Princess Birthday Celebrations - 2010

" Sandra celebrated her birthday with all her known society friends "

Pune - Bangalore Trip

Awesome Trip to cherish all my life time !

Sorry for not mentioning much in my previous blog regarding the route and distance covered and minute details for a new comer to start the journey safe.

I started my journey from Pune on 3rd Novembe 2010 at 4.45 am - passing Satara,Kolhapur,Nipani,Belgaum,Hubli,Haveri,Davangere,Haveri,Chitradurga,Tumkur,Neelmanagla and then finally Bengaluru at 6 pm, but the traffic after that was pathetic (bad) as it took 2 hrs for me to touch Kammanhalli from Yeshvantpur outer ring circle road.

We stayed for 5 days in which we travelled to Mysore, Sister Aunty's place( Fraser Town) & Bangalore City - with its garden, zoo, park, observatory and shopping lanes in Bangalore.

It was a reliever's trip, just the drive has made my leg sprain a lot as still going with it.

Hope to make a different trip next year to a different place - till then watch out for the space.

Pune - Bangalore - Car Drive

A awesome experience of highway driving skills as all weather touched at natures best.

We started the journey at 04.45 am from Pune through Pune-Bangalore expressway, at a speed of 100-110 kms, morning by 8 we had breakfast & cleared Kolhapur, as by 1 pm -we were at Haveri for lunch break at Punjabi Deol Highway Dhaba clearing 541 kms, then started for the end part of drive to Bangalore touching by 6 pm, as through out Karnataka, rains were at its worst stage with heavy & small drizzling. But the greatest journey to inform is the last part to enter the city to reach Kamanhalli took me 2 hours straight - pathetic traffic as we reached at the worst traffic congestion time ( 6 to 8 pm).

Its almost a 850 kms drive & total money spend in toll plaza is Rs.500/- in 13 hours, but the highways road were at its best for the price we paid. We had to fill in the the petrol tank twice as petrol in Karnataka is costly by Rs.5 per litre. Its almost four lane road till Belgaum and after Hubli to Haveri its a two lane road then again opening in patches four & two lane roads as work is still in progress in almost some parts, we can say that almost 85% work on the Golden Quadrangle is done.

We were saved by a small accident as a KRSTC bus took a left turn on the same highway without indicators. Rest all drive was smooth as Amul butter, but alertness is a must on this road for all diversions to be taken care.

What more to say - had a splendid drive in all , as all enjoyed the bit & bytes as we took almost 6 breaks all over at all major IOC petrol pumps.Specially Jason & Sandra enjoyed the full driving spell.

Tomorrow - Mysore drive !

Rs.28000 Cr - Games Expense or Public Funds.

I just happen to read the newspaper and came to light regarding the above mentioned figure spend for Common wealth Games 2010 in Delhi, building new airport terminal infrastructure, wider roads, flyovers & Metro rail extensions, labour cost - sub minimal wages and unsafe conditions.

Is it the human cost to drive the poor out of streets & out of sight ?

I remember the term " Commonwealth " originally meant for public welfare,things that are greater good for society. Do the commonwealth games pass this commonwealth test ? Kalmadi has surely made his money out of this games-for his next election campaign & voters.

We could have used this money for building basic sports facilities in thousand government schools, primary schools, health centers, building roads all over in India and cut some poverty level.

But who is going to listen as everyone is already on the collection sprint, collect more for his future.Even when we celebrate 63rd Independence Day, we are salves in our own world to people who are using all the best resources for their best need.

I or We, alone cannot change the world in one day, needs a massive support !

Mandwa Beach - My Farm

Its a trip to be remembered and cherished as we celebrated our 10th Wedding Anniversary.

We went to Mandwa - four hours drive from Pune by car, started at 9 am & reached there by 1pm for lunch,had a pleasant stay with good food & nature trails. In fact our most of time went exploring beach , the entire village place.

Words are not enough for me to express the place , its beauty and people and more.....

AWESOME PLACE !

