messes with me,I am going to break his legs tonight)

Speaker 2: "Sirf Tangey Tod Dogey? Abey Mai To Tangey Hi Nahin, Hanth, Khopadi, Kamar - Sab Tod Phod Daloonga" (Only the legs? I would break ALL of his bones from top to the bottom, my dear fella)

Speaker 3: "Ek Baat Mai Bhi Bata Doon. Agar Aaj Is Tempo Wale Ne Zara Si Bhi Bakaiti Dikhai, Kasam Se Woh Haal Karoonga Ki Dobara Kisi IIT Ke Launde Ko Tempo Per Nahin Baithaiga" (Let me also add something. If this tempo driver tries to act smart today, I am gonna give him such a sound thrashing that he won't ever drive an IITian to the campus again)

Speaker 1: "Aur Bhaisaab, Kahin Usney Galti Se Bhi Kiraya Maang Liya - To Tum Log Mujhey Rokna Mat. Maartey Maartey Gadar Kaat Doonga" (And if this fellow dared to ask for the fare, hope you fellas don't stop me. I am going to run havoc on him for his misadventure)

Speaker 2: "Abey Chahey Aaaj Diro Bhi Aa Jai. Isko Chhodna Nahin Hai. Bahut Mood Kharab Kar Raha Tha" (Even if the Director turns up, we are not going to leave this guy)

The conversation was reaching loud and clear to the driver. His face had turned ashen, and he panicked too soon. Two of the group who were sitting in front seat along with him were trying hard to hide their giggles. They explained to him that though these guys are badly drunk, they mean no harm. The driver was not entirely convinced.

We kept on doing this for whole journey, and eventually IIT gate arrived. The driver didn't even look to stop at there. He had changed his mind long back. He was determined to drop us safely at our hostels. Unfortunately for the driver, the two not-so-drunk guys at the front alighted near the Computer Center(CC).

He begged them to continue on to the hostel and then he would drop them back at CC. They assured him that there is a guy called Manish Chauhan, who was not drunk and would pay him the full fare. But by the time we reached Hall-III gate, he didn't have the courage to ask for the money. His unscathed return from the campus was his top priority.

Rest of the guys went away shouting and laughing. When I approached him with the money, he couldn't believe it. I thanked him for dropping us till the hostel. Though he did say that pleasure was all his, I am bloody sure he won't have ever taken another ride to IIT campus.

And we were laughing our guts out at the brilliant, albeit naughty idea. That's the hostel life for you.

My Dear Roomie

When I first saw this hurly-burly fellow, flashing a powerhouse smile, and proffering a firm hand( to shake), I knew I was in safe hands. All the apprehensions about my would be roommate vanished, almost immediately. Roomies in true sense, we remained together all three years in Hall-III, and we even remained neighbours in Hall -I, during final year, where accommodations were one in one.

That is a rare occasion, as you all would know. For us, the case was settled during the end of the first year, when he announced that he was not going to leave me, not for anyone. And I was glad. From the next year, the question didn't even arise. The issue was closed once for all.

As I was safe, so were my belongings. In my absence, NO ONE could take any of my things. His prying eyes would always insure that. And, of course, no body dare forced his way. His grips were iron. Subir would vouch for that.

He and alcohol, together, were like Molotov cocktail. No one can control him then, except, perhaps, me. But I never tried. Even during one such misadventure, while blasting every one else, he had only kind words for me. That Chauhan Bahut Achha Aadmi Hai. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed.

I haven't ever seen anyone work so hard. His methods used to be instant. He never pondered much. When he joined IIT, he wasn't that proficient in English. But he wanted to do MS. He wanted run his own company. With his sheer perseverance and genius, his English is now flawless. He has completed his MS. Works in US, and has started his own company, based in India.

Want to share a little secret. Though, he always brought the famous Aligarhi Sohan Papdi(plus namkeen ) for every one, he always hid some extra stuff. That were exclusively for both of us. The other good thing about him - he can't remember the story of the movie he might have seen a day before, not even the name. Lucky, no? Every time, the movie is afresh.

His only grudge is that he can not sing more than one line. He just can't do it.

Miss you my dear roomie. Have a very nice Birthday, Rajeev.

My Previous BrithDay Wish - Nandan

The Interview

Months ago, I wrote a post about my dear friend, Timir. I had also mentioned about the classic interview he gave during campus recruitment to land the job. His CPI, which was paltry 5.5, had hit the rock bottom of the entire Aerospace department. It was never believed that with this academic record, he would ever get a job, leave alone the first one in the department.

Well, many a beliefs were about to be shattered soon.

Even when he had cleared the written tests, to be short listed for the interview, along with 36 other B.Techs & M.Techs from various departments, people still thought this was a mere flash in pan. It was indeed difficult because the company was calling in the descending order of the written marks achieved, and his number was at about 25 out of 37.

The number 37 was far too much to select just 8 or 9 people. Even 25 was also on the farther side. And to top that, his pathetic grades. Nothing short of miracle was needed. But miracles never happen. They are created by genius. And Timir, the genius he was, to the utter shock of entire batch, pulled off one.

