We are Indians !!

We are Indians, we take pride in finding fault with every single thing in this country but never get enough time to fix them. We are Indians, We seem to cheer for our nation only when there are cricket matches, but have no shame in betting for or fixing up those matches. We are Indians, We claim to fight against caste system day and night, but demand for every single reservation possible. We are Indians, We flood Facebook, twitter and even google plus, with patriotic posts prior to Independence Day, but use the same media to insult and deface our country in front of the world.

We are Indians,We are proud of our monuments and heritage when we describe them to a foreign colleague or delegate, but enjoy writing our names on those walls and takes pride in painting them with our pee. We are Indians, We crib about falling value of Rupee and inflammation, but adopt illegal methods to  avoid taxes and VAT.  We are Indians, we call for a strike (bandh or hartal) on every petrol-diesel price hike, but will never stop using cars for 2kms office/market drive nor practice car pooling/public transport.

We are Indians, We protest on the streets and on social media when a woman is raped, but still find cheap thrill in eve teasing women around us. We are Indians, We complain everyday about lack of cleanliness and garbage piles on our roads, but we still spit on roads and throw waste lavishly out of our cars or buses onto the roads. We are Indians, We claim top positions in world’s best companies and organizations, but forget to get investments or to start big ventures in our country. We are Indians, we pretend to be unhappy with politics and politicians but never dare to stand for elections or support a new party. We are Indians, we do hunger strikes at Jantar Mandir and walk around the streets with candles in hand to stop corruption, but prefers to pay 100 Rs bribe to the cop and getaway when caught for a violation on road.

We are Indians, We claim to be patriotic and pretend to be in love with the country, but do nothing absolutely for a better India !

Let us make a change starting with the place we study, work or live and march towards a better India.
Its time we listen to Vivekanda’s exhortation: “Let us all work hard, my brethren; this is no time for sleep. On our work depends the coming of the India of the future. She is there ready waiting. She is only sleeping. Arise and awake, and see her seated here, on her eternal throne, rejuvenated, more glorious than she ever was — this motherland of ours.”

A thousand problems plague India today. Feigning ignorance or mocking will bring about no revolution. The emerging youth of India, well-educated, capable of looking beyond petty issues and adept to make informed decisions, is expected to take nation forward and rid her of the feeling of malaise. Whether you feel you are the shepherd or the sheep, it makes no difference as the path to be dread upon is the same. Arise, Awake Let us stop cursing darkness, but light a candle !!!

For all the rest of you, it is just, “Happy Independence day” again !

Nobody to Somebody !

 After Five and a half years of studies at St. John’s Medical College, We finally graduate !  Thanks to all those who made our life in St. John’s memorable. Here is a copy of the graduation day speech by the valedictorian. 

” I’m still a nobody. But once I graduated here, I would be a somebody,” one quote from a person I never had a chance to meet and shake hands with.  Well, nice line – great thought which needs a deep understanding.
A pleasant day to all of us – fellow graduates, superiors, parents, teachers and distinguished guests on the dais

These past five years will certainly be memorable to us for a very long time. Although it has taken us only five years to complete MBBS, some of us have aged much more than that with co-morbidities of Diabetes, Hypertension, hair fall and even Kidney Failure.

Whenever there is a life-altering event, a ceremony is used to celebrate that change. Few moments ago, we too had a ceremony to signify our graduation. We realize, once we walk across this stage, our lives will be forever changed, for better or worse, with all the rights and responsibilities of someone with the title of a Doctor.

Although the graduation ceremony is a celebration of the commitment we’ve made to get here, it’s also a reminder of the commitment that life will now demand from us.

Five and half long years at one place!! Whoa what gets accomplished in five years? I don’t know. For my corridor mates, boys, sitting here, I know how much they can accomplish just in one night – especially when the OBG paper is due the next day and they haven’t even started. We know how a week can turn into a year’s worth of Medicine lessons during final exam week. But over five years, the collective experience we have acquired in St. Johns is incomparable to anything in this world. As Dr. Anil Abraham wrote, we might be remembered historically as the batch that brought culture vulture back to campus and kick started many other events and traditions, Geographically as the class that travelled far and wide on their class outings, socially as the batch that had dignified, decent disagreements with their immediate juniors, politically as the batch that had one of the best committee that St. Johns has ever seen- pushy, persistent, productive and fiscally as the batch that won the most prize money in the midst of global recession.

Having said all that, all those achievements and celebrations may fade or even be forgotten. The cheers may become a distant memory and our certificates and medals may gather dust on a shelf or in a drawer. We might forget all that…. But, we will always remember, the tension during ICCs to beat 08,the hype and fall of Mad Med Men in Final year Mad Ads, the Hockey finals against 06, the drama and fights before committee elections, Fr. Mathews ‘Oks ’, days of attendance shortage or pediatric re exams, and even probably the aroma and taste of mess tea.

