GOA IN THE MONSOONS

Now if there are a few places that are mandatory to visit in the rains its kerala, ooty and all those famous places that people will advise you to go. In fact, you will hardly ever meet anybody who will advise you to visit Goa in the monsoons. But the fact of the matter is this; I have no choice in the timing of my visit... I come and go as the navy pleases and so here I am at the behest of the Indian navy trying to get some training in naval provost and policing duties...




However, this time around the trip has been more of a revelation anything else. I have spent three years in this state without actually knowing much. And although I had promised myself that I would never visit this corner of the earth again (got to do with my bad memories of academy and stuff!), this time around I am actually feeling good that I came. the proverbial circle has been completed over the course of the last year. At one point of time, around June last year, I was so fed up with life in general and navy in particular that I had committed the greatest mistake of my life. In addition, I had also put up my papers for premature discharge from the naval service. quite expectedly, the authorities that be, sat comfortably on those papers until I decided (which was in no mean terms influenced by the sight of the sorry plight of the other officers who had put up their papers) that there was no point in being stupid and taking on the system, for it was far to huge and organised to be taken down by a powerless mortal like me. So, I decided that I had to work two pronged, build connections and work the way the system does, and find my way around the obstacles ahead. Fate had dealt me a fair hand in posting me to INS angre. As any experienced naval officer will tell you, posting in any depot ship is next only to posting in any headquarters as far as education in the service goes. These postings help in removing the blinds from your eyes and setting your priorities right as far as working in the navy is concerned. I was fortunate that I had been posted so early in my career in a ship as huge as angre and, though I had no notion of it at the time, it was the ideal platform for me to prove myself. The fact that I was so much younger to everybody else in the unit only helped my case as everybody tended to forgive my mistakes as those committed due to inexperience while my every good work was praised beyond normal grading. I had some excellent mentors in the unit the form of commanders and lt commanders who played a full hand in educating me in the nuances of the service, showing me the correct path to take in every circumstance, as well using their contacts to my advantage whenever required. at the cost of this article starting to sound too much of a thank you note, I would like to mention the valuable assistance of cdr ghosh, lt cdr preetika, lt cdr vatsala, and cdr gm singh. These men and women really made me regain my lost faith in the service. What I had always needed was work that would require all my grey cells to work full time. And this was what happened in angre. I was given a free rein to work as the works officer, which meant that although I was taking decisions about crores of rupees nobody ever questioned my judgment. This also meant I had to doubly responsible and prove worthy of the faith reposed on me by my commanding officer. As works officer I was justifiably proud of my work and pride in what you do goes a long way in building interest in your work. So, it was with the help of all these circumstances coming together tat I had my honeymoon phase in the service, something that I hadn't thought was possible.



So, when I finally decided to heed to better judgment and stop fighting the system and start manipulating it, I realised the efficacy of this suggestion. Cmde ramesh kumar, my commanding officer, was instrumental in helping forward my case at the naval headquarters and at a very early stage of my career (all the other officers in my batch have had to wait for a minimum of four years!) I was sent for the provost course. However, like I have already mentioned, the proverbial circle had come a full revolution and the prodigal son had returned. That I would ever feel nostalgic to visit this place, that I would ever call it my Alma mater was beyond my imagination. Yet, such is time that it not only heals all wounds, it creates new bonds. I actually feel sorry that the academy has shifted from this place and the whole place wears the deserted look a puja mandap looks after the immersion of the deity. The grass has grown wild, the vegetation has become greener, the buildings, shabby, broken and leaking, the parks in dire need of maintenance. It looks like a ballerina in the last stages of her glorious career. Yet, there is romance in the air and expectations of the future in the firmament of every building. It is as if every one is waiting with bated for the conjurer to remove the cloth and transform the frog into prince charming. The rains in this place are heavy and abrupt. The clouds roll in all of a sudden, covering up the sky with ominous darkness, and before you have time to realize what the next part of the programme is going to be, the deluge drenches you to the bones. The rains here aren’t soft and soothing as in Mumbai, they don’t come sashaying in like a coy bride. They come with the thundering velocity of a prizefighter, and the abruptness of a prima Donna. The nights are mysterious with the calls of a million insects sending shivers down your spine. Even as I look out of my glass windows at night, the moon shines brighter than I have ever seen it in Mumbai, through the dark branches of some or the other tree. The sea roars incessantly at the foot of the mountain, in a way beckoning me closer. Sometimes if I hear intently, I can hear the sound of a soft rattle, underlining the danger that lurks just outside the safe confines of my cabin.



