Monday, October 20, 2014

American son-in-law

I was in San Francisco, California, USA on 11th March 2014 to meet Sonu, my cousin who works for a software company there. I had been in USA for 2 months and I was struggling to settle down. Burnt chapati/roti, overcooked rice, half boiled broccolli curry had been my night mare. On my visit to San Francisco, I was expecting a grand Indian/Odisha food. I was not wrong. I had good food at Sonu's house and then a great dinner at an Indian restaurant. We actually attended birthday party of Lili Singh, fiend of Sonu. They both grew together as neighbor at palashpalli in Bhubaneswar, capital of Odisha state, India. Lili was bubly, aged around 27 years with dimple on cheek, long face, brown hair and sweet voice.  After returning from party, I started praising Lili. Sonu told in a sad voice "Her life has been like Lily, face is beautiful, but leg in mud"  I felt uncorfortable, thought may be I touched hornet's nest.    

I maintained silence, but Sonu continued, "It is not her fault, it is her fate." Lili's great grand father was a Zamindar (land holders of certain area) who collected revenue from fellow citizens for British rulers and availed great facility form foreign rulers. His son (grand father of Lili) did not show any interest to study and was busy in killing deer, rabbit in forest and arrange party for friends. After independence of India, zamindars lost their power. Grand mother of Lili took great care to teach her childrens and make them financially independent. Father of Lili was an engineer and worked as a state government employee. Engineer earned fame and money by his hardwork. As an teenager Lili was good at studies, but wanted to be good house wife serving his future husband. She had a lot of dream about her would-be and family. When she was 20 years old lot of good proposals came for marriage. Parents of Lili selected an American educated Odisha born computer engineer for marriage. The boy named Saman worked in Seattle and had purchased an house there. Friends to lily praised Lili's fate as she will leave developing world for a developed world. Marriage was grant occasion when 2000 guests of Saman's and Lili's family were treated to the best of their culinary satisfaction.          

To be continued....

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Interesting youtube videos

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZG98dzIogI [Napoleon Hill on self-help/success]
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6sE0tMcVwg [Dr. Amy J C Cuddy on Power posing How body changes mind]
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzH2wzg03c8 [Rich dad Poor dad audio book]
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx1kDXHLOvs [On imposter syndrome]
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuTad2IvPRE
    http://vimeo.com/22753301
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bJi7k-y1Lo    [Mark Jucherberg on facebook]

6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd_ptbiPoXM    [Steve Job on life @ stanford]
7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U4M7IRNBks [on self-help and success]
8. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-HYZv6HzAs [A coach on increasing self-confidence]







Friday, September 26, 2014

Be careful of cheaters on craighslist

Craighslist is a very helpful online advertising website in USA.

One of my friend in Davis, California, USA wanted to share her room and placed an advertisement on Craighslist. After 3 days my friend received a request from one Ms. Christina Abigail to stay with her. Ms. Christina informed that she joined University of California, Davis and will come after 15 days. She informed that she was staying in Guam and is an only child of German father and American mother who does not take drug. Ms. Christina sent a check of worth 3500 dollar and requested to transfer 2000 dollar to an agent who would deliver her father's car in Davis. Without waiting for realization of check Ms. Christina repeatedly asked by mail and SMS to transfer 2000 dollar to agent. She even asked my friend to transfer her money to agent and take back money once the check is realized. In this regard when my friend wanted to talk to Ms. Christina, she never received call stating that phone signal is very weak in her place so she can not talk effectively. Without transferring her own money to agent, when my friend inquired in the bank about check, she was told that the account from which check was issued had been closed therefore the check can not be paid.  Then, my friend realized how she was going to be cheated. 

