Welcome back!

Look at the sky in Mumbai two days back (on Sunday, the 8th of Nov). It was terribly hot. I was irritated with the heat. I was watching the sun about to go down, when I noticed the clouds. I exclaimed that it might rain. Though it seemed unlikely then, almost 30 hours later it rained during the night following Monday in the far suburbs.

Then on the morning of 10th Nov (Tuesday), the rain had spread throughout Mumbai. The weather turned cool, much to the relief of people like me who hate heat. Though it isn't raining heavily (and still is as I write this), I welcome the rains back to Mumbai. Don't mind having had to walk in the rains (sans an umbrella!) from work.

Sunset in Mumbai

Cool sunset pic, na? Pat pat!!! I clicked this snap recently. This is very much a part of Mumbai city as is me.

A dot, a stain and a blotch!

Bhala uska voting dot itna hot kaise?

Everyone seems to have forgotten about the elections which happened in Maharashtra on 13th October in the Diwali revelry.

This time the picture was slightly better than the Lok Sabha elections. The idea of keeping malls and restaurants and many public places closed in the morning seemed to have some effect. Also, the officers of the election commission making surprise checks on offices which were open was a good idea!

My youngest brother who's working and studying in Pune came to Mumbai to vote (as he did last time too). And so did my sister (who's married and stays not so far away) joined us. So it was like a family get-together. We three went to vote. My Dad had to go for his monthly review to the hospital and could not join us. And my Mom went in the evening with my other brother.

The trio visit in the morning was fun. We voted with a 'beep' and were happy with the way the lady at the booth applied the election ink. My brother got a call from his colleague as soon as he stepped out, so his ink blotched. When he realised that, he tried to mend it by wiping some of it with his right hand fingers. And you can imagine what it might have resulted in ! Stains on both right hand fingers too!!! I was happy with the cute dot. But I guess, I was happy too soon. In teasing my brother, my finger rubbed against the lock of hair which I was trying to put in place. So my ink turned into 'comet' shape. A dot with a tail.

My sister was smiling still. Because seeing us, she became extra careful. And kept her hand straight till it dried into a neat dot (check the pic) making us green with envy!

We three then went for lunch at a nearby restaurant before returning home.

Amination courtesy : Graphics on Samsung Star

The case of the missing seats!

Above : Seat 1
Below : Seat 2

This is a glimpse of Ladies First Class Compartment one mid afternoon!

It was captured almost a month back (in mid September) on my way to Asian Heart Institute, Bandra from Mira Road to see my Dad. I got a shock as I got into the Churchgate bound train. You could see one seat missing as soon as you got in. The shock doubled when I went to sit on the adjacent seat. The seat on the opposite side was missing too! So, two seats (situated diagonally) were missing in a single compartment!

One lady called someone in the Railways and informed them when the train was about to reach Andheri. But nothing happened. My mind was preoccupied with what was happening at the hospital as my Dad was in ICU after his coronary bypass surgery. I got down at Bandra.

Almost a fortnight later I again saw a missing seat in the Virar train while returning from office in the evening from Mumbai Central. This time around, only one seat was missing and the train was crowded.

Where did the seats disappear? Did it serve as a bed for someone or land up as seats on a autorickshaw?

Wake Up, Sid !

Watching the movie brought a breath of fresh air! And alongwith it, it brought sweet memories of college days (though it was not about partying and did not involve bunking) and life thereafter.

Memories of HR College. Friends. Life after college; the struggle to get a job; adjusting to life after studies; taking up responsibilities. All this from ‘Sid side’ of the movie.

More memories - Standing on own feet, being independent, making a name. All this from ‘Aisha Banerjee’s’ side.

The movie touched chords in more ways than one. The scenes from my college- HR; the dreams of Aisha; creativity. Though college ended almost 10 years back, the last 6 years of my life disappeared working day-night and being cut off from the world and friends. So all seems like a few years back (since I am back to living since the past 3 months).