I went visiting some of the beaches today and though its off-season, the place is still teeming with tourists. The fair skin is always a lure to the Indian eyes, male or female, and the shameless gaping at the foreign tourists is what makes for a bitter taste in the mouth. But then, Goa is supposed to be as far as you can go to get your full of carnal desires within this country. So, I guess all who come here come with a lot of expectations and I need not mention the limits that the suppressed Indian male libido can scale when given a free rein. Loved the beaches in the rain though. Went to Miramar. Dona Paula, calangute, baga, anjuna, vagator and coco beaches. In addition, had my full of the agauda fort. Had breakfast in calangute and lunch in aguada. One thing begs mention though, the change in the general attitude of the people. I have no idea whether it is just me or it’s the general case (though I have been assured by quite a few that this is the general case) but the people seem to have become very aggressive. It is no longer the laid back Goa I have seen during my cadet days but the Goa that demands its pound of flesh vehemently. Well, all things considered this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy this beautiful state!

BONG SIN THE WORLD CUP

Subroto Majumdar -

This time around, too, there are quite a few Bongs playing for various countries. With Denmark having qualified, hordes of boddyis from the famous Sen family of Baidyanath Dham are in action.
 Soren Sen (Jersey No. 1) will keep goal for them while two of his distant cousins are his deputies – Ander Sen (16) and Christian Sen (22). In defence, there are more….. Jacob Sen (6) and Simon Poul Sen (15). The midfield sees the presence of Christian Poul Sen (2), Jen Sen (7), the veteran Jogen Sen (10) (who is now called Jorgen in Danish), Jakob Poul Sen (14), Enevold Sen (20) and young Erik Sen (21) who at 18 is one of the youngest players in the competition this year.
The Denmark attack has Lar Sen (18) who scored 5 goals in 5 games during qualification. The team is coached by the round old man Ol Sen, who played with such distinction in 1986, albeit with a sore throat. Boddyis as you know, have spread everywhere. Germany has a boddyi in their squad, defender Jan Sen (2), while another defender Mathij Sen (4) is playing for the Netherlands. Yet another defender Nel Sen (6), presumably a descendant of Nellie Sen Gupta, is captaining New Zealand. Why most of these boddyis are defensive is a question, that I shall avoid answering.
 Other countries have their Bongs too, though they may not be boddyis. The first name that comes to mind is that of the Cameroon defender from the French club Valenciennes – Gaetan Bong (Jersey No. 12). Here is a Bong who proudly announces his awesome heritage. Ghana has a descendant of Prince Dwarka Nath Tagore in their squad – striker Prince Tagoe (12).
(Some obvious clerical error has somehow removed the “R” from his surname.) A scion of the Sonar Bene family of Chetla is also in the Ghana team – defender Lee Addy (19). Ivory Coast has a somewhat retarded Bong in their squad – defender Arthur Boka (3), while another Sonar Bene or Johuri is their number 6 – defender Steve, though he now spells his surname with a `G’ and is listed as Steve Gohouri. (La French influence, no doubt!) Another Bong in the Ivorian squad is film star Bumba da’s younger brother defender Bamba (22). Nigeria has appointed a Bong as captain – striker Kanu Babu (4).
 Another Bong in the Nigerian team will try to forget the bitterness and deliver – he is striker Kalu Uchhe (12). France has left out Saha Babu this year, but they do have two elderly Bongs in their squad, midfielder Malou Da (15) and goalkeeper Mandan Da (16). (As their jersey numbers signify – Bongs do tend to stick together, especially in a foreign country.) Japan too has three elderly Bongs in their squad – defender Uchi Da (6), midfielder Hon Da (18) and forward Tama Da (11). The three dadas shall adequately look after the three departments of defence, midfield and offence.
  Another Bong in the Japanese squad is that great disciple of Goddess Kali – midfielder Ma Koto Hasebe (17). 53 year old Oka Da is the Japanese coach. That perennially lazy Bong is in the Spanish squad once again – he who never even hits a ball – He is defender Carlos Marche Na (4).

