I don't know much about philosophy. It is one of those subjects I've never studied. I guess the closest I've come to reading about philosophy is my Calvin and Hobbes comic books that I love to read.
It's an interesting subject though and I've started to slowly read more about it. Yesterday I came across two references to a German philosopher of the 19th century - Friedrich Nietzsche. He, at the end of the 19th century, had announced the "twilight of the Gods", said the article in Times of India. Religion had become irrelevant. Replaced no doubt by the ravages of materialism and consumerism.
The second reference was in Milan Kundera's "The Unbearable Lightness of Being". I came across Bob Corbett's notes on the book - which I will read in full after I finish the novel. He says,
"Milan Kundera opens the novel with a discourse on Nietzsche's doctrine of the eternal recurrence. He rejects any view of the recurrence as being real or metaphysical. It is metaphorical he assures us. In a world of objective meaninglessness one must fall into nihilism unless one acts as if one's acts recur eternally, thus giving our acts "weight," the weight of those choices we make, as though recurring eternally, living forever. Kundera rejects Nietzsche's optimism and in compelling detail and poignancy he give us the story of the painful love affair of Tomas and Tereza, condemned by fate and choice to live together, yet never ceasing to cause each other enormous pain and suffering. "
What I understand is that Kundera said that living in cycles is a myth. There is no reincarnation. There is only the present. Nietzsche on the other hand was more optimistic (?).
I'll write more when I understand more. It is interesting though. The novel is also very interesting.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Secrets of the Taj Mahal (Nat Geo)
One must commend National Geographic and its efforts at making history interesting and illuminating. I recently got to watch a documentary made on the Taj Mahal - which was well put together. I being a student of history, having visited the Taj on more than one occassion, having heard the stories and read a recent novel written on the topic, am more than familiar with both the historical base and the local folklore.
The documentary puts in focus both the building of the Taj and the era in which it was built. Shah Jahan's rise to the throne is shown and so is his love for his wife, Mumtaz. Not much detail is given - dates, names of other great Mughals - they are all left silent - possibly because too much detail would have made the documentary boring (? Wierd ?). So his father and grandfather are referred to as just father and grandfather - instead of Akbar and Humayun, as it should be.
Some things were new though. I didn't know that you could piece together parts of the Taj from already existing monuments. That Humayun's tomb is very similar I knew, but that other monuments were also contributors, I did not.
Everyone knows that Aurangzeb imprisoned his Dad and captured the throne. But what I didn't think about was how much expenditure must've been incurred in building the Taj, which was one of the things that Aurangzeb did not approve of, being austere in his spending.
The contribution of the artisans and the craftsmen is silent over the ages - and lives on in the Taj. I have heard stories that all their hands were chopped off. That is sad. Or that they were blinded. That is also sad.
The craft does live on. The craft of pietra dura - or painting in stone survives even till now, almost 30 generations later.
It was good overall.
The documentary puts in focus both the building of the Taj and the era in which it was built. Shah Jahan's rise to the throne is shown and so is his love for his wife, Mumtaz. Not much detail is given - dates, names of other great Mughals - they are all left silent - possibly because too much detail would have made the documentary boring (? Wierd ?). So his father and grandfather are referred to as just father and grandfather - instead of Akbar and Humayun, as it should be.
Some things were new though. I didn't know that you could piece together parts of the Taj from already existing monuments. That Humayun's tomb is very similar I knew, but that other monuments were also contributors, I did not.
Everyone knows that Aurangzeb imprisoned his Dad and captured the throne. But what I didn't think about was how much expenditure must've been incurred in building the Taj, which was one of the things that Aurangzeb did not approve of, being austere in his spending.
The contribution of the artisans and the craftsmen is silent over the ages - and lives on in the Taj. I have heard stories that all their hands were chopped off. That is sad. Or that they were blinded. That is also sad.
The craft does live on. The craft of pietra dura - or painting in stone survives even till now, almost 30 generations later.
It was good overall.
Monday, March 29, 2010
A near miss with the Taj Mahal
I was in Agra recently for some work. The work I was there for took longer than expected though. I must have been 4 kms from the Taj Mahal.
