It was nearing that time of the year and something in me woke up. It wasn't really the need to make any new year resolutions. I;ve had my share of resolutions, all of which lasted not more than a week. So much to resolutions.. but then i'm sure that most people who take resolutions do not really plan to stick to it.
I found out 6 months back that you really do not need an occasion to start something. One fine evening, i told myself im gonna quit smoking. Do not ask me why id decided, 'cos i myself do nto know till now.. Well, i had a few ciggiges at around 10.00pm and called it QUITS.
To top it, i blared it out to the world that i QUIT SMOKING. Some 30 comments later, most people egging me on, some doubting Thomases who just couldn't digest the fact that i had the will power to do it, i came out the winner. I had finally called it QUITS. 6 months down the line, many parties later, i still haven't touched a ciggy!
Somewhere during the end of 2011, i came to the conclusion that I am in a terribly bad shape... Not just the fat deposits, but also general health conditions were deteriorating. I couldn't walk, i Couldn't wear decent clothes and i was seriously getting away from the social world.
Like i quit smoking, something in me clicked - I told myself that its time to get ahead with life and live it the right way. and to make matters worse, i tipped the scale at 124 kgs. Thats a BMI of 49.. Very Obese indeed!
This was the time that i was looking at the option of Bariatric Surgery. The surgery effectively reduces your stomach size to about less than 1/3rd of the normal size. A non reversible procedure, i had decided on getting it done..Along with PMJ, went to meet the Endocrinologist hoping to get a date fixed for the surgery. But then he said lets have a look after 3 months of diet and if you still dont lose weight, we will consider the options..
I did lose heart hearing that.. I was willing to go under the knife in a week if required.. and here i am back to square one.. on diets and enforced exercises, both of which i hate..
Ok, to cut it short.. Im on a diet now.. I eat only veggies, lots of Sprouts and Green leafy vegetables, half a cup of rice, no milk, no sugar, no dairy products, no alcohol, no fried food..
The loss of 7 kgs in Month one has egged me on. I now walk 4 kms a day in around 32 minutes (gradually to increase it to 6kms in 60 mins), have started exercises for abs etc etc..
And i dont feel that I am giving up on life.. thats the most critical part of losing weight!!
Those wanting to lose weight, Im with u.. i know the pains of being obese!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Back after a couple of years
Well well,
very sad to see that i haven't penned a blog for a couple of years. One possible reason i can think of is the overbearing presence of Facebook. I have been hooked onto facebook and my timeline has literally become my Blog.. My various rants, ravings and my very random reflections have all been on facebook.
Why on Facebook? Possibly because its easier to be at the receiving end of bouquets and brickbats. People respond instantly. People 'Like' your posts. You feel that you are talking to the world and that the world is taking notice of you. Which has never happened on the blog.
So here i am, shunning the instant feedback facebook and set to continue my Random ramblings and Reflections in my own private space.
Well, on second thoughts, i might use facebook to popularise my the blog better.. :)
very sad to see that i haven't penned a blog for a couple of years. One possible reason i can think of is the overbearing presence of Facebook. I have been hooked onto facebook and my timeline has literally become my Blog.. My various rants, ravings and my very random reflections have all been on facebook.
Why on Facebook? Possibly because its easier to be at the receiving end of bouquets and brickbats. People respond instantly. People 'Like' your posts. You feel that you are talking to the world and that the world is taking notice of you. Which has never happened on the blog.
So here i am, shunning the instant feedback facebook and set to continue my Random ramblings and Reflections in my own private space.
Well, on second thoughts, i might use facebook to popularise my the blog better.. :)
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Doctors Stir: Lives lost aplenty
Gone are the days when Doctors were treated as Gods.. gone are days when the doctors practising medicine considered their profession with dignity.
This is with reference to the ongoing strike by medicos of Rajastan, who are striking work on some injustice meeted out to them. I have no problem with them striking..
What i have a problem is that the patients admitted in these government medical colleges are left to die. Nurses, who are nothing but support staff are now taking care of the patients. As per the latest reports, 50 people have died so far due to this strike.
Shame on you for having forgotten the Hippocrates oath you took.. Even if you want to strike fr you needs, isnt there any other form of showing your prostest than to not treat patients? Cant the doctors do a chain hunger strike or something? atleast the patients admitted wont be left to die..
Also, the critical part in this is that all the patients who get admitted in Government medical colleges are wellbelow the povery line, with no means to seek treatment in private hospitals.
Shame on you Striking Doctors!
This is with reference to the ongoing strike by medicos of Rajastan, who are striking work on some injustice meeted out to them. I have no problem with them striking..
What i have a problem is that the patients admitted in these government medical colleges are left to die. Nurses, who are nothing but support staff are now taking care of the patients. As per the latest reports, 50 people have died so far due to this strike.
Shame on you for having forgotten the Hippocrates oath you took.. Even if you want to strike fr you needs, isnt there any other form of showing your prostest than to not treat patients? Cant the doctors do