All in all, I liked the movie. It wasn’t the typical movie, yet there was no dull moment. Konkona Sen Sharma as usual was brilliant. Only I felt that her character was in continuation of her role in LUCK BY CHANCE. Only this time the guy isn’t mean. But a sweet kid ! Apart from that, the movie has a message for students in the final year of their studies. No villains, thankfully. And no dramas! It’s a simple, fresh movie which leaves a nice feeling as you walk out. Go watch!

All the best, Ayan Mukherjee (he’s only 25 years, I’ve heard)! Waiting to see more light and sweet movies from your side.

Pic : wallpapers99.com

World Heart Day- 27th Sept 2009

Pic courtesy : http://www.asianheartinstitute.org/

The World Heart Day this year was extra special for me because my Dad underwent coronary bypass surgery on 10th Sept 2009 under the supervision of Mr Ramakant Panda (the 'PM's doc' as he is fondly called after he performed surgery on Dr Manmohan Singh sometime back ). Though he's a highly acclaimed doctor and is often seen on Page 3, he's extremely down-to-earth. As he's very busy, I got a chance to see him only once, when we went to consult him. He lets his work speak, while he speaks less.

Dad's fine and recovering at home now. I'd like to thank all the friends and colleagues (mine and my sister's) who donated blood for the surgery. They were more friends of family members who were ready to donate in case of emergency. A 'big thanks' also to all family members and friends who stood as moral support. Also all those who prayed for my Dad in different ways and always wished well for him - this was all possible because of you. The phone still rings non-stop enquiring about his health which, thanks to Allah, is fine.

The wonderful staff at Asian Heart Institute and the ever helpful doctors at the hospital helped in easing our worries. The pre-operation education to the patient and his family by the hospital prepares both mentally for the surgery. Every incision and tube as will be visible after surgery is explained in detail. The updates every two hours during the 9 hour long surgery of my Dad proved to be like a oasis in our endless desert-like wait from 6 am to 3 pm! Even while the patient is in ICU, counselling sessions (which include patient health updates) are provided twice daily for the family. Even the post operative sessions for patient and family are quite helpful in fast recovery.

From the liftman to the ward boy to the nurse to the doctors, everyone at Asian Heart Institute was helpful and always ready to guide and help us. This was definately in contrast to our experience in a well known suburban hospital we'd admitted Dad to earlier in August.

People warned us that the hospital was expensive, but in comparison to the services they provided and the technology they used ('beating heart' on 'Octopus' instead of the traditional 'Heart Lung' machine), the charges were nominal. And everything was covered in the bill. No hidden payment. And the bill was clean too. Refunds were given wherever applicable. The arrangement for a family member to stay back was good too. The top hospitals providing same services or technology charge more and some hospitals purposely elongate stay to increase bill. Though my Dad underwent 5 grafts, he was discharged in 8 days!

Like the posters of Akshay Kumar screaming out in the premises of the hospital, I'd also like to say - Dial 126 126 in case of any heart emergency!

People, do take care of your heart and your health

1) Keep your weight in control

2) Eat healthy

3) Exercise or walk a lot

4) Be stress-free

5) Don't smoke

Click link below for more information:

http://www.asianheartinstitute.org/html/heart_disease_prevention/heart_disease_prevention.htm

I've gained a lot of knowledge and experience about hospitals, heart diseases and people's reactions in such times which I'd like to share with all. But through a separate post soon, inshallah.

Independence Day and Dad

My Dad, who was recently hospitalised for 4 days for heart problem was back home the day before. He was the one who started the Flag Hoisting ceremony in our society when we moved to Mira Road almost 6 years ago. Patriotic songs are played since morning followed by flag hoisting. This has grown over the years into recognition for children who pass their exams with flying colours. And recently even mini sports are held in our compound. The entire function ends with distribution of sweets and snacks. Now children look forward to Independence Day and Republic Day every year. Nowadays even the SP and/ or local political leaders come to our to preside over the small function. The percentage of Muslims in our society and area is on the higher side. But those who feel that Muslims are less patriotic than other Indians, our society / building should serve as an eye opener to them.