Commonwealth Games or Scam !

Just thought of throwing some light to CWG as said - happening event for India.

It seems to be very interesting to read daily newspaper & hear TV channels regarding Kalamdi's state of affairs in getting things done for CWG specially at a very fast mode in 60 days time period - how can a common man digest of all facts being published or leaked out - for eg. A treadmill costing Rs.9,75,000/- rent for 45 days and when asked Kalmadi, advised its the same used in Beijing Olympics - what are we comparing.As its market rate is Rs.4,00,000/-. Secondly, Kalamdi hired cab services in UK for Queen Baton's rally with AM cars, paid already a whopping Rs.2,00,000 pounds, and the same company has filed a bankruptcy in July 2010. This is just the opening of a Pandora Box - imagine things to come from CWG more...............

India, seems to be a country of big, bigger & biggest scams - you just name anything in life - we have scam masters. Just today was watching news of Solid Waste Management in Mumbai , wherein the Municipal Corporation of Mumbai has made Rs.2,600 Cr scam in accordance with United Phosphorus in sheer waste material for a contract agreement for next 25 years,Mumbai company for giving the waste in metric tonnes as raw materials to company. This should be given in free-but making money from waste. Mumbai waste materials gets dumped in 132 hectares of land in Deonar.

Day before yesterday , was watching news channel regarding Railway scam for Dedicated Freight Corridor in the North side - a company named DFCCIL & a member from Laloo Yadav's ministry involvement in some big crores scam, with money transactions been already done without any board meeting or proposal as for the said project but project still no where to be seen in actuals, work not started 5 %. Where has the money gone ?

Its just the details which i could collect it watching & reading stuff, knowing that we are in full control of many scam all around us. Its seems politician are enjoying life with huge salary, amenities & over extra income, after all its all our money they are playing with. Cut down all amenities & just give basic needs to live. Let them also suffer and know life standards of a common man.

Whats say !!

Korigad Fort -Trek

It was a planned trip from MITL side for all staff with family on the 24th July 2010 & we choose to visit - Korigad Fort is one of the simplest trekking destinations located in and around Pune. It is a perfect start up point for newbies who have not had a trekking experience before. Just a few steps climb takes you to the very top of the fort.

Korigad was built by Shivaji Maharaj in the year 1657. One of Shivaji’s most loved forts. It is about 929 m above sea level. The closest village is Peth Shahpur.Located at a distance of about 20kms from Lonavla, Korigad is famous for its fortified structure and the view it offers from the top of the dense forest that surrounds this fort. The village located at the foothills of the fort is called Peth- Shahpur which is situated close to the Amby Valley. There are two ways to reach to the top of the fort. The first way comprises of a series of steps which take you all the way to the top of the fort. The 100 odd steps take about 45 mins to climb and take you along a Ganesh Temple and few small caves on the way to the top of the mountain.

To take the other route, you will have to get down at Ambavne which is approximately 2kms away from Peth-Shahapur. From Ambavne the climb is slightly tricky and more adventurous as compared to the first option. You will have to pass through dense jungles and bamboo trees and ascend the short steps carved on large rocks on your way to the top. But this is the shortest way to climb the fort and was used as an escape route by the Marathas in the early years.

The top of the fort is about 3049 feet above sea level and is more of a flat topography. It houses a number of small ponds and two caves, one of which houses an idol of Lord Vishnu. If you enter the fort via the Peth- Shahpur route or better known as the Ganesh Darwaja you will come across a number of old structures. There is also a temple that houses a 4 feet idol of Goddess Korai Devi and a deepmala which is located exactly in front of its entrance. The fort derives its name from this goddess.

The top also offers a marvellous view of the surrounding forts namely Tung, Tikona, Matheran, Prabalgarh, Manikgad, Nagphani and the Karnala hills.