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Dog lovers


A story to be published

Citizenship of America / The Seattle entrepreneur










Punyatirtha (Punya) completed Ph.D. from a US university in the state of Washington and started a startup company at Seattle, Washington, USA. He was a genius and got citizenship very quickly in comparison to fellow Indians. He found similarity between Washington state (USA) and Odisha state (India). He loved long green rice field spread through horizon from where sun rose at the morning and dip at evening. His village was in the middle of surrounded rice field where a narrow and curved road like snake connected to nearby small market place. He also liked boating and fishing in small green rivers, bathing in bay of Bengal and climbing small blue hills near his village.  Silly he also liked long corn fields of Washington, river, lake and hills around Seattle. Washington farmers grew tulips, but god loving inhabitants of Odisha state grew marigold, rose, hibiscus and jasmine flower for god. Out of all the love and respect for his village he was always fearful about the deadly floods that occurs in every rainy season. There was no dearth of money for making dam to prevent flood, but there was lack of political will power. How? To make a dam, government have to displace 2000 people near hill and pay compensation so that million peoples near coastal area can live safely. But government can not do that. If any government wants to do that then opposition party would not allow to do that. Politics. Right?  


Any how, entrepreneur Punya got good support in Washington state to start his dream company. His office was in garage of his home,  near water front, only 500 meters away from space needle (http://www.spaceneedle.com). whenever he is tired out of work pressure in the day time, he looks tireless birds over blue sea, he forgets his tiredness. When he is exhaused in the evening he looks at pink sun taking dip in sea and cloud then he gets back his energy. In the night when he overworks to complete projects in time, he looks outside to get a view of sparkling stars on sky. Venture capitalist poured money, project became successful, now Punya was relaxed and thought to bring his father to stay with him.

Punya had lost his mother who was drawn in flood when he was 2 years old, his father did not marry and took his care with the help of his aunty. In the day Punya spent time with his father's sister and his father would bring him home in the evening after he returned from farm land. Father Shri Chandramohan was also mother for Punya. Hard work of father inspired little boy. He studied good and as result of his hard work he is now in Seattle and as a entrepreneur. Father needs rest though Punya. For getting drinking water father has to travel half kilometer, for cooking he had to tear trees. Once father is with him, the tired oldman can eat nicely and sleep all the time in bed- thought Punya. Father was not interested to come to USA, but as hid did not see his son for 6 years he agreed to come for a short visit. Punya processed his fathers visa, father appeared visa interview at Kolkata and arrived at Seattle. Punya was very happy, in the mind he though to apply for green card for his father. Comfort and happiness of father is only expectation of a good son.

Father was happy with son, but he did not like to be bound in house for all the time for days. Mean while Punya processed green card for his father without telling him clearly though Punya got signature of his father.

Initially Punya showed his father the city of seattle, mount rainier national park, apple and grape gardens of Washington. Father was happy, but what he would do when Punya works at week days? He did not like to sit idle in home. Father likes people: he gets happiness when he helps others, share their life stories. He missed banyan tree, pond, river of village. After 1 month of arrival in the emerald city, father was ready to go back to village.   

Punya purchased CD of odia movies, TV serials such as Ramayan and Mahabharata. It could help father to stay 2 more months. Again father asked for returning to village. Punya tried his best to convince father for staying with him, but failed. Father could not force Punya to purchase him a ticket, but felt sad. Father became silent and smile vanished from his face. Punya tried to bring his uncle from native so that his uncle can give company to his father when the son is at office. Unfortunately, uncle did not get visa. After 2 months Punya noticed few abnormal behavior of father and took him to psychiatrist. Doctor did not find any abnormality, but referred to psychologist. The psychologist was familiar with Indian culture and realized that father must go back as soon as possible.   

To be continued....




Sunday, May 4, 2014

Dr. Manmohan Singh gets first division

I would rate Dr. Manmohan Singh as a successful prime minister and would give 70 marks out of 100.

I did not hear any corruption charges against him. As per the current trend, if somebody is in powerful position in government then his children/family members open company and Trusts. Money flow like water to those organizations from some corporate houses those expecting a favor. Though there is allegation regarding the role of prime minister's office in coal gate scam, there is no direct charge against Dr. Singh for personal benefit. 

We should have more activist against corruption (from press, politics, people, and as lawer and writer) to fight against issues like coal gate scam.  

There is also allegation that Mr. prime minister keeps mum on many important issues. I think in a coalition government prime minister can not be strong. He needs to satisfy all the party to keep his government going. Even ex-prime minister Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had tough time running a coalition government. 