Interviewers were two - the senior Director, a guy, and the senior HR Manager, a lady. To every person, they were asking two geometry related questions, one puzzle of sorts, while rest was general HR staff. But the problem was that they had a limited set of geometry and puzzle questions, so they were getting repeated. By the time ten guys were interviewed, every still-to-appear had most of the questions by heart.

This was the key for him. He realized that since every one is answering those puzzles, there is no point answering same ones. He needed to do something different. And different he did.

On his turn when he was asked about the first puzzle, he replied that he has heard of it, so please ask a different one. He repeated same answer for next three ones. Perplexed, they enquired about the reason of his knowing all of them. He told them the truth that he has heard them from others. They were highly pleased by his honesty.

Then they asked some different questions, that included a puzzle which till then nobody had answered. Since, there was no of dearth gray matter, it was cracked. This, along with his honesty, had done the trick. His frank admissions about his low CPI, which by then had ceased to be a factor, further sealed the case for him.

Next morning when the list of selected candidates was announced, the only ones from my department were myself and him. Kalpana Chawla's foray in space, and Timir Ranjan Chatterjee's landing the first job in Aerospace department were the most widely talked about topics in both, student and faculty circles of IIT Kanpur that year.

My Last Post On Timir - Rememberance

Nandan

If there is a born engineer in my group, then there is only one worthy person. Rest of us only hold a degree. We were just good at Maths, Physics, and Chemistry, the quintessential eligibility criterion to become almost an engineer.

A new mobile, or camera or even a TV remote won't escape his attention. And Before long, there would come a humble request - 'Kya Mai Isey Khol Ke Dekh Loon ?' Nothing short of a scream will stop him from prying it open. And he has been doing that since his childhood.

He knows all about gadgets, gears, circuits, chips - everything. At a course in IIT, his ship 'Santa Maria' was the first in the race in swimming pool by a big margin.

Why, he is a born writer as well. You will hang on to his every description. He has a good eye for detail. His 'Doomsman Ki Diary' has lot of Sher penned by 'Ashq Lakhnawi' i.e. himself.

Despite all his greatness, he is a shy person. Sometimes, his fuse gets short but all in all, a very good friend to have. I won't ever able to repay what he has done for me in my difficult times.

Happy Belated Birthday, Ashutosh.

My Previous Post On Birthday Wish - Lady Killer

Lady Killer

I mean, not in literal sense, but by his cute looks, his extremely sharp brain. By his blushing smile, his ready wit. He is the charmer, and has had the most of the girls in the school enamoured by his persona.

Mesmerizer that he his, he is a very smooth talker. Always the one to make an impression even at the first meeting, with guys and girls alike. Throughout the topper(with minor aberrations here and there), he was the most cherished student amongst the teachers, fellow students, even the parents.

Not only that, he has the tremendous command over the pen. I bet, if he decides to write a blog, it would be a best seller. Has the great quizzing skills. Lest I forget, I must add that there is no end to his sporting abilities. Excels in every sport he plays. Got a perfect, smooth side-on right arm action I have ever seen, and very strong on off side while batting.

However, the greatest virtue I can mention about him is that he is a born leader. Always the captain of class Cricket team, class Football team, school (Unity) House captain. Didn't need a MBA degree for that, but now he has it, nevertheless.

But he is a friend for inseparable 14 years, not because of all of this. We became friends in strange circumstances, which only he and Mohan knows. Can't mention that here, I guess. He belongs to my inner circle.

Happy Birthday Hemant 'Naughty' U(t)padhayay !!

My Previous Birthday Wish - Late Charlie

Earliest Memories

Childhood memories are mostly sweet, though they might not be as much vivid, as one may want to be. There are often some missing links, some flashes - but all in all, everyone is able to recall, at least, some of those cherished moments.

I would share with you all some of my earliest memories I have.

School
Though it may sound ridiculous to some, I do have some faint memories of my first few days in school - perhaps even first day. I remember most of my abandoned, fellow class mates were crying at the top of their voices, looking for their mothers, with one or two of them even wetting their bottle green pants . Probably, I was also crying.

Cricket
The earliest memories of Cricket on TV are - Javed Mianadad hitting Chetan Sharma for a six at Sharjah, and Champion of Champions, Ravi Shastri driving that Audi at SCG.

Other Sport
The other major event which comes to my memory is AsiaD -1982, and it's mascot -Appu. It used to be a craze those days, with Appu stickers, labels, pencils etc available all around.

Movie
Amitabh Bachchan dancing on - 'Khai Ke Paan Banaras Wala', and - 'Mere Angney Mein' . I don't remember many fight sequences as I used to close my eyes during the same.

The first movie I remember watching in a cinema hall is probably 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram'

Video
The first movies I saw on a VCR were - Sharabi and Tohfa. Almost whole neighbourhood was there.