I had vowed that if I was going there, I would see it. But then, what happened?
I was tired. I was with other colleagues. I couldn't go.
It's ironic though. Only recently had a begun to watch the Nat Geo documentary on the Secrets of the Taj. It was beautifully done I thought. The tale of a charming king Shah Jahan and his beautiful wife Mumtaz, their story... finally encompassed in marble.
I don't think there are love stories like that out there anymore. These days there are things to be said for love marriages and arranged marriages. Does anyone pursue their passion anymore?
Do you like to do what you did before?
It becomes difficult after a point to handle the pressures of work with the need to pursue your passion.
But what makes a human being different from an ordinary living thing?
It is the spirit of humanity and the presence of being that makes us different. We can appreciate the power of poetry, the beauty of our surroundings, the need to immortalize. We create beauty and try and preserve it. We go on treks, we make pictures, we draw, we sing.
Man, I wish I'd seen the Taj again. Last time I saw it was four years ago.
I had vowed that if I was going there, I would see it. But then, what happened?
I was tired. I was with other colleagues. I couldn't go.
It's ironic though. Only recently had a begun to watch the Nat Geo documentary on the Secrets of the Taj. It was beautifully done I thought. The tale of a charming king Shah Jahan and his beautiful wife Mumtaz, their story... finally encompassed in marble.
I don't think there are love stories like that out there anymore. These days there are things to be said for love marriages and arranged marriages. Does anyone pursue their passion anymore?
Do you like to do what you did before?
It becomes difficult after a point to handle the pressures of work with the need to pursue your passion.
But what makes a human being different from an ordinary living thing?
It is the spirit of humanity and the presence of being that makes us different. We can appreciate the power of poetry, the beauty of our surroundings, the need to immortalize. We create beauty and try and preserve it. We go on treks, we make pictures, we draw, we sing.
Man, I wish I'd seen the Taj again. Last time I saw it was four years ago.
El secreto de sus ojos (2009)
One of the best films I've seen in a long time. It will keep you riveted, you'll have 100% attention and it is awesome from start to finish.
I seriously recommend it.
I watched a really really bad translation version with English subtitles that were in just the worst English possible. But the direction was so good, the acting so awesome that you are totally enthralled as you watch it.
The director, Juan Jose Campanella really does a good job. I won't give away too much of the story. It's a love story and a murder mystery. It's sad and it does show you a lot. About how two people who love eachother and what they do about it. Or in this case, do not do.
Awesome. 6/5
It totally deserved the Oscar it got.
I seriously recommend it.
I watched a really really bad translation version with English subtitles that were in just the worst English possible. But the direction was so good, the acting so awesome that you are totally enthralled as you watch it.
The director, Juan Jose Campanella really does a good job. I won't give away too much of the story. It's a love story and a murder mystery. It's sad and it does show you a lot. About how two people who love eachother and what they do about it. Or in this case, do not do.
Awesome. 6/5
It totally deserved the Oscar it got.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Drawing in Lodi Gardens I
So today I went for a walk and drawing tour of Lodi Gardens. The only sad thing was that I couldn't find the group that I was supposed to draw with!!
I instead took up a shady spot and started sketching nearby. It took 40 minutes to depict an old monument in pencil. I think I'll put it in black ink and it'll look much better.
There was a person giving a talk to a group of people in the gardens. He was talking about what the point of life was. He asked. One person replied, that the point of life was to be happy. But then he asked, what does make you happy? Does money make you happy? Because a person may have a lot of money, but if his child has passed away, he won't be so happy. What about your job? Does that make you happy? What about your possessions? Do they make you happy?
It was interesting - but then I had to shift away because the sun was getting into my eyes. I think if one goes there early morning, you'll find more shade in places.
Can you imagine doing something like this on a day when it's going to soon become 38 degrees!!
I instead took up a shady spot and started sketching nearby. It took 40 minutes to depict an old monument in pencil. I think I'll put it in black ink and it'll look much better.