I think, running a government for 10 year is an achievement. Many multinational company and Indian company expect a stable government for progress. If there was corruption during this time then we can deal with it effectively by becoming alert and prompt.  

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Land, mafia and deals

Please, read contents of this link from a fellow blogger.


http://www.subramoney.com/2014/05/how-land-deals-can-be-so-risky/

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Indra wine

Mr. Pravir Chandi was a successful engineer who worked for state government. Mr. Pravir decided to increase his income through business and asked many friends for suggestion. He then realized to open a wine shop. His father who was a teacher opposed the idea, but engineer babu could take control of the situation. When father told that Lord Krishna told that satwik (the person who does not eat meat and drink alcoholic beverages) will be nearer to him, son justified his idea by telling even Devata of heaven drink somarasa. He kept the name of  shop as "Indra wine" thinking that Indra Devata will bless him always for prosperity. May be he thought that he can enjoy happiness like Indra Devata.   

Initially, Pravir started shop in a rented house near bus stop of the town. Business grew smoothly. He purchased a shop and started a restaurant near wine shop. Intelligent costumer knew that drinking only alcohol cause ulcer in stomach, so they ate chicken, mutton and boiled egg or omelet with wine. Friday and saturday night brought more business so also festivals and election. Mean while his son Tarang also completed engineering.  By this time Mr. Pravir had got 10 wine shops in different cities. He was thinking to open a wine factory that can produce branded "Indra wine". He had to get land, construct factory and arrange grapes from farmers. He wanted a helping hand and found Tarang very smart for the job. Therefore, he gave the charge of wine business to his son and remained busy with constructing a wine factory.

Initially, there was objection from conservative locals against the construction of wine factory in the town. Mr. Pravir spent enough money to silence the critics and got approval from government. He occasionally observed his son drinking wine, but he overlooked. Any how, Tarang was young and if anyone manages a wine business he can't stop himself from drinking wine. After few days when wine factory work was in progress he got complaint from people that his son Tanang has been picking up fighting with others and drinking excessive alcohol. Healthy Tarang had now become very thin and drunkard. Mr. Pravir admitted his son in de-addition center to get relief, but the condition became worst. Tarang learnt other ways of addition from inmates. 

After consulting friends Mr. Pravir took his son to 'The Art of Living Foundation, Bangalore.' where they stayed for 3 months. Mean while Mr. Pravir dissociated him from wine business. We now, hear that family of  Mr. Pravir is staying in a university-city and his son is pursuing master degree.    

Monday, April 21, 2014

That white rat


Before any human eat any medicine, the medicine had to be tested on animals like rat. All experimental rats take birth to die for experiment, but may be one rat in Sanjeet's experimental group had different fate. No rat had got any name, but he was known by the name Musu. Mr. Sanjeet  was serious to take Musu to his home and keep as pet. It was not easy task as it looks. College authority would not allow anybody to take rats to home. An ethical committee for animals review experimental protocol and then allow researcher to indent animal. The committee ensures that you use as less animal as possible and not subject the animals to unnecessary pain and torture. 

By the way, Sanjeet was a graduate student of Pharmacology (study of medicine: what it does to the body and what body does to medicine after medicine enters body) at Bangalore College of Pharmacy in the year 2004. He was not anybody who would be melted by emotion, but sometimes somebody may change your emotional status. In this case, Musu had made a stone-hearted researcher a kind-hearted human being. Why Sanjeet was liking Musu so much? The love was possible because Musu was a brave rat! What? Yes, off course Musu was very brave rat. When any researcher wants to hold any rat, the animal just run to escape, but Musu never ran away. Musu was never scared for any injection, and he never complained for any bitter medicine that was given to him. After giving experimental medicine to Musu for 56 days, Sanjeet had to anesthetize the rat and remove it's heart for detecting the level of cardioprotective enzyme. When Sanjeet gave anesthesia injection in to the belly of Musu, the animal did not cry. Sanjeet did not feel like opening the chest of Musu and remove it's heart. What he can do? How to take the animal out in front of 3 security personnel? If he puts the rat in bag and zip it then the rat may die by the time he goes out from animal house till the outside of college gate. He was confused while sitting on the chair. He was tired, he put his head on table and slept for 30 minute unknowingly. When he woke up he found the rat on his hand. Musu had recovered from anesthesia and was playing on his hand. He decided to save the animal from deadly scissor and needed some time to figure out escape the plan for Musu. Mean while he shared his lunch with Musu: chicken, mutton, patato fry etc. After 1 month, weight of Musu became 400 gram from 200 gram. Sanjeet kept away Musu from other friends and kept it on the highest rack of animal house so that no body can see the rat. After 1 month also Sanjeet could think how to take Musu to his home. Rat can live upto 2.5 years. Sanjeet was sure to maintain his friendship with Musu till it die.  