My dear batch mates, this journey would have been incomplete without you. Now When I look back on all the good, bad, high and low times over the past five and a half years, I realize that you have always been present. Whether it was through a simple text message, phone call, a long mess table talk, or major gossip. You guys pulled each other through, no matter what. So thank you.   I mean this from the bottom of my heart, I wouldn’t have wanted to do or experience any of this without any of you, and I mean all of you.

Graduating is our accomplishment, but we wouldn’t have made it here if it wasn’t for the heroic efforts of our parents and well-wishers . I believe I talk for all my friends here: Thank you, mom, Dad,  for understanding my true call and helping it come true. You brought me up telling me that you want the best for me. Thank you for seeing that my happiness is yours and your happiness is mine. Thank you for dreaming with me. Thank you for raising me to be happy, healthy, motivated, and loved kid. I wouldn’t be here without your support and guidance. This triumph is yours as much as it is mine. I will for sure make you the proudest parents in the world.

The faculty along with the management of this great institution gave us “Freedom and not just permission”. You have all left and will continue to leave an indelible legacy of excellence, achievement and a fine ethos and tradition for generations to come. I would like to pay tribute to the wonderful teachers, alumni and indeed the management – you have all guided, molded and shaped the Ladies and Gentlemen sitting here today. We owe a debt of gratitude to all of you for guiding us throughout our five years at St. Johns and for inspiring us to be just as great medical practioners as you are. We would also like to thank the Executives of St. Johns for helping us find our voice, sharing with us refreshing perspectives and preparing us to challenge everyday norms. You passed along many opportunities our way trusting our capabilities as a batch. Be it Autumn Muse, Jingle Rock, Medex or even this Graduation Day you trusted our judgments and organization skills as a batch.  Hope our batch has made you proud.

When we joined St. John’s Dr.Alka Singh told we have thick skulls which are impermeable. Today we stand here with porous thinner skulls and thicker skin.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” I have faith that each and every one of us in the class of 2007 will forge a new trail. Even though these trails may take us in different directions, our goal will remain the same: to lead a worthwhile life and to become good doctors.

We, the graduates of St. Johns Medical College, with the guidance of our superiors, parents and teachers, have been given the tools to attain this goal. It is now up to each of us to begin creating a new future.

May almighty shower on us his choicest blessings and guide us to creating a new feature.

I would like to thank once again everyone for coming to join us at our graduation ceremony.

Ayalum Njanum Thammil Review

Usually If I like a movie, I update my FB status and recommend my friends to watch it. That’s it ! So far never made any attempts, to actually write a serious movie review. And finally a movie is making me do so – ‘Ayalum Njanum Thammil’ (Malayalam, which roughly translates as ‘between both of us’).

The sheer driving factor to catch this movie in theater  – the crew of this movie – director Lal Jose, and the script writers Bobby and Sanjay, individuals, who have mesmerized me and many other movie freaks, with their creativity and brilliance, at all their previous attempts.

“This was where Dr. Ravi Tharakan was born” – The protagonist, Dr. Ravi Tharakan (Prithviraj) declares so, at the end of the movie in the misty background of his Rural Bond Center. That one line could faintly summarize the whole movie. The story line completely revolves around a young doctor who graduated from medical college and undertakes two years of rural bond in a picturesque village, much against his personal choice. The kind of medical graduate who could not arrive at a diagnosis or predict the prognosis, Ravi has had a comfortable life till date, being in love and ragging juniors at college. However, at the rural hospital, things were different. At Redemption Hospital in Munnar, he is welcomed by the brilliant, unorthodox medical practitioner, Dr. Samuel (Prathap Pothen). The story is all about how a senior doctor transforms an indifferent young doctor into a committed, responsible person….

how a senior doctor transforms an indifferent young doctor into a committed, responsible person….

As Ravi lands up at the Hospital, even before formal introductions, Dr. Samuel assigns him to evaluate a poly trauma case in the ward. He is asked to do a ‘Log Roll’ test by Dr. Samuel on the patient. Not so sure about this basic medical sign, Dr. Ravi runs to the telephone to ring up his batch mate (Naren) and seeks his help in vain.

Salim Kumar plays the role of ‘a medical college exam case’, in other words a man who makes money out of his disease condition by opting to be the patient for MBBS practical examinations. In a flash back seen, they show Dr. Ravi’s final year practical, where a clueless Ravi is helped by the patient (Salim) himself. “Liver Cirrhosis with Portal Hypertension” declares the patient, while also reminding the future doctor not to miss his ‘Right side indirect Inguinal Hernia’.

There are many such moments in this movie, where a young doctor, can easily identify to his/her life.

The movie throws the message, completing the graduation or doing internship does not make you a Medical man. For there is much to master, beyond text books and bed side clinics, to be a medical practitioner! From learning how to control your emotions to even forfeiting personal benefits for patients sake!