Though this has been happening all the while, what especially made me recall and narrate about the Flag Hoisting ceremony has it's own significance. The society members give a lot of respect to my Dad as he's an ex -RBI AGM and helps a lot in organising the entire event. This is replete with his speech and announcements and encouraging words to children interspersed with his own little shairi and poems (which he's started writing after retirement). This year too Dad was approached for his suggestions and help. Obviously he was to do the announcements too. But last Monday we took him to the hospital and he was admitted for almost 4 days. He's been advised less exertion. Today, he got ready for the function which is held in our building compound. The arrangements this year were done while he was in hospital and later, resting at home. He put on the tricolour badge and went straight down. We advised him not to exert himself too much. He proudly announced, 'I am going for the kids'.

After a while, we heard his voice on the mike! 'Uh oh'!, I said to myself, 'Who can keep Dad away from the mike, especially on such a social occasion?'. I called my Mom, who was already on her way downstairs. 'Yes', she said. 'I know'. There was pride and happiness in her voice. My brother went down to take pictures. Because Dad likes pictures of all important events on record. My youngest brother had almost reached home from Pune for the weekend. I told him Dad was announcing yet again! He waited and watched before coming upstairs. Dad was chatting with the SP, who was the chief guest for the event. Dad will be Dad. And to think that he was in hospital just two days before (including one day in ICU) and some relatives were still coming home to enquire about his health. Who will believe the same when they watch him thus?!

This takes me back to my childhood at RBI Quarters at Mumbai Central, where flag hoisting was always an event like this. The colony was vast and had a playground, a garden, a pvt Marathi school (has been replaced by a community hall now), a dispensary, a store and benches to relax. Those days the Marathi school students used to prepare some songs for the event. Patriotic songs used to be played since morning followed by flag hoisting. The event was mostly attended the top notch people in RBI. Having the Governer of RBI as the chief guest used to be an honour. It is on one such Independence Day that we also met Dr Manmohan Singh, who was the Governer then. A highly intelligent but quiet and humble person. He's still the same as he used to be. Power has not changed him, thankfully.

Then in the evenings, Dad used to take us to Flora Fountain, Churchgate station and Fort area to show the buildings illuminated for Independence Day. The spirit still continues.....

It's finally open!

It's finally open - finally! Yes, I am talking of the Mira Road Skywalk.

Amidst the confusion after the news which appeared in TOI that the skywalk opening was stuck due to some pending issues between MMRDA and Western Railways, the much awaited skywalk is finally open. It was open to the public yesterday (1st Aug, 2009). Everyone seemed pleased and happy walking on it. Some were seen clicking pictures. There are 5-6 security guards along the entire stretch. People were seen asking asking them several questions. As I clicked with my mobile, I could see some people smiling back at me in proud acknowledgement. The excitement of the people on the skywalk was worth noticing. Some just stood there, taking a look of the surroundings from the walk-way. It was nice walking on the Skywalk instead of the ground as the station area is congested with hawkers and with mud in the rains.

This is Phase I of the Skywalk, which opens from the new ticket counter and ends on the footpath opposite Corporation Bank. Phase II work is still on. Hope it will be completed soon too.

Highest Tide at Worli !

Pic 1 : The police watch as a wave vanishes after leaving water on the road. The BMC people are seen working hard to keep things in control. A wall broken with the force of water can be seen on the right.

Pic 2 : Here you see Haji Ali dargah in the backdrop and officials keeping a watch on the high tide and the waves

High tides were predicted in Mumbai on 23rd, 24th, 25th and 26th of July, 2009. The highest tide in 100 years in Mumbai was seen on 24th when tidal waves of 5.5 mts lashed Mumbai shorelines.