I forgot to mention that we missed all the given details as missed the steps and reached to no man land due to heavy rains all time,but did a trekking for 45 minutes or more all down the fort.More over on our return trip, we had a break down with the travelling bus, which made us catch autos from Bulshi Dam site to reach Lonavala station, walked a bit in the heavy rains and had lunch at Hotel Rama Krishna at 4 pm. Just a memorable and remembrance trip for all to cherish life time.

Pranjali's Birthday - 20th June 2010

This is a evening to be remembered as a surprise day & party for our family.

We all went to Sandy's house for a visit as usual, spend time talking & discussing things, life and kids education, when suddenly Sandy announced for a surprise dinner party for Pranjali's birthday dated 20th June'2010, we were taken all to a surprise but still managed the show by ordering a chocolate cake at the venue to cut and enjoy the moments of sharing.

We had dinner at Smuriddhi Hotel at Tingre nagar, food was delicious and the service was good, more than us the kids enjoyed the evening with fun and masti.

Remembering Sister Johanna Tuscano - Rest in Peace.

This is to reference - blog of March 23,2009 regarding Sister Johanna's issue with some parents for with holding few students for not paid the fees for academic year 2009-10.

After the issue got some relief , she went into a prolong illness(coma) & was bed ridden from December 2009 to 15th June 2010, were she laid to death bed on 16th June 2010.

In Sister Johanna, we missed a Guide, Philosopher & A Great Thinker for St.Joseph's School, Khadki. She was born on 9th July 1954 to a god fearing family,used to spend her early age on fields & flowers. She served in Bhusawal- 9 years & Ahmednagar - 5 years & St.Jospeh's - 2 years in school activities before lying down with prolong illness, all the doctors ( Dr.Alexander - Ruby Hall Clinic) tried their best to get her back to normal, but in vain. Sister Johanna,aged 56 years, was not a age to be departed from all the loved & near ones.

May her soul rest in peace !

Sinhagad Trip - Weekend.

What a weekend to start with on 12th June 2010, as we planned to trek towards Sinhagad.Short History - Sinhagad or Sinhgad (Marathi: सिंहगड, The Lion's Fort), is a fortress located roughly 30 kilometres southwest of the city of Pune, India. It is situated on a hill rising 800 metres above the surrounding countryside. Previously called Kondana (Marathi: कोंढाणा), the fort has been the site of many important battles, most notably the battle of Sinhagad in 1670. It was also strategically located at the center of a string of other forts such as Rajgad, Purandar and Torna.

Perched on an isolated cliff of the Bhuleswar range of the Sahyadri Mountains, its height above sea-level is 1350 metres. Given natural protection by its very steep slopes, the walls and bastions were constructed at only key places; it has two gates – the Kalyan Darwaza in the south-east and the Pune Darwaza in the north-east.

We started at 8.45am from my place ,reached venue by 11am on the top of it, with a spectacular view of the mountain range. We almost walked and trekked a distance of 5 to 6 kms all along the mountain range, covering all mentioned points before taking a break for delicious lunch with the favorite bakri, baigan bahrit, bhajiya & pitla, specially not to forget the earthen pot curd plus lassi( home made), in all a beautiful Saturday rewinding at 3 pm & reached home back by 4 pm.It was awesome driving experience through all the road towards the mountain range with all hair pen bends and narrow roads.

All were too tired as awaited for the night to come in, bed touch & gone for a toss. Just came to know at 6 am in the morning for Sunday Mass.

Life in a different shape !

Its been a long time since noted down few events happened last month.

First to start with is - after joining Gym & Swimming, its been 2 months and could feel the difference in me as lost 2 kgs, more over almost my belt size has reduced one hole frontwards which for a long time never thought of happening.Its a tremendous change all toegther in my outer structure, making myself light weighted & always energetic.

Second is the trip we had for a day to Mahableshwar with some friends in car in May month, started at 11 am & touching the favorite hill station by 1.30pm, as had already done the home work of the spots to check out, started with Monkey point, Echo point etc,finishing our trip by 4 pm, hard to get lunch after 3 pm in Mahableshwar, still managed to get & back to pune by 10 pm.I will post snaps later.