A police inspector (Kalabhavan Mani) who was responsible for a big loss in Dr. Ravi Tharakan’s personal life brings his daughter to the hospital with an acute attack of asthma. The egoistic young doctor in Ravi, refuses to treat the patient even after the inspector literally falls on his feet and apologizes. The response of his senior, Dr. Samuel for this emotional showoff of Dr. Ravi, indeed is a big message to all the budding docs. He slaps Dr. Ravi right on his face, in front of everyone and walks away without uttering a word. A beautiful message on how personal conflicts and rivalries should never come in way of your responsibilities and duties to a patient. How better it could have been depicted?
The movie also throws light on the attitude of lay people to doctors. The same men, who praise you and respect you today, may throw stones on you tomorrow for the slightest negligence from your side. As Dr. Samuel rightly states “A doctor and his decision can change the life of a person forever”.

Being a young doctor, almost nearing completion of internship and facing a similar ‘Rural Bond’ scenario like Dr. Ravi Tharakan, the narrative looked like a sneak preview into future. Still the confusion of “ to be or not to be” bonded remains, but the words of Dr. Ravi Tharakan “Dad, even if you pay 100 times more than that, I will never get to learn, what I learn here” makes one ponder.

Capturing the gist of his latest film, director Lal said to The Hindu : “Merely securing an MBBS degree does not make you a doctor. It is experiences and empathy that turn a medical graduate into a doctor in every sense of the word. Bobby is a perfectionist and he was on location to ensure that we get the medical terms and procedures right. Dr. Tharakan is an irresponsible doctor who finds a mentor in Dr. Samuel, Pratap Pothen’s character, and gradually he understands what it means to be a health practitioner.”

The script-writing pair of Bobby and Sanjay has done an outstanding job. Medicine being a profession very familiar to them, they have once again drafted a brilliant script. Director Lal Jose, does 100% justice to their script and has made it a lovely movie to watch. The lead actors especially Prathap Pothen as Dr. Samuel and Prithviraj as Dr. Ravi Tharakan were outstanding. The rest of the actors, including Narain as Vivek and Samvrutha as Sainu, Remya Nambeesan’s Supriya and Rima’s Diya perfectly jelled with the flow of the movie.

Score 3.5/5

Foot Note:
May be it’s because of the script by a Johnite (Dr. Bobby), the movie and the protagonist somehow carries a Johnite shadow throughout.

 

Or was it truly, the story of a Johnite???

Strike with us !

Are you upset with the inflation? Are you worried about the corruption in India? Do you think Bin-Laden deserved better? Are you against Iran’s nuclear policy?  Do you feel Obama is partial? Upset with your company management? Are you a student punished by your school teacher ‘unnecessarily’? Worried about the Hole in Ozone Layer? Global warming? Team India’s Loss? Mourning on Some Bandit kings/queens death?

Wondering on how to make your voice heard???

Perplexed on how to get support for a ‘proposed strike’???

Confused on how to make your strike a huge success???

Good Bye to all your Fears !

Do you want to Strike ? Forget the cause ! Let it be anything… Bring it on!!!

We will ensure

• You are heard over an area of 38,863 km² (15,005 sq mi)
• 100% participation of about 32,000,000 people
• Success of your Strike!

Wondering who we are?

We are The Malayalis, from the so called ‘God’s Own Country’ – Kerala in South India.

Location:

Kerala in South India. bordered by Karnataka to the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the east and south, and the Arabian Sea on the west.

What we do ???

We  strike for you. We protest for you.  No questions ! No bargains ! Your cause can be anything under the sun. We will do it for you.  In our terms – we will do a ‘harthal’ on your behalf !

Major cities which can be involved?

Thiruvananthapuram, state capital, Kochi and Kozhikode are other major cities. Also all other District Head quarters can be involved. You may opt to customize your strike limited to certain cities, towns or villages based on your requirements.

Forget the Cause ! Lets strike !!

Salient Features:

• World wide attention as, Kerala is a top tourist spot. National Geographic’s Traveler magazine names Kerala as one of the “ten paradises of the world”. So the visitors and tourists who get held up here, on your strike day, will carry back ‘fond memories’, thus giving your cause a global exposure! Think about it… a strike in the ‘paradise;’ for your ‘cause’
• Kerala has the highest Human Development Index in India, slightly higher than that of most developed countries. Ever thought about it? Getting the people with the one of the highest HDI in world take part in a strike for ‘your’ cause?
• The state has the highest literacy rate in India with 99 percent. Well, now no one can say you just got some illiterate morons to protest for you.
•  First e-literate state in India. The youngsters here will be quick in sharing the news of your strike within seconds through World Wide Web and social networking. In fact  e-cards and FB wishes like “Happy Harthal” will be circulated free of Cost !
• Hospitals, Banks, Schools are present in almost all the villages. So you can ensure your strike reaches the ‘soul of India’ – ‘the villages’.
• Kerala hosts two major political alliances: the United Democratic Front (India) (UDF—led by the Indian National Congress) and the Left Democratic Front (Kerala) (LDF—led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)).Strikes, protests and marches are ubiquitous in Kerala due to the comparatively strong presence of labor unions. Government, Police Force and Public Servants will be at your service to ensure a ‘smooth and hassle free’ Strike or Harthal.
• The state treasury has suffered loss of thousands of millions of rupees thanks to the state staging over 100 hartals annually in recent times. A record total of 223 hartals were observed in 2006, resulting in a revenue loss of over 2000 crore. So never bother about the financial problems of people or government here. Nobody cares! We are used to it !
• Kerala has 145,704 kilometres (90,536 mi) of roads (4.2% of India’s total). This translates to about 4.62 kilometres (2.87 mi) of road per thousand population, compared to an all India average of 2.59 kilometres (1.61 mi). Virtually all of Kerala’s villages are connected by road. So your strike and its impact will reach out to a larger area by blocking these roads.
• The National Family Health Survey – 3, conducted in 2007 ranked Kerala as a state with the highest media exposure in India. Dozens of newspapers are published in Kerala, in nine major languages, but principally Malayalam and English. All these newspapers will carry the news about your proposed harthal or strike right from the day you announce. A special reminder on the day in the front page will be done for free. Thanks to the Malyali’s habit of reading newspaper daily. No one will miss this news! A post-strike coverage with color photos and special reports might follow, if you care to make your strike more interesting.
•  Multi system operators provide a mix of Malayalam, English and international channels via cable television. Right from state owned Dooradarshan to other private news and entertainment channels will screen your press conference ‘Live’ and will do free “Scrolls” and “Breaking News” regarding your Hartal. On the day of your strike they might also take up a talk show or a debate cum discussion. Be preaperd to appear for at least 20-30 ‘Live Phone in Programs’ on these channels (YOU WONT BE CHARGED FOR ALL THIS 🙂 ). More publicity than you can ever imagine for you and your Cause!
• Last but not the least, for the people here; neither your cause, nor your political/social/religious background is important. You would be surprised again to know that the men and women here will gladly sit at home for even the ‘silliest’ cause you can give them. They will never ask you or ask themselves about the benefits they get from the strike!!!! And will NEVER EVER fail to respond to your exhortation!

Details of People strength for your cause:-

About 31,841,374 people will support you irrespective of what your cause is.

Males : 15,471,420

Females : 16,369,955

 Assured participation rate – 100%

Just think …..about 32,000,000 people  will be supporting you just like that, with a people spread of 820 people every km²,!!!

What you have to do ???

Nothing much!!!  If you can afford and have enough time try calling a press meet 2 days before the proposed strike for best results.  The efficient Kerala media will do the rest.

Don’t have enough time for all that? Ok! Fine! Just give a ring to minimum 3 channels and 3 newspapers! Before you know, your strike will happen with 100% participation and in minutes you will be a media celebrity!

You need not hire men to protest or stop vehicles or throw stones, you will be surprised by the number of random volunteers coming from nowhere to support the ‘unknown’ cause !

so,

STRIKE WITH US for THE BEST RESULTS!!!

HAPPY HARTAL !

Make your Hartal more special with our 'custom made' effects

Foot Note:-

For special Effects viz. Belting stones, burning effigies, vandalizing public properties etc . Contact trade unions or local parties in advance. Standard Charges Apply.Inform police department in advance for Water Canons, Cane Chase etc.

 

Big Thanks to Google Image search and the artist for the images. Credit to Wikipedia for the Facts and Figures quoted. And Most importantly thanks to the guys who called for an all India Strike Today, mkaing me so jobless and bored ! 

 on 28th February 2012, from Kerala, India

25 Years Together !

together in love since 22nd Feb 1987..

God gave me a blessing,
– He gave me the Best parents….!!!

Papa, There were times when you held my hand,
and that  gave me strength to stand up in life…

Mummy, when I was sick…. I would cry and be up all night,
and then you would cuddle me and spend sleepless nights…

In my life….I have been wrong …. I have been lost,
But you stood by me and showed me the right path…

So I thank you Mummy, and I thank you Papa,
For giving me this beautiful life.
I love you both so much,
And I hope for so many years for you two together.;

Oceans so deep or mountains so high, cannot express my love for you….
Mom, Dad What a blessing the both of you have been to me !!!!

your loving Son,

Jino.

I have so much to be thankful for, but I would not have any of those blessings if it were not for the blessing of my Mom and Dad loving each other for 25 years.

And Yeah… Good Bye 2011

The previous year end post on my blog reads “2010 – The Year of Violence”. But this year I think I don’t have much to say and I feel this yearend is of nothing but “Silence”. Silence, mostly because of the ruined holiday season on account of exams and again the ‘not so good’ Exams so far.

However 2011 had its share of fun and thrills. Here is a small recollection of my 100 moments/places/people in 2011

Wishing you all a very happy and prosperous year 2012 !

May God Bless you all !

2011 – Year of ……..‘I don’t know what’ !!

1. New Year Dinner 2011 – Hotel Blue Petal, Bangalore – with Matthew and Roshan

2. ‘Con’ Med Practicals 2011 – The most atrocious con ever.