growing up

Archana Shah When I was 10, rubber meant eraser, ass meant donkey, gay meant happy, straight meant linear, making out meant logical deduction, laying meant setting aside, cock meant rooster, pussy meant cat, stag meant a male dear and a tit was always for a tat! English has changed so much now days!!

so many things change as we grow up!! its no great shakes growing up i can tell you. but we all want to grow up so much when we are kids...guess its all a part of that elusive thing called the human psyche. :D

im sorry

im sorry that i lost the watch that you gave me, the one that had cost you so much yet won so little appreciation. it had a small dial and you had thought that it will suit my wrist best. however, everyone including me told you that it wasnt that great. you werent that stupid to just quote its price and wow us all. so you just became sadder all the while. why didnt you tell me? it was so stupid of me not to realise its worth. i just took it for another gift that you had got for me and i lost it before even a year was over. it was then that you told me that it was worth a 12and a half thousand rupees. even today when i buy a watch that costs 9000 rs on my own and my purchasing capacity has grown so much 12.5 k seems so high. then you had this huge loan and you had to spend such horrid time in uk having to cut costs. yet you managed to buy that gift for me. i have been really insensitive at times and i must ask for you forgiveness for every little thing that i had done wrong, even though i know that you will never get to hear this, read this or whatever. it just needs to get out of me.. i still miss you but only sometimes. i have almost forgotten you. yet we spent so much time together, there are so many small things that just reminds me of you.

THE BEST PATISSERIE IN TOWN

theo broma is widely reagarded as the best patisserie in mumbai. crowned the best patisserie by the times food guuide and a whole host of other renowned food guides this small shop in the heart of colaba enjoys a special place in the heart of mumbaikars and confectionary connoisseurs from far and wide. those that have had a bite of its delectable pastries, truffles, cakes, breads, chocolates and a whole host of other delicacies, spread the message of pure ecstasy far and wide and, as a result, people come flocking from from far away distances to taste the delicacies that do justice to the name. by the way, the name in itself means 'God's own food' in greek. the first time i came across this small nook in colaba next to the hp petrol pump was when i was told prior to the navy ball by lt cdr pritika that there existed this absolutely mind blowing confectionery in colaba and i might try and get them to come for the navy ball. that was when i was introduced to the theo broma. so, i went hunting for this shop, and hunting it was, for it was hidden right in front of all of our noses. the location and the interiors kind of reminded me of that fabulous movie 'Chocolat' starring judi dench and johnny depp, written by joanne harris. it was pure magic and you could feel it the moment you entered the premises. kamal messman, the chef who is the heart behind this shop and her daughter kainaz messman are absolutely unbelievable and it was a beginning of a love affair that has lasted for more tahn a year now. the cheese cakes. made from raspberry, blueberry and mango are a delight to have anyday. however, in my opinion the best part of the menu is the brownie. i tell you mon cherie, i have never in my life tasted such chocolate roasted ecstasy. i can make a pilgrimage just to taste one of their brownies. this is to say nothing of their range of other products. if there is one thing i will miss when i leave mumbai it will be theo broma and its soul stirring brownies. thanks a lot kamal and kainaz, may theo broma prosper for long.

i may have been an asshole when i was presumptuous enough to state that mumbai was a place that i hated!! after all. mumbai is a place where men and women from all over india flock to realise their dreams. it is that elusive land of el dorado which Ulysses had gone in search of. for millions of indians unsatisfied with their lives, nunbai offers that faint glimmer of hope that provided them sustenance in  the days to come. there was a time when i saw the pollution that is so rampant in mumbai. seriously, there seems to be so much pollution in mumbai that quite often i believe the species of human beings who live here must be the next evolved species of homo sapiens. after all, how on earth can the human beings who for millenniums have adjusted themselves to the free and pure air that can only be found in the valleys of the himalayas as of today,  adjust themselves to the highly poisonous air that we breathe in when we come to mumbai? today, however, i realise that this air is what we create, the payment we make to the devil for the comforts science provides us. no wonder then that it is said that too much power and too little control is the most potent formula for destruction. that is what we are -- a formula for destruction. so why blame a city? this city on the banks of the great arabian sea has borne much, to mention nothing about the sea of humanity that has desecrated its shores. for centuries this city has allowed us to pollute it, all the while patiently providing us with water, rain, air and the sky. we have tried our level best to cut down on all these resources and today when we stand on the brink of destruction we blame the city! the prodigal son hath not returned , yet there seems to be no dearth of reasons to blame the city. its time we sat up and took notice of how this beautiful city has not only been our mother but also a hero in disguise.