There was a person giving a talk to a group of people in the gardens. He was talking about what the point of life was. He asked. One person replied, that the point of life was to be happy. But then he asked, what does make you happy? Does money make you happy? Because a person may have a lot of money, but if his child has passed away, he won't be so happy. What about your job? Does that make you happy? What about your possessions? Do they make you happy?
It was interesting - but then I had to shift away because the sun was getting into my eyes. I think if one goes there early morning, you'll find more shade in places.
Can you imagine doing something like this on a day when it's going to soon become 38 degrees!!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
An Education (2009)
Set in the United Kingdom in the early 1960s, this film follows the life of a young 16 year old who is wooed by a gentleman much older to her. What happens will give much of the story away - but one thing that the movie does emphasize - is how important it is to go to University and make something of your life. Though the roles of a housewife or an English teacher may appear dreary to you - in the end, it is your decision.
It's a bit sick though - the idea of an elderly man preying on the fantasies of a younger woman - or a girl in this case. But it does show just how creepy some guys can be.
There are some very nice scenes from Paris - and it is amazing how beautiful that city is. I count myself fortunate of having visited the city on more than one occasion!!
It's a bit sick though - the idea of an elderly man preying on the fantasies of a younger woman - or a girl in this case. But it does show just how creepy some guys can be.
There are some very nice scenes from Paris - and it is amazing how beautiful that city is. I count myself fortunate of having visited the city on more than one occasion!!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
My solution to TPNSTT
Oh yes, let me just share this.
My solution to the principle of not spending time together.
: :: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Do what you can together. Realise that he too will not want to do what you want and you may not want to do what he wants. So give eachother space.
And do as much as you can on your own. Cuz it's a short life. So don't miss out on anything. :) :)
My solution to the principle of not spending time together.
: :: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Do what you can together. Realise that he too will not want to do what you want and you may not want to do what he wants. So give eachother space.
And do as much as you can on your own. Cuz it's a short life. So don't miss out on anything. :) :)
Benoy K Behl, William Dalrymple and Driving in Delhi
I went to attend a documentary done by B K Behl today at the Habitat Centre. He's a learned film maker with an interest in Indian art and he's made a remarkable set of documentaries on the topic. It was a follow-on from the Ajanta paintings to latter day. I didn't quite agree though that there was a similarity ALL ACROSS India - that's not possible according to me. There doesn't seem to be much evidence of exchange of art and ideas between Ladakh and Orissa like he alluded to. So I can't really agree. That they were two dimensional - yes. That the temple at Thanjavur was amazing and so were the paintings in it dedicated to Lord Shiva - amazing. That the Kailashnath Temple at Ellora is breathtaking - yes. But the strands that connect it all.... I'm not so sure.
One thing that I will say about the whole series. It's a good introductory insight into Indian art.
At Habitat Centre today Penguin books was having a doo dah. They were selling their books at 10% off and had some pretty good deals. William Dalrymple was to speak - and I wanted to attend, but I had to leave the talk and the book reading early because I was driving back home and I didn't want to get too late. I did however spend the last of the cash on me - which was meant to be given for my mobile phone bill (already late).... on a book called "Nine Lives" by William Dalrymple. I thought I may get lucky and get his autograph. But then.... I figured... since I was driving in Delhi after 7:00 at night....
That maybe I should just get back home. The BRT can be hell and so can the traffic.
Welcome to living in one of the biggest metros in the world.
One thing that I will say about the whole series. It's a good introductory insight into Indian art.
At Habitat Centre today Penguin books was having a doo dah. They were selling their books at 10% off and had some pretty good deals. William Dalrymple was to speak - and I wanted to attend, but I had to leave the talk and the book reading early because I was driving back home and I didn't want to get too late. I did however spend the last of the cash on me - which was meant to be given for my mobile phone bill (already late).... on a book called "Nine Lives" by William Dalrymple. I thought I may get lucky and get his autograph. But then.... I figured... since I was driving in Delhi after 7:00 at night....
That maybe I should just get back home. The BRT can be hell and so can the traffic.
Welcome to living in one of the biggest metros in the world.