3. Treat by Dr. Kuttappa, Dinner with my committee , Dr. Binu, Dr. Mary and others  on 6th Jan, 2011 at Karnatka Golf Association

4. Meeting Ramachandran Sir at SKPS on December 10th

5. Sad Demise of P.E Ramachandran Sir on December 11th.

6. ‘Feel Kerala’ – Tour with Royson, Omkar 12th to 15th January

7. The Mess Up at Taj Vivanta meeting with Hon. Union Minister Oscar Feranndez. Post Meeting ‘chase’ by Vice  Chancellor

8. The Batch Committee and B’day Treat of January at the St. johns Research Institute

9. The Mad Med Men Show at Indian Genetics Conference.

10. Committee Dinner at Barbecue Nation Restaurant

11. Thanks Giving Mass and handing Over of Committee … Not to forget by ‘notoriously’ long cote of thanks

12. Biju Chettais Marriage

13. Tour to Taj Mahal with Parents on February 12th, 2011

14. Santhom Yuva Mela – Bangalore Malayali Fest – a clean sweep again !!

15. Graduation day of 2005 and 2004 batches

16. The New family Car – i20

17. And Indica V2 becomes my own !! – Drive to Bangalore , March 20, 2011

18. Sports Day – The comeback by 2007 Athletic Team !!!

19. ICC 2011 – Movie Spoof, Skit – The Gentlemen, Mime

20. ICC 2011 – Disaster at MAD ADS (Again) , The BP Fall down !!!

21. The narrow miss – Flight to home on 21^st April 2011.

22. SKPS Alumni Reunion – April 2011, Elected as the Gen. Sec of Association for 2011-11

23. Easter 2011 – with Family

24. Drive to Bangalore with Ani, Bijo and Family , Maruti Swift, 25^th April 2011

25. Indian Premier League Cricket Matches, Bangalore Chinnaswamy Stadium with Sheldon and Royson (Thanks to Dr. Anil and Dr. Bobby)

26. Cousin Jithins visit to Bangalore and Get together at Cousin Aby’s place.

27. Batch B’day Party of Ja Ja, TP, Priya, Pravin at Anjappar May 16^th, 2011

28. Medical Theatre Workshop – a brilliant idea by Dr. Jagadish

29. Bunking the College Retreat for the First Time , May 27-29

30. Mad Med Show – On World No Tobacco Day at Freedom Park, Bangalore

31. Danny George ,Prabhu and many other favorites – Return to St. Johns !! PG Results 2011 !!

32. Campus Day Skit 2011 – The Hatrick victory !!

33. ‘Almost’ a Batch Trip to Kerala. 24^th – 26^th June 2011 (Daddy, Kids and Friends)

34. Roshans Bros. Wedding, Cochin, Kerala

35. St. Johns UG Interview – Some help, Somewhere…

36. Batch of 2009, Committee Elections

37. The Second Internal Exams of Final Year… The only time I felt in my entire MBBS term that I had a target above 55%.

38. Cousin – Ciny, Toji and Kids visit Bangalore from US  – Get together at Cousin Bijo’s place,

39. Drive to Nandi Hills, on a Rainy Sunday (7^th August 2011) – with Bijo and Chethan

40. Autumn Muse 2011

41. Trip to Nandi Hills with Fr. Mathew on Independence Day

42. Attendance Shortage in Final Year !!!

43. Batch Magazine Work – Night outs, Mess, Foyer… !!!

44. Pre- Farewell Confusion…. !!!

45. Farewell Washout and Confusion…!!!

46. Post Farewell Confusion…!!!

47. Parents visiting Bangalore on account of Farewell… Family Get-together with cousins and their family

48. Batch Onam Celebrations – at Florence’s House,

49. College Onam Celebrations – Tug of ‘WAR’

50. Farewell Again !! Mess Version

51. Settlement of Mess Case !!!

52. Prelims – 😦

53. Post Prelims Drive to Kerala –

54. Cousin Heinz Wedding

55. Study Leave at Home – FOOD, SLEEP, FOOD !!

56. Mulleperiyar Protests especially with KCYM, Mannar

57. School Alumni Re constitution

58. Drive to Bangalore – Wayand Trip !!

59. University Final MBBS – Surgery Paper…

60. Uneventful Christmas

61. A Dead start to New Year 2012!!

62. Late Night Trips to Juicy, Dosa Guy !!

63. B- Mid Flights, Fights….

64. Catching up latest Disasters ( read as ra.one) and Hits in Theaters

65. Moments with B Midders, Fellow Mad Med Men, juniors

66. The ‘Orientation Session’ for 2011 Batch!

67. Finally the ‘Hostel Generator’ – Donated by 2007 Batch

68. The IIM Mad Med Men Show 2011

69. Mess Table – hours of gossips!!!

70.  Nitin Yashas , his 9^th Overall Cultural Championship  and much more 😉

71. Surprise 3^rd Year Results (and good surprise indeed)

72. MY B”DAY – Will NEVER FORGET the “BASH” (it still hurts)

73. Batch Boys B’day Treats at Mess

74. Surprise Parties – Fr. Mathew, Sr. Sahaya

75. India Winning World Cup – Live Match Big Screen at Mess, Later Celebrations on Street – Paramount Road with Roshan and others.