He had completed the six month long experiment in ahead of time and was relaxed. He informed to his friends about this and planned to go for holiday. In a given day, he went to visit Mysore-Coorg-Ooty-Kodaikanal with his family and returned after 4 days. When Bangalore was hot in summer; Coorg-Ooty-Kodaikanal were cold. When he came to college his class-mate Ravindra told that he wanted to contact Sanjeet over phone and was not able to contact. Ravindra told Sanjeet that he killed Sanjeet's rat to isolate arginase enzyme from it's liver. Ravindra got good quality and better quantity of the enzyme form Musu in comparison of other normal rats. Sanjeet was very angry and threatened to complain against Ravindra in front of head of the department and principal. Raveenrdra was scared and promised to return two rats to Sanjeet from his group once he gets animal after 15 days from vendor. Sanjeet did not want any other rat, but Musu. That day Sanjeet did not quarrel for more time and did not complain against Ranvindra, but he was shaken. He was sad for few days. He could not share his feeling with others. Any how who will understand his feeling for an experimental rat. 

Sanjeet had thought to pursue Ph.D., but after that incident he just could not face any rat. If he saw any rat he thought about Musu. Now, Sanjeet works for a Pharmaceutical company and is involved in clinical trials: he see the effect of new medicine on humans.     



Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Baula: the cow

"Chakaraa, come and look in cow shed, cow has given birth to a calf" mother of Chakaraa called him. Chakaraa was enjoying sleep in a cold winter day. After hearing mother's voice, Chakaraa jumped from the bed with excitation and run to cowshed to see calf. In the previous night, the new creature came to this earth. Calf was trying to stand, but was falling down regularly. Cow was cleaning the calf by licking the it. In day one calf was able to stand. Mother asked Chakaraa the name of calf, and he requested mother to keep the name of calf as 'Baula'. The story of Baula was his favorite where a tiger does not eat the cow named 'Baula' due to her truthfulness. Mother agreed, and the name of calf was kept as Baula. Chakaraa played with Baula everyday. Mother also needed help of Chakaraa to feed rice grain and to Baula when she was young. Baula and Chakaraa became good friend. 

After one year, Baula's mother was gifted to family of Chakaraa's brother-in-law during marriage of Chakaraa's sister. Baula did not miss her mother in presence of Chakaraa. Five year Chakaraa grew up with Baula. Baula was a short stature and white color cow. He took Baula to grass field when Bharabau did not was ill and did not take cows for grazing. Chakaraa also gave Baula leaves of drumstick,  mango, coconut etc. for eating. Baula after 7 year became a mother and her milk was very sweet. Chakaraa also dressed Baula with flower garland and prayed her on Gamha purnima (Rakhi purnima) like other peoples as in his village, Chandrapur. When Baula fought with other cow of grazing herd and came home with with broken horn, Chakaraa felt bad, nursed Baula and scolded Bharabau for being negligent during her duty towards cows when they are grazing as herd. 

Baula brought Goddess Laxmi (money) to home of Chakaraa. They built a new house, purchased land and started lending money to others for interest. Cows from Baula gave milk and oxen were used for farming and bulling bullock cart. Chakaraa used cow dunk for getting electricity and dried cow dunk were used as fuel for cooking. Chakarra decided to marry a girl whose family has cow(s) so that she would have feeling for cows. After marriage also he told his wife to be careful about Baula and her children. 