Birthdays Side and Blind Side
Yesterday (20th March 2010) was Mataji's 95th birthday. Yes, she has lived on this earth 95 years. She has seen the horrors of the partition of India, seen the beauty of the world and the changing natures of people and their hearts.
It's amazing isn't it? Kylie Minogue's song comes to mind - I should be so lucky .... Man, to be alive for so long? Amazing.
Her mind is very very active. Mobility is limited though. So we took her out to lunch at a nice and very popular South Indian restaurant to celebrate. It was a nice afternoon. There were people everywhere. I had the most yummy Rava dosa. I totally recommend it to one and all.
I've started a course on Understanding Gender now. It's totally interesting - it puts in a framework things that we already know - difference between sex and gender; how 1975 was the Year of Women - etc. It is amazing how much the world has moved on as well.
I saw a film yesterday called "The Blind Side" for which Sandra Bullock won the Best Actress Award. I liked the film. It was about a young talented man called Michael and how his life transforms when he meets the Ohers. Now I didn't know much about this film or the story behind it, but one thing I shall say. It is awesome how one's life can transform if you have someone to support you. A must see. 5/5. And Sandra Bullock totally deserved the Oscar.
It's amazing isn't it? Kylie Minogue's song comes to mind - I should be so lucky .... Man, to be alive for so long? Amazing.
Her mind is very very active. Mobility is limited though. So we took her out to lunch at a nice and very popular South Indian restaurant to celebrate. It was a nice afternoon. There were people everywhere. I had the most yummy Rava dosa. I totally recommend it to one and all.
I've started a course on Understanding Gender now. It's totally interesting - it puts in a framework things that we already know - difference between sex and gender; how 1975 was the Year of Women - etc. It is amazing how much the world has moved on as well.
I saw a film yesterday called "The Blind Side" for which Sandra Bullock won the Best Actress Award. I liked the film. It was about a young talented man called Michael and how his life transforms when he meets the Ohers. Now I didn't know much about this film or the story behind it, but one thing I shall say. It is awesome how one's life can transform if you have someone to support you. A must see. 5/5. And Sandra Bullock totally deserved the Oscar.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
I had the privilege of listening to the 14th Dalai Lama today at Delhi. He is a sweet person with the best philosophy on earth - nonviolence. Often it is not adhered to though. And that was what he talked about today.
One thing I also liked was his concept of blessing. What is a blessing? It is not what people bestow on someone - it is service - it is duty. You should help the poor he said. You should help those less fortunate that you. Then you will get the blessings you need. That is better than merely giving offerings at a temple and reciting shlokas. Different people have different types of meditation - but you should help your fellow human beings.
Which was a very good message I thought. What else do you actually need in this world? Why are emotions only being used for the bad? Why doesn't anyone think of good emotions? Good thoughts and beliefs? Good intentions? Why is everyone so self centred and bent upon hatred? Jealousy?
It's not good to have so many bad intentions. It'll fester and you'll end up being really sad and lonely. No one will be too bothered about what is happening with you.
I liked the talk. I have a few books on the Dalai Lama. I shall try and read them. Right now I've joined this feminism course at a local NGO. I just received the course material today and I thought it would be a refreshing change from finance law which is what I've been looking at for the past six years.
It'll be good to have this now on my agenda as well. It's always good to keep up with your interests.
I went to the talk with my Dad. He's become a bit more rigid now - he wants his way more often than not. My mom is also not so amenable now - she does too much harm to herself more than anyone else.
I worry about them both.
Delhi has so much to offer. You only have to make the effort. Spring in New Delhi is very very pleasant though - the trees are a lovely shade of green and a light breeze is blowing. Even though it's 35 degrees outside right now..... but remember, our summers touch 45 degrees soon!! It'll be an oven like scenario soon I think!!
One thing I also liked was his concept of blessing. What is a blessing? It is not what people bestow on someone - it is service - it is duty. You should help the poor he said. You should help those less fortunate that you. Then you will get the blessings you need. That is better than merely giving offerings at a temple and reciting shlokas. Different people have different types of meditation - but you should help your fellow human beings.