76. May 25 – The chase and success. Reaching Bangalore City Railway Station in 22 Minutes and not bunking Dr. Sanjivs Class with Jobin !!

77. 2011- The Rise of Santosh Pandit, The Fall of – Prithiviraj – and for me- hours spend watching their videos and indulging in loose talks and arguments !!

78. The confusing meta nephrine values, the phoeo surge ??? The Collapse, Panic and What not !! A medically unstable year – 2011

79. Anna Hazzare (the Hazard) – from momentary adoration to long standing hatred!!!

80. The House MD – Addiction!!!

81. Night Shows with Roshan, Narayan(Mess), Davis etc.

82. Tony, Jeffry , Jeeson, Roshan, Pranit, Andrew – irritating them

83. Chethan Bhagat – Revolution 2020 – in 3 hours, My Best Read in 2011

84. Clinics with Batch B!!!!! (Will miss)

85. Year of 3d – 2011, Movies and the new TV.

86. Farewell performance of Mad Med Men!!!!!!! (I have nothing to say)

87. “why This Kolaveri” THE SMASHING Hit and song for the season!! (Crying everyday to RGUHS examiners… “Why This Kolaveri ???” it connected well with my life) 10 on 10 !!!

88. Planning, Discussing, Strategy Analysis (read as Gossiping) with Jobin, Nitin, Pranit etc

89. Social Networking – 2011, trapped in the Web!!

90.  Friend Dileep’s visit to Koramangala

91. Arun Judes and Joe Jose, 2005 – Leaving Party at Mess – 28^th February 2011!

92. Chairman’s treat (Milen) – in Ocotber 2011 – Mess Case Success at Mess with Mess Workers !

93. Missing Rahul’s sisters marriage, Dillep’s sisters reception!!!

94. Missing SKPS Grand Alumni Reunion, December 2011

95. Kaduthuruthy – Palai – Thidanad Drive with Mom on Jan 9, 2011

96. More than 44 days at home of last 365 days !! At least one goal for the year achieved !!!

97.The Relationship- Break ups of friends ! Especially of two of them….  😦

98. Late night OBG ‘Special Classes’ and Duties (in vain) with Ryan, Jobin, Pranit, Pravin and others!!!

99. All Friends, teachers, well wishers, acquaintances, back biters who made this year memorable ….. 🙂

100. At B- 206; the Saga Continues………. Welcome 2012!

Amma, We Miss you….

I miss the warmth of your gentle hug and the love I felt when my arms were wrapped around you. I miss seeing your beautiful smile and the sound of your voice saying my name. I miss our family, without you in it. There is emptiness there, where you once were. I miss you  in moments of sucess, I miss you saying…”this is my grandson” to everyone around and the look of pride you held with each word spoken everytime I did something good..

I miss our evening prayers, but I know you are with our Lord praying for all. Your prayers and sacrifice gave us everything that we have. To pray, To help, To sympathize, To love, To Forgive, To care ….. you taught us all!

And now when I close my eyes and feel the warmth of your gentle hug once more and envision wrapping my arms around you. I see your smile as you say my name. I realize that if I could just go back into my precious memories of you I would find your treasured words and love in a special place deep in my heart.

I miss you but I have to go on with my life till my day comes. What a wonderful day it will be when we finally are reunited at heavens door. Until then my memories of you I will keep near to my heart and I will pass them on to those who are so dear.

Success Tips Part 1

Many books come out advising people on how to be successful ! Here are few tips which I found useful and which I try and practice in my life.  This is my perception, you may differ because everyone thinks differently.

1. To be a winner  you need to be sure that you are one. Losers might think you have delusions of grandeur, but the fact remains that unless you think and live like a winner you will never become one.

2. Attitude – Get it right. Learn to ignore comments and unworthy criticisms. Show the world what you are.

3. Look into the eyes – while talking to people, look directly into their eyes. Never put your head down unless you have done something bad.

4. Accept your mistakes even before someone points it out and rectify them. Never leave too much room for others to enter into your territory because of your flaws and mistakes.

5. There is no mistake in talking about yourself. Provided, you have enough to talk about. Otherwise just keep your mouth shut. In this new world, very rarely others would talk for you.

6. To make others talk about your plus points, you may start talking about them. Put some words of encouragement, acknowledge their good work etc.

7. Never expect anything back from anyone. Do things because you feel the other person deserves it and it if it is justified. Give respect and take respect.

8. Have lot of friends. But do not make everybody close to you. Have a bunch of good friends whom you trust to share your tensions and secrets.