Trip
My first ever long trip was to Vindhyas and Mahadev hills, now in ChhattisGarh. It was the first time I saw hills and waterfalls.

Comics
Chandamama and Indrajaal's Phantom - The Ghost Who Walks. He was an enigma.

Sis
When she was born, I was angry with every one. But since I saw that extremely fair, tiny-winy creature, with those sleepy eyes in the hospital, till date, nothing has beaten that joy I felt some 21 years ago.

Friend
There was this guy with me in KG called Sanjeev. I don't know where he is now. Probably one of the first of my friends along with Ashutosh Bhatnagar.

Crush
That big eyed, fairy like girl in my first standard. She even complained to the teacher that I stare at her. When teacher asked me, I politely replied that I like her. Teacher smiled and politely told that to my mother. The same girl was in my class for full 12 years. It must be hardly 12 times, I might have talked to her. The longest ever crush. Right Hemant ?

Girl Friend
Met this girl in a function. We both were five, and it turned out that our mothers were long lost friends. The girl declared she is gonna marry me, and on the face of it, I had no objection. She even introduced me to her father, and stated her noble interest. Her father looked very relieved man at the prospect.

Alas, her resolve couldn't stand the storms of time.

Profession
Like everyone else, I wanted to be a Doctor. When one of my friends wanted to be an Engineer - I laughed at him. I did not want to fix punctures in the tyres, I announced. During my summer training at HAL, Lucknow, when I saw LCA landing gear and wheel being worked upon, I laughed at myself. Wheel of the time had turned a full circle.


Well, these are what I can currently think of. If you guys can think of any other category, I can add that later.

Remembrance

The TV channels today are abound with the  news  of suicide committed by  former Miss India,  Nafisa Joseph.  I  felt sad, not because she was a great model or anchor but because a life has been snuffed out at such a young age. 

That reminds me of the unfortunate incident that took place more than two years ago.  Nandu will feel upset reading this but I can't help remembering Chattu.  I still can't believe that Timir is dead and that too by committing suicide.  Known him for so many years,  I never thought he could ever think of suicide.  He  was too strong for that, though he was not that strong for drugs.

I still vividly remember,  when I first saw my fair,  baby face neighbour. It was my second day at  IIT -K ,  and my eyes lit up when he I came to know that he too was joining Aerospace department. He was a raggers delight.  Not afraid to do whatever seniors demanded,  and soon  he was a hit with seniors.  They got impressed with his witty replies and sweet face.

But how deceptive, his appearance was.  He was a complete rebel.  Though himself a bengali, he usually poked fun at bengalis.  Being a delhite,  he loathed Delhi.  He preferred any day, his native Jabalpur.  He hardly used to attend any classes, but just how managed to scrape through.  One of the younger profs - Sanjay Mittal once asked him the reason behind his absence in class.  He didn't make any  excuses and did simple plain speak .  He very innocently told the prof that he finds very difficult to sit for one hour.  Prof was sporting enough him to offer him to stay for half an hour in the class.

But somehow he fell into a bad company.  Company was bad not because the guys were loafers or criminals.  But they were big time smokers and drunkards.  Soon smoking gave way to small time doping.

Meanwhile, as we moved further into our departmental courses, our friendship grew.  He was my lab partner in almost all the lab courses.  We were together on industrial tour. He was my B.Tech partner as well.  We even got the job also together and in same company!

 He never missed any labs with me because he could never refuse to me.  He had some hidden respect  or love for me. He use to stop smoking whenever I entered his room.  He even apologized to me for his habit. He promised to give up but I knew he would never be able to do  that as long he was with his chums.

Gifted with tremendous brains, he was a sharp learner.  During the exams, he would come to me for the notes only when I was about to retire.  Then, he would study whole night and get a C or rarely D, that was enough for him.  Even one of our prof who was in B.Tech Project committee admitted to one of my batchmates that this guy has the tremendous presentation  abilities.  A few of them accepted that he was sharp as well. They had to give the top grade.

He always got good grades in the courses which he liked.  Along with me, he had made a glider prototype out of thermocol which had the best glide in the history of that course . It  fetched both of us an A in the course.   Once, he had missed a midsem of  AeroDymanics-II  because he kept on sleeping. When he went for next midsems,  prof couldn't recognize him and had to ask him of he was registered for the course. Even then, Timir Ranjan Chatterjee got a B in the course because of his performance in endsems.

To every one's utter shock, he was the first person along with me, who landed a job in the department( in the Geometric).  He had the least of the CPI.  But his mesmerizing face, sharp brain and honest answers got him the job.  That interview itself can be incuded into one of the classics.

He came to drop me at the station after our four years at IIT and thanked me for all that I had done for him. Later, in Geometric as well, we use to meet almost daily. But then, he had to go  for rehabilitation on insistence of his parents and company.  Probably he couldn't cope up with that and took his life.

There are lot many fun and emotion filled stories which could be shared about him. He was such a complex character. To me, he was different than what he was to others.  I have spent so much time with him that I can't ever forget him. I don't want to .