Which was a very good message I thought. What else do you actually need in this world? Why are emotions only being used for the bad? Why doesn't anyone think of good emotions? Good thoughts and beliefs? Good intentions? Why is everyone so self centred and bent upon hatred? Jealousy?
It's not good to have so many bad intentions. It'll fester and you'll end up being really sad and lonely. No one will be too bothered about what is happening with you.
I liked the talk. I have a few books on the Dalai Lama. I shall try and read them. Right now I've joined this feminism course at a local NGO. I just received the course material today and I thought it would be a refreshing change from finance law which is what I've been looking at for the past six years.
It'll be good to have this now on my agenda as well. It's always good to keep up with your interests.
I went to the talk with my Dad. He's become a bit more rigid now - he wants his way more often than not. My mom is also not so amenable now - she does too much harm to herself more than anyone else.
I worry about them both.
Delhi has so much to offer. You only have to make the effort. Spring in New Delhi is very very pleasant though - the trees are a lovely shade of green and a light breeze is blowing. Even though it's 35 degrees outside right now..... but remember, our summers touch 45 degrees soon!! It'll be an oven like scenario soon I think!!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Carpe Diem
Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
When I want to read a novel, I write one.
- Benjamin Disraeli
When one door closes another opens. But often we look so long so regretfully upon the closed door that we fail to see the one that has opened for us.
- Helen Keller
There is time for everything.
- Thomas A. Edison
Happiness does not depend on outward things, but on the way we see them.
- Leo Tolstoy
The world is a book andthose who do not travel read only one page
- St. Augustine
CARPE DIEM
From a Latin poem by Horace called "Odes"
Don't ask (it's forbidden to know) what end
the gods will grant to me or you, Leuconoe. Don't play with Babylonian
fortune-telling either. It is better to endure whatever will be.
Whether Jupiter has allotted to you many more winters or this final one
which even now wears out the Tyrrhenian sea on the rocks placed opposite
— be wise, strain the wine, and scale back your long hopes
to a short period. While we speak, envious time will have {already} fled
Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the next.
(Courtesy, WIKIPEDIA)
"Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary" - Dead Poets Society - that truly is a good film.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
When I want to read a novel, I write one.
- Benjamin Disraeli
When one door closes another opens. But often we look so long so regretfully upon the closed door that we fail to see the one that has opened for us.
- Helen Keller
There is time for everything.
- Thomas A. Edison
Happiness does not depend on outward things, but on the way we see them.
- Leo Tolstoy
The world is a book andthose who do not travel read only one page
- St. Augustine
CARPE DIEM
From a Latin poem by Horace called "Odes"
Don't ask (it's forbidden to know) what end
the gods will grant to me or you, Leuconoe. Don't play with Babylonian
fortune-telling either. It is better to endure whatever will be.
Whether Jupiter has allotted to you many more winters or this final one
which even now wears out the Tyrrhenian sea on the rocks placed opposite
— be wise, strain the wine, and scale back your long hopes
to a short period. While we speak, envious time will have {already} fled
Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the next.
(Courtesy, WIKIPEDIA)
"Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary" - Dead Poets Society - that truly is a good film.
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Principle of Not Spending Time Together
Yes, I am formulating a new principle which encompasses several features from economics. That is, the principle of not spending time together.
After marriage they say, things change. You were the centre of eachother's lives before. After, you no longer are. In many a comedy they emphasise that the thrill is in the chase, once it's over, well, what else is left?
I on the other hand, truly do not believe this. However, in light of certain occurrences I am getting to believe in the principle I'm about to elucidate:
i. He is busy
Which he will be because he has a hard job and has long hours. I too am away a lot, travelling and stuff. I do call when I can. What gets me is when he doesn't come for things I like!!
ii. Days off become like days on
Ever think a holiday for him may be something different? I'm beginning to think not!!
iii. Planning vacations and even taxes becomes a 5 minute affair
Yes, I can't say more.
All I think about is though, when I get more busy, what will happen then? What will happen when we have kids? Egad, it's all very very scary to think about. Right now I have my books, my work, my treks, my studies.
My blog.
There should be more to being married though right?
I will write more when I've thrashed this out into an economic principle.