9. Always anticipate that somebody might back-stab you. If someone does, never bother much, but plan in advance how to come out and just execute the plan.  If it is a dear friend, give him chances to come back to you. And still he chooses to be against you, leave the issue and move forward, because you are born to win. Surprise people with your anticipation skills.

10. Rumors and Gossips about you….??? just enjoy them with a light heart.  Let you be the point of discussion among others always.  That shows that you can influence the thoughts of even your opponents.  Never Bother to retaliate. Because doing so is like throwing mud up and waiting for that to fall on you.

11. Having a bunch of winners around you as your friends makes you stronger. Encourage each other and finish the race together.

12. Having a bunch of losers around you is also recommended, because in a competition somebody should be there to finish last when you and your friends are the winners.

13. People say ‘Early Bird Catches the worm’ But according to me: Be just on time. Never be early, Never be too late for anything. Waiting is the most unfruitful thing you can do. But of course, enjoy waiting for your best friends or dear ones. But never in your professional life.

14. Be spontaneous and innovative. Any moron can come up with ideas if you give him a life time. But to be a winner in this new world you need to be fast and think out of the box.

15. Allow people to Judge you and your work. But finally if you decide to make a change you should be first convinced about the judges and judgment.

16. Hang around with birds of the same feather. A lot of positive support will cheer you up and enhance the quality of your life.

17. Once in a while hang around with friends who have different tastes also. Because you need to know about others also to be a winner/leader.

18. Keep your trust in God. Have a good spiritual life and dedicate enough time for The Almighty and indulge in charity work.

19. Never bother about saving each and every paisa. Allow your purse to leak once in a while. Some Donations, hosting a party for friends, buying someone a gift etc. will never push you down. Watch out for the brownie points to be earned in life. Because you cannot and should not live as an individual only. Think about the people around you always.

20. Do not worry about people who don’t like you. But care about all the people who are with you and keep the doors open for everyone. Remember in life there is nothing like lifelong enemies.

21. Allways have something to do or something to look forward to. Never sit idle and gossip like losers. Plan your career and life in advance but anticipate twists and the worst outcomes also.

22.  Don’t get tensed by whatsoever. Remember the main difference between a winner and loser is this one. Even if a loser has done all his work the night before his interview/test/presentation he will get tensed up and perform average. A born winner even if the effort put in is less, because of his cool approach will succeed more often.

23. Fortune favours the brave, so take chances and risks if you want to succeed. Come out of your comfort zone.

24. Take your life seriously but give a lot of room for fun and enjoyment. Be witty and jovial always. Losers can never be so.

25. Most importantly learn how to take defeat ! Anticipate failures !!! Cope up with them and move forward. Being successful doesn’t mean that you should win allways. But consider failures as stepping stones and move forward.

26. Allow people to defeat you at times. Enjoy when you loose. Because they are the best opportunities to learn and keep your feet on earth.

All the Best Friends !!!!!

I am who I am
Who else would I be
I won’t change for you
So why change for me
I won’t waste my life
Being someone I can not be
Because I’m not a fake
Unwilling to break
Get used to what you see
I’m going to be me

From the Notes of a Malayali…

 

1.I am not a Mallu or a MAL…… I am a Malayali

2.Shakeela is not from my state

3.Sreesanth is from my state,but I hate him much more than you all do.

4.I don’t eat or drink any product from Rubber tree, we just sell them and earn much more than what you do earn in a month.

5.I may like Rajnikanth or Shah Rukh Khan…..but I always prefer Mohanlal

6.I love cricket…but I love football more

7.I do drink Gin and Scotch !! But I love Brandy and toddy more !!!

8.All my uncles are not in Dubai/Muscat …

9. I might get a huge dowry, that is because the girls family is rich !!!!

10.I am an alcoholic,unless I am impotent or just plainly scared of mom.

11.I may or may not be Marxist,but essentially a socialist

12.I may not laugh at your joke…no offenses..blame it on Jagathy Sreekumar & other malyalam comedians…….I have already heard them.

13.You may not laugh at my joke…no offenses…blame it on Sreenivasan…you would not understand our level. But you can laugh for it when our movies gets dubbed or remade in your languages !!!

14.I am a non vegetarian…..and Yes I eat beef and Pork

15.If you find me and another malayali shouting at each other animatedly at the top of our voices calling each other names…never bother we are just having a healthy discussion on Mammootty and Mohanlal.

16.When I was at school….I never bunked…we just called a strike…

17.Yes, I use a lungi….and even play, sleep, run, dance with it…..now you can’t beat that.

18.I don’t waste money, because I think always about Family, Future and Savings !!!!!

19.I don’t like you much, I may look down upon you…can’t help it….that is how we are made…. Attitude I say !!!!

20.I do have an accent problem while I speak English, but in my state even beggars know how to read and write !!!!

 

(The post is inspired by a similar article on FB, I just editted few points.. so all the credit to the Bro. who came up with the ideas….. Yeah, We malyalis do flick ideas at times …. but we do acknowledge at least!!!)