Thirdly, life is moving very fast as running around for Jason's admission in Loyala High School in Std III, shifting from Vidya Bhavan's School,Model Colony. Wifey and kids enjoyed a month stay at Cochin for the vacation & Parents attending my cousin's brother Prince wedding in Chennai.I couldn't make for all the trips as busy in office work as usual.

Still, planning to visit Kerela next year by car.

Who are we voting for ?

This is just a small incident according to me,for the people we vote and bring to power politics.

Last day, Pratibha Patil was supposed to visit Pune, as her brigade was to pass through Spicer College road, cleaners have cleaned the road totally as neat, not all day they do.Business hawkers who used to stand everyday to sell vegetables,fruits & other commodities for common man was out of sight because she was coming the same way, so does that mean she will be feeding all those family their daily bread for the day. Poor chaps spend almost all day standing in the sun and bearing the exposure of heat to sell their stuff and get money for their families to live upon.

She being a President, all said & done, have to be coming & going on her routine without disturbing other people's life as usual. Moreover the visit to Pune was for her own good,not for the sake of country........our money getting wasted in all their unwanted activities. Where are we heading for and what for ?

I, sometimes feel that its better to have a gun than a pen to sort some issues which is unbearable and intolerable.

I, wanted to mention, for the poor chaps selling stuff for their daily bread. Kindly pass your views for the betterment of society. Maybe we will try to make a difference by putting up a step ahead.

Break @ Choki Dhani, Wagholi.

It was thought over process to take a break out of Pune, but due to time constraints,met up at Choki Dhani, near to Wagholi area,Pune.

It was a sheer experience of Rajasthani style for all our family members as first time they were enjoying the rajasthani culture, folk dances and eatables.

Kids enjoyed horse ride,camel ride,train ride & snakes & ladder games. Also a good place to relax and spend time with loved ones.

What more to say about the food, it was served with Love and we had our fullest as it was difficult for me to drive back home.............still managed safely @ home by 10 pm as spend almost 4 hrs totally.

Workaholic !

I never in my life was so engrossed to work, but checking up my calendar from last month, its been a hectic and tiring journey towards work.

All possible reasons add, like recession & market getting better, things shaping up,company progressing, employee satisfaction, role change and off all - shifting to a new office in the same premises. Surprised, just a renovation work to make office look like office rather than a cricket pitch earlier.

Sometimes feels good about the work load and hectic schedule as it keeps you busy all time, not to think any other thoughts rather than work,all regards to family members who supported a lot during this period of stress & pressure.

Out of all, feel to take family members out for a break, but still have to re-think twice to arrange my schedule matching up to kids, so that they are not tried up.

It seems time has come for it - planning for a break this weekend with family.

I will surely pen down the enjoyment in the next blog, keep reading...............

Missed !

It was a sad day on 28th January-10 ,we lost a premature baby (7months) due to little negligence part from a family friend couple, it all started with a small pain in her stomach at night around 10 pm ,as she felt it was due to some indigestion or stomach pain, tried to carry the pain full night without intimating any of group friends, thinking that the pain will be over after clear motion, but it didn't happen the way expected. The pain took a complete U turn & bleeding started all though night around 3 am in small portions, specially morning at 4 am started heavy bleeding for which he called me, we rushed to them & immediately admitted her to hospital.

But we were too late in reacting to the situation as the baby has almost been in the blood clot for hours seems,baby lost heart beat & breathing, it was a critical conditon for both mother & child advised by doctor, but still all doctors present took her to the operation theater & cleared her from pain, almost after a battle of 4-5 hours we lost the baby but mother safe, she is still struggling to recover from the pain & shock.

After the operation was done, doctors shifted her to ICU & we all went over for the burial of baby with all formalities done within stipulated amount of time from Church & Corporation. I still feel, as could hear the baby cry for life & and we missed to save him.

A tragic day to end, still the memories haunt me. God bless them.