After marriage they say, things change. You were the centre of eachother's lives before. After, you no longer are. In many a comedy they emphasise that the thrill is in the chase, once it's over, well, what else is left?
I on the other hand, truly do not believe this. However, in light of certain occurrences I am getting to believe in the principle I'm about to elucidate:
i. He is busy
Which he will be because he has a hard job and has long hours. I too am away a lot, travelling and stuff. I do call when I can. What gets me is when he doesn't come for things I like!!
ii. Days off become like days on
Ever think a holiday for him may be something different? I'm beginning to think not!!
iii. Planning vacations and even taxes becomes a 5 minute affair
Yes, I can't say more.
All I think about is though, when I get more busy, what will happen then? What will happen when we have kids? Egad, it's all very very scary to think about. Right now I have my books, my work, my treks, my studies.
My blog.
There should be more to being married though right?
I will write more when I've thrashed this out into an economic principle.
Brothers' Hurt Locker
I watched this really interesting movie yesterday called "The Hurt Locker" directed by Kathryn Bigelow. It won the best movie and best director award at the Oscars this year - which was deserved - but I can't really give much of an opinion cuz I haven't seen all the other films. I didn't like Avatar though, so I'm glad she won instead of her husband.
"The rush of battle is a potent and often lethal addiction, for war is a drug." - by Chris Hedges is the quote that the movie starts off with - and it's quite apt.
"War is a drug". The adrenalin rush getting you in the end.
Well, at least for one character; cuz the others are just dying to get out of the hot desert that they've been forced to fight in.
I watched this movie without my husband - he was busy and I was bored. So I decided, hey what the heck - lemme watch it. And I'm glad I did. I liked the film - I thought it was well shot and initially I thought it would be boring because there didn't appear to be any single reference to any female character (I'm doing a course of gender and feminism and I am acutely aware of these things now). One scene that stayed in my mind was one of a bullet falling in slow motion from a gun - for some reason that just seemed awesome.
War does not determine who is right - only who is left. ~Bertrand Russell
The world has achieved brilliance without wisdom, power without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We know more about war that we know about peace, more about killing that we know about living. ~Omar Bradley
Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime. ~Ernest Hemingway
Only the dead have seen the end of war. ~Plato
This was also said in the film "Brothers". This too was based on war in Iraq.
"The rush of battle is a potent and often lethal addiction, for war is a drug." - by Chris Hedges is the quote that the movie starts off with - and it's quite apt.
"War is a drug". The adrenalin rush getting you in the end.
Well, at least for one character; cuz the others are just dying to get out of the hot desert that they've been forced to fight in.
I watched this movie without my husband - he was busy and I was bored. So I decided, hey what the heck - lemme watch it. And I'm glad I did. I liked the film - I thought it was well shot and initially I thought it would be boring because there didn't appear to be any single reference to any female character (I'm doing a course of gender and feminism and I am acutely aware of these things now). One scene that stayed in my mind was one of a bullet falling in slow motion from a gun - for some reason that just seemed awesome.
War does not determine who is right - only who is left. ~Bertrand Russell
The world has achieved brilliance without wisdom, power without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We know more about war that we know about peace, more about killing that we know about living. ~Omar Bradley
Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime. ~Ernest Hemingway
Only the dead have seen the end of war. ~Plato
This was also said in the film "Brothers". This too was based on war in Iraq.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Humayun's Tomb (2010)
Well, today my mom-in-law and I went on a heritage walk to Humayun's Tomb. My husband was supposed to join us, but had a prior meeting so couldn't. I wish he had, it would have been nice to share it with him as well.
The walk and talk had been organised by the Aga Khan Foundation in Delhi. They are doing restoration work and have largely been involved in getting the gardens around Humayun's Tomb back in shape. Humayun's Tomb is the tomb of Emperor Humayun, son of Babur, one of the great Mughals. He died in 1556. His tomb was built by his wife, Hamida Banu Begum.