God’s Own Kerala

Kerala often described as God’s own country is undoubtedly one of the world’s most favorite tourist destinations. I take pride in inviting my friends to Kerala and showing them this beautiful place and telling “Look, How beauteous the place is that hath so many Godly creations”  (Shakespeare). Here is a list of few things and places that one must not miss on a visit to Kerala. This list is based on my personal experience, visits, tours and trips to various parts of Kerala during various occasions. Also admitting few points are inspired from various other tourism websites. Take this as a guide if you are planning to visit Kerala. You may contact for more details. Wishing you all a pleasant stay in God’s Own Country. Cheers  !!

1. Wake up to World’s Best (?)  Breakfast! (Appam, Tapioca, Idiappam, Puttu)
2. Try a home stay with a traditional Malayali Family for your accommodation
3. Go for morning walk in Paddy Fields!
4. Take a Swig of ‘Madhura kallu’ (sweet toddy extracted from the coconut palm) and have with exotic karimeen pollichathu and tapioca in a toddy parlor
5. Houseboat cruise through Vemband lake (start from Kumarakom/ Kollam, Stay on boat the whole night if you can afford and try the fresh toddy available with the food cooked on the boat)
6. See Chinese fishing nets (can find along Vembanad Lake/ Fort Cochin) and choose your pick from the Fisherman’s net. Get it fried in the traditional way and eat.
7. Kappa + Meen Curry (Tapioca + Fish) – Must Try Kerala Combo
8. Trek into Forests of Kerala and enjoy wild life
9. Wear a Kerala Saree / Traditional Dhothi (Mundu)
10. Enjoy Panchavadyam & Pandimelam (Temple Music of Kerala)
11. Cheer a Snake Boat Race (The famous Nehru Trophy Race is organized on the 2^nd Saturday of August every year)
12. Feel the rain on your body (Visit Kerala during Monsoon)
13. Get an Ayurvedic Massage
14. Enjoy Sunset on Beaches of Kerala (Kovalam, Allepy, Cherai)
15. Get wet under Athirapalli or any other Waterfalls
16. Ride on an Elephant
17. Thrissur Pooram – The Festival at Thrissur Vadakumnathan Temple
18. Visit Jewish Street and Synagouge at Cochin
19. Watch a Malayalam Movie with friends
20. Visit the lushy hills of Munnar
21. Go for a boat ride in Thekaddy
22. Learn few Malayalam Words, try speaking to local guys (probably while asking the way etc.)
23. Go for a walk in to the sea at Kappad Beach, Calicut
24. Trip to Western Ghats in Palaghat
25. Explore exotic Wayanad.
26. Visit the famous temples/ Churches in Kerala
27. Walk into a palace.
28. Watch Thiruvathira, Kathakali, Mohniattam or Thullal
29. Visit Wagamon Hills, Elaveezha Poonchira, or Ramakallmedu
30. Attend a Syrian Catholic Mass
31. Climb to a tree house, live in one!
32. Spend time on a riverside, cross the river, Get Wet!
33. Drive through ThannerMukham, Allepy- Cherthala and spend time on the road side
34. Sip Tender Coconut
35. See how Rubber tapping + Processing is done and visit Rubber Plantations.
36. Try traveling in a local Bus / KSRTC
37. Visit an Elephant Training Camp
38. Go on a pilgrimage climbing the hills at Sabarimala or Malayatoor or Wagamon
39. Try playing Nadan panthukalli (a local Ball Game)
40. Spend your evening at Marine Drive, Ernakulam
41. Attend a traditional Kerala Wedding
42. Try tune into any Local FM Channel ; Call up the RJ and come on air
43. Enjoy a traditional Kerala Sadhya
44. Sip worlds finest tea and Coffee
45. Collect some Spices and take home.
46. Shop for antiques (you find a lot of such shops in Jew Street and Fort Kochi)
47. Sunbath on Kovalam Beech
48. Climb rugged heights
49. Try Coconut hair oil and take bath after a full body massage with coconut oil.
50. Visit the Trivandrum Zoo, one among the best designed in Asia amidst a woodland, lakes and lawns
51. Explore the Forts of Kerala (Bekel Fort, Tippu Sultan Fort, Plaghat etc)
52. Explore the Prehistoric Settlements at Edakkal Caves, Wayanad
53. Visit the Snake Park at Parassinikadavu, Kannur, which is the only one of its kind in the whole of India.
54. Try a Swing in Kerala (especially in Onam Season)
55. Celebrate Onam in Kerala
56. Engage in Water Sports at Veli beach, Trivandrum
57. Sit till late night on Shangumugham Beach, Trivandrum
58. Spot Nilghiri Thar in Eravikulam National Park, Munnar
59. Sunset at Varkala Beach
60. Retreat to Wayanad for a peaceful Weekend.
61. Rent a Car and Drive through Munnar/Wayand/Wagamon/Kumuli/Idukki Routes