With age, friendship of Baula and Chakaraa grow stronger. When Baula was ill and did not eat properly, Chakaraa did not feel like eating. But, Chakaraa took care of Baula with the same passion even if he was ill. Once draught affected Chakaraa's state. There was no water and no grass for cows and oxen. Chakara forcefull sold all his cow and oxen except Baula. With very difficulty he managed to maintain Baula. Villagers prayed to god of rain, Indra and performed Yagya. There was enough rain after that.

When Baula became old and did not get milk, neighbors Chakaraa suggested him to sell Baula to butcher. After listening this blood pressure of Chakaraa increased and he scolded the neughbours. How he can be so selfish? "Baula fetched money and when she is old she need more care, not butcher" Chakaraa argued. After her 20th birth day, Baula felt ill and did not eat food properly for days. Chakarra went to nearby city  to call veterinarian. Veterinarian asked name of his village and father. Chakaraa did not understand why veterinarian was asking such details, but he answered to his perfection. Veterinarian told Chakaraa that he would not come to treat the cow as Chakaraa's father had insulted him before few years. Chakaraa told sorry and tried to convince the animal doctor to do his duty. Chakaraa even tried to remind the story from  Ramayan where doctor of Ravan came to treat Lord Rama when solders of both sides were fighting. Every everything went in vain and Chakaraa returned home. Chakaraa could not eat properly as long as Baula was ill. Both Chakaraa and Baula became weak and after few days Baula passed away leaving Chakaraa alone in this selfish earth. 

After the cows die, villagers throw them to be eaten by vultures. Chakaraa could not do that. He buried the cow in his backyard. No body cries when a cow dies, but Chakarra day wept on that cruel day. Chakaraa did not loose a cow, he lost a friend and a mother like figure who feeded him milk and made him stong.   

   

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Kashmir needs investment

Kashmir needs investment to attract more tourist, hence increasing per capita income. Is Kashmir not able to attract investment because of because of article 370? Than investment provision should be changed in article 370 to allow investment in Kashmir. One year back Mr. Rahul Gandhi had visited Kashmir valley with a bunch of Indian industrialist. I don't know what is the out come. States and Countries are interested to attract foreign direct investment. Any body can be a citizen of USA, if he/she invests 10 million dollar and employ 10 persons in USA. For investing in hotel or real estate businessmen may be interested to buy land. Many outsiders are investing in city of Bangalore, Mumbai (and other Indian states) and purchasing lands that is not hurting locals. Article 370 was signed before 50 years and so much changed after 50 years. India also developed rapidly after allowing foreign investment in 1990s. Many Indians were skeptical to this step like Kashmir residents in present scenario.   

Thursday, March 27, 2014

National Geographic expeditions: Around the world by private jet
January 22-February 14, 2015
October 2-25, 2015
October 27-November 19, 2015
December 27, 2015-January 19, 2016

On day 16 and 17, travelers would visit Tajmahal, Agra, India.

Please, read the line highlighted in yellow. I am very poor in English, therefore, I understood that National Geographic team may take few interested travelers to Kachhpura village in Agra most probably lower caste people live.  Unfortunately the magazine termed them as untouchable. The terms 'harijan' and 'untouchable' were most probably coined before 100 years and in modern India it does not bear any significance. It is an offence to call anybody 'untouchable' in India and may attract legal consequences.  If unfortunately, without my knowledge such things still exist, then Chief minister of the Uttar Pradesh state, Mr. Akhilesh Jadav and Prime minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh should make extra effort to remove such social stigma. By the way if you visit Agra, visit Kachhapura. It is a very nice village.  




Tuesday, February 25, 2014







Is that a cauliflower? 





After 13 years, I am back to bike (read bicycle): sign of progress!

Not only they slept on my bed, but also forced me to lie on sofa.
Not only they slept on my bed, but also snored.
Therefore, I burned midnight oil.
Welcome to my world: welcome to Coco and Choki, my roommates.