The walk was part of a series of events aiming at developing the area into more than just the UNESCO World Heritage site it is, as there are a number of intangibles that too deserve to be preserved by humanity. The rich tradition of qawwali music that emanates from the past from Nizammudin Auliya to the artisans and craftsmen whose traditions have been carried forward. Unfortunately only the monument has the distinction of the tag though.
It is a beautiful though.
I feel fortunate to be living in a city like Delhi where we have such beautiful monuments nearby.
The walk and talk had been organised by the Aga Khan Foundation in Delhi. They are doing restoration work and have largely been involved in getting the gardens around Humayun's Tomb back in shape. Humayun's Tomb is the tomb of Emperor Humayun, son of Babur, one of the great Mughals. He died in 1556. His tomb was built by his wife, Hamida Banu Begum.
The walk was part of a series of events aiming at developing the area into more than just the UNESCO World Heritage site it is, as there are a number of intangibles that too deserve to be preserved by humanity. The rich tradition of qawwali music that emanates from the past from Nizammudin Auliya to the artisans and craftsmen whose traditions have been carried forward. Unfortunately only the monument has the distinction of the tag though.
It is a beautiful though.
I feel fortunate to be living in a city like Delhi where we have such beautiful monuments nearby.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
2010 and earthquakes
This year has been particularly sad so far for all those who've been ravaged by the menace of earthquakes. Chile in particular has suffered because of its location - being on one of the continental plates edges is a delicate position, to say the least. Even during the swearing in of the new president, the earth shook for hours. I recently just read that Indonesia has just been struck by seismic activity as well.
2010 hasn't been the greatest year I think so far for me. I've learnt a lot about life and I'm not so happy about it. I wish that things had been a bit different, but then, c'est la vie as they say.
C'est la vie. It is unfair, but you have to deal with it in the end.
In the end, it doesn't even matter, to say in the hands of Linkin Park.
2010 hasn't been the greatest year I think so far for me. I've learnt a lot about life and I'm not so happy about it. I wish that things had been a bit different, but then, c'est la vie as they say.
C'est la vie. It is unfair, but you have to deal with it in the end.
In the end, it doesn't even matter, to say in the hands of Linkin Park.
Friday, March 5, 2010
When you feel so tired that you can't sleep
This actually happens. It's not just a song (Fix You - ColdPlay lyrics).
I have been experiencing this lately.
My back hurts and my head hurts and all I want to do is sleep sleep sleep. But there are a list of things to do and I just don't know how to finish it all.
Why I write this blog entry today is because I heard something that I wanted to discuss. One person recently told me that all signs of obesity are a sign of depression. Now I really don't know but it may be true. So I read up some more on this:
Apparently the following are signs of depression: Aches and Pains, Weight loss or gain (how I wish it were weight loss in my case), unkempt appearance, fatigue.
The best way to combat depression would be to stay focused. Concentrate on a goal and achieve it. It becomes easier to stay on your mark when you have a job, because it immediately takes away some of your thought process. You don't dwell on things. You set targets and you achieve them. That way you become much stronger.
Like I tell those around, sometimes you have to FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT.
I have been experiencing this lately.
My back hurts and my head hurts and all I want to do is sleep sleep sleep. But there are a list of things to do and I just don't know how to finish it all.
Why I write this blog entry today is because I heard something that I wanted to discuss. One person recently told me that all signs of obesity are a sign of depression. Now I really don't know but it may be true. So I read up some more on this:
Apparently the following are signs of depression: Aches and Pains, Weight loss or gain (how I wish it were weight loss in my case), unkempt appearance, fatigue.
The best way to combat depression would be to stay focused. Concentrate on a goal and achieve it. It becomes easier to stay on your mark when you have a job, because it immediately takes away some of your thought process. You don't dwell on things. You set targets and you achieve them. That way you become much stronger.
Like I tell those around, sometimes you have to FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT.
Plans.....
We all make great plans for the future. But does it all work out?