so much to do

so much to do, so little time to accomplish everything. i want to be the next tagore, the next bill gates, the next mother teresa, the next barack obama, the next great thing. i want to be revered in my own time and respected by posterity. i want to be the richest man on earth and give it all away to the poor and needy. i want to set right everything on earth and i want to love like only i could. i want to write poems that would drive millions mad, and i want to sing like kishore kumar and john denver put together. i want my mom to be as happy as she ever was giving birth to me. i want my dad to be proud for being my dad. i want to be on top of the world and only one lifetime to achieve that. is that asking for too much?

ai jani na

ami jani na, i know not
have you ever had those dreams?
the ones where you are naked in the middle of people you know..
i used to have those dreams quite often when i was a kid.
psychologists tell us that if you have those dreams
 you are feeling insecure and the people the reason
so, why would a twelve year old kid feel insecure and who would make him feel so?

that same person came back in my life and for a small time i thought i was happy
i knew not the storm that was lurking behind the calm
it hit me full force when i started having those same dreams
this time it was much more embarrassing and vivid
i have cried like a baby many times since,
every time bleeding internally and losing a little bit of the happy place that i had built
hoping some day to live in it, loved and alive.

IM BACK!!!!!!!!!!!

hi guys i am back... and it feels amazing to be writing again after such a long hiatus, and may i make a mention here that it was a forced one! unfortunately the internet here at NOFRA was down for thelast couple of months and i had little option of going online and typing... so i guess that i will be meeting you as well as myself on this platform pretty regularly again. i have here with me sitting right next to me a very old friend, Pappu. he was one of those confidantes who i would turn to every time i needed a sympathetic ear, and we have had our shares of tiffs as well. but what ship can be called great which hasn't faced a gale or two? so, it is that we have had our times, good and bad, memorable and not-so-memorable. however, the fact that he has come to visit me after four years of absolute no contact says a lot about our friendship. hope to speak a lot more tomorrow, but i'm in  a hurry to sleep today.  bye and see you all soon.

FORGOT UR GMAIL ID?

well there's nothing else to do actually. there are two ways to go about this. first, you need to remember your alternative email id that you provided when signing up. in case you do, just go to the FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD PAGE and type in the necessary email id. your password will be sent to you within the next 5 minutes. in case you have forgotten your alternative email id, there is one more option. you need to remember your security question. if you do, voila!! there you go.

but, in case you don't, there are some other options available on the net but i wouldn't advise using them. they are called keylogger software. if you type "break/crack/hack gmail password" in google, you will get access to a lot of these freeware. the way they work is pretty simple. they will keep a record of all the keystrokes you make and all the encrypted data like passwords can be extracted using them. however, this will work only if someone uses the account after the keylogger software has been installed. that is, a person with malicious intent alone will use such software to get access to someone else's software. which is why it is always safer to use the onscreen keyboard when you login to your net banking account from a cafe. these softwares can also extract the passwords that have been saved on your pc/laptop or has been used on them earlier. however, in case someone has remembered to delete the history and cookies files there is no option to extract that either. just a reminder, most of these keylogger softwares are malwares. they invariably have trojans hidden in them. so, even if you decide to go ahead and track your friend's, fiancee's or spouse's password you might be doing at the risk of your own data.
another very important fact that i learnt today is that if ever you sign up for an account based on an invitation from someone you do not know, the best idea would be to go to that site and sign up on your own and not from the link that was sent to you. even if you do sign up based on that link, carefully check every column for any pre-entered data, like alternate email-id, security question, etc, before you submit. cheers.