On 23rd July, I was back at my desk after having lunch in office pantry. One of my team members asked me, 'Ma'am aap samundar ke paas jaakar aao. Sab dekhne jaa rahein hain.' I looked at him surprisingly and asked, 'Kyon? Kya hua?'. He replied, 'Wahaan paani bahut upar tak aaya hai aur raaste par udh raha hai !' I was definately excited. But being busy, I could not immediately go. I asked a few colleagues after sometime if they'd been out. They replied that they'd just come back from watching the waves create havoc. I am transferred to our Worli office since a month and have been enjoying the rainy season near the sea at Haji Ali. It wasn't raining that day. But it was very cloudly, breezy and cool. I tried to go out, but a sudden torrent of heavy, windy rains started and I postponed going out. But I saw some colleagues get nice video shoots of the rising waves and some sweet pics too. When I tried to go, I got news that the tide had subsided. Too bad, I thought. But definately the next day was the 'highest tide' day. So I still had my chance. I made proper plans to go out with colleagues around 2 pm next day as the hightest tide was somewhere around 2.15 to 2.30 pm.

On 24th July afternoon after lunch, I set off with some female colleagues to watch the waves. But to my dismay, a huge crowd had already gathered in anticipation near Lotus at Worli. The police including the traffic police alongwith BMC workers had gathered to shoo people from venturing too near. They was a huge crowd. All office goers from almost all companies in the area had got onto the streets to catch a glimpse of the huge tidal waves lashing against the shore walls. There was a lot of excitement. We tried to go ahead. I managed to get a few haphazard pics since vehicles coming into Lotus compound kept dispersing the crowd. Morever, as soon as any wave splashed against the walls lining the shores, the police pushed the crowd away. The people who'd come impromptu the earlier day, got a better glimpse than the people who came on 24th July. Since we'd to go back to our desks and work too, we couldn't dare to venture further and watch more. So we returned back with some exciting moments and a few pictures. The next day too I had a chance to catch the excitement, but unfortunately I had my monthly Saturday off and Sunday of course, meant holiday. So it had to be next year I guess. But from what I hear, some high tides at in store for Mumbaikars in Aug and Sept 2009 as well. But to see the next hightest tide, I'll have to wait!

Guess the river!

Can you guess which river this is! I took this picture on Saturday (18th July, 2009). And no, it's not a river. It's the west side of Mira Road station. There are salt pans on the western side. And the water logging is due to the rains! Since there is no concrete structure on the west and you can almost see the horizon, the effect created is that of a river! Beautiful, ain't it?

The unique thing about the picture is the water at the top and the station at the bottom. And the roof over the platform serves as the divider!

Almost Ready!

That was pretty fast indeed. 3-4 months, I think. I am referring to the skywalk at Mira Road. While other skywalks in the heart of Mumbai city are still struggling completion, the one at Mira Road is just waiting for its' finishing touches!

But as with public services in Mumbai, the old, the 'special' and sick people are never considered while designing any infrastructure. And the same applies for the skywalks as well. We do look forward to escalators at Railway stations and at the end of such skywalks in the near future. This will be a boon to the old people and those suffering from joint related problems.

Mumbai Monsoons and the wrath of the Mithi

One of my colleagues from Delhi was once commenting over phone regarding Mumbai rains. He was making fun of the drainage system and water logging and trains being effected during heavy rains. I told him that there were two reasons for it -

One : Mumbai, being on the coastline, experiences more rains than Delhi. And of course, the tides effect it as well.

Two : Most of Mumbai is reclaimed land. And a number of small rivers are silently buried within the city. During heavy rains and high tide, these rivers show their presence / wrath through increased water levels, so that we're reminded constantly of what we've done to them. Mithi river (buried in the Andheri Kurla stretch of land and going upto Dadar) is one such example. It has remained as a gutter or nalla in some places. Everyone dreads the wrath of Mithi (also known as Mahim creek).

My colleague agreed and that's how our conversation ended.

Let us understand that Mumbai as it is now is a united area of seven Islands. Isle of Bombay, Colaba, Old Woman's Island (Little Colaba), Mahim, Mazagaon, Parel, Worli. These Islands alongwith the nearby islands of Trombay and Salsette were merged to form Greater Bombay. A number of small rivers and creeks are thus buried beneath Mumbai and these rise with heavy monsoons and high tides during monsoons.

I'd further like to add here that Mumbai, being the financial capital, is more in the spotlight for any reason from heavy rains to potholes to crowded trains to buses etc. It always rains heavily along the Indian coastline resulting in flooding, rivers overflowing and the like. But in smaller places/ villages, it is never highlighted as an issue. Rains had started in Goa and Konkan region much before it rained in Mumbai. One of our relatives in Goa had called last month to tell us how rains were very heavy this year and many parts had flooded. But I never saw it on National Television. In fact, even with two days of continuous rains there has not been much flooding as previous years except in ex-river zones like Milan subway (this was also supposed to be a bridge over a river/ creek but none is seen there now), saki naka, kurla, mahim etc. Beneath these areas lies the Mithi River and maybe many more small creeks/ rivers. These will continue to show their wrath during monsoons!

Read about the history and geography of the Mithi river through this link : http://www.indiatoday.com/itoday/20051219/environ.html

MJ RIP

MJ ceases to live among us. May his soul RIP. From SCAMS group. More about SCAMS some other time.

MJ's death has brought yet another Christian -Muslim debate to the fore. This time, it's a worldwide debate. In all my references to any comparative religion debates, I've always noticed that Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) is directly attacked and abused (is it because they do not have valid scientific points to debate on?). Whereas Muslims always respect Jesus (PBUH), accept his miraculous birth and his miracles and believe in is second coming (closer to 'Qayamat' or Day of Judgement). Only difference is that Muslims do not worship Jesus (for that matter, even Prophet Muhammed) nor consider him to be 'Son' of God (since attributing human qualities to God is considered a sin). Also do not believe in his 'crucification'. But the funniest thing in MJ's death is that many Christians even alienate Jehowah's Witness (JW) followers and do not consider them 'proper' Christians.

Whether Christian or Muslim or JW, let us not 'loose talk' about a dead man (as Allah/ God would have preferred it, as HE alone is the best judge). Let MJ's soul RIP.

Refer to related article about 'Micheal Jackson's Funeral' on Archbishop Cranmer's blog and all the consecutive debates through various comments which follow it. Makes interesting reading.

http://archbishop-cranmer.blogspot.com/2009/06/michael-jacksons-funeral-which-religion.html

Nothing to show ?

Last week my youngest brother was in Mumbai from Pune. We were watching a music channel and the song ' Shut up and bounce' from Dostana came up. First comes John in small swimming trunks revealing his well toned body. Then Shilpa dances around in various revealing outfits to be joined in by more girls in swimming suits. This goes on for a while. And then apna Abhishek Bacchan enters fully dressed from head to toe. I exclaimed loudly, 'I guess he has nothing to show'! And my brother burst out laughing. Then we both giggled away!

While on the topic of Abhishek, let me add something more. I guess, everyone's seen the 'Airtel' wala ad wherein Abhishek practices speaking to Sachin Tendulkar. Finally, he ends up speaking nervously when Sachin actually calls. Whenever my Mom sees it, she says 'Yeh to yeda hai. Isko toh bolne bhi nahin aata'. I guess it's because the ad looks quite real. And to top it, she's seen him monkeying around in the 'Genda Phool' song of 'Delhi 6'. She hardly watches movies.

New York - the Movie

I watched New York this Sunday with family. I must say that it's a fabulous movie without a single dull moment. The cinematography, the storyline, the message, the editing - everything's sleek. Seen a sleek hindi action movie like that after ages. 'Dhoom' fitted the bill earlier. The film has you gripping till the end. The acting of each character is remarkable and sensitive. Overall, the film is excellent. And all without any item numbers, vulgar dialogues, loud comedy, skimpily clad women and the like.... The message is loud a clear. A good movie can be made minus these ingredients.

Go watch the movie!

'Angels and Demons' was another movie seen prior to 'New York' which had me gripping to the seat. Though, I'd not read the novel, I enjoyed the movie nevertheless. It will make more sense if you understand the subtleties and history of religion.