It should actually. I've started working on my novel. It is a work in progress though. I get told off a lot I've noticed for doing things that I like to do and for not doing things that I have to get around to doing. It feels a bit crazy, but then, what can you do? Actually what tends to happen is that the mundaneness of day to day life will get you after a while. So you should keep healthy and do what you like to do. You should read, exercise, watch a good movie, draw, trek - everything that you like to do. I recently read an article by Rachelle Disbennett-Lee which talks about how to create an idea into reality. She says that these are the steps:
i. To turn a dream to a goal, you must shape it, define it, visualize it.
ii. Make a commitment to your goal. Turn all obstacles to opportunities.
iii. Write it down.
iv. Create a plan. Write down the steps it will take to achieve the goal and put dates on it. Create a prosperity board where you put up the plan.
v. And then work towards it.
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
I better work towards my goals as well. :)
It should actually. I've started working on my novel. It is a work in progress though. I get told off a lot I've noticed for doing things that I like to do and for not doing things that I have to get around to doing. It feels a bit crazy, but then, what can you do? Actually what tends to happen is that the mundaneness of day to day life will get you after a while. So you should keep healthy and do what you like to do. You should read, exercise, watch a good movie, draw, trek - everything that you like to do. I recently read an article by Rachelle Disbennett-Lee which talks about how to create an idea into reality. She says that these are the steps:
i. To turn a dream to a goal, you must shape it, define it, visualize it.
ii. Make a commitment to your goal. Turn all obstacles to opportunities.
iii. Write it down.
iv. Create a plan. Write down the steps it will take to achieve the goal and put dates on it. Create a prosperity board where you put up the plan.
v. And then work towards it.
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
I better work towards my goals as well. :)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Resigning
Recently one of my colleagues resigned from her job. We don't know the details, we can only speculate why she did what she did.
I can't say that the thought has not crossed my mind. But it's not such an easy step to take. The job market is tight and you can't think of leaving a job you've been in for six years, unless you find something much better.
One thing that takes a bit of getting used to is the politics in the workplace. That you find everywhere, be it a small organisation or a mammoth one. And you find the same kind of people everywhere. I got this advice very early on in my service, and it helps me a lot.
Last week there was a benefit given to half of our office that wasn't given to us. I was livid. When I met my boss a few days back, I brought it up. He too had been excluded from the benefit to which we were all entitled. But he was very calm about it, since we'd made a representation and now we would be getting it in due course.
Now it should not have happened in the first place, but it did. We don't have very good administrative and organisational systems in place - because ideally this should not have happened but it did.
All my boss said was, I've been here the longest, and they've excluded me. Implying that if anyone had a right to be angry, it was him.
And I agree.
Ke sera sera.
I can't say that the thought has not crossed my mind. But it's not such an easy step to take. The job market is tight and you can't think of leaving a job you've been in for six years, unless you find something much better.
One thing that takes a bit of getting used to is the politics in the workplace. That you find everywhere, be it a small organisation or a mammoth one. And you find the same kind of people everywhere. I got this advice very early on in my service, and it helps me a lot.
Last week there was a benefit given to half of our office that wasn't given to us. I was livid. When I met my boss a few days back, I brought it up. He too had been excluded from the benefit to which we were all entitled. But he was very calm about it, since we'd made a representation and now we would be getting it in due course.
Now it should not have happened in the first place, but it did. We don't have very good administrative and organisational systems in place - because ideally this should not have happened but it did.
All my boss said was, I've been here the longest, and they've excluded me. Implying that if anyone had a right to be angry, it was him.
And I agree.
Ke sera sera.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Kartik Calling Karthik (2010)
Directed by Vijay Lalwani, it is the third film starring Farhan Akhtar. And I don't really care what anyone else says - this film had me guessing till the very end!! I liked it totally and it was a refreshing change!! :)
I won't give away too much of the story. I thought that Deepika and Farhan acted well and came together well. She played the breezy, talented and smart modern woman to a T, and Farhan was awesome in both his sad and cool roles.
TOI gave it a 3.5 out of 5, which I agree with. It was a good way to spend Holi!!
I won't give away too much of the story. I thought that Deepika and Farhan acted well and came together well. She played the breezy, talented and smart modern woman to a T, and Farhan was awesome in both his sad and cool roles.
TOI gave it a 3.5 out of 5, which I agree with. It was a good way to spend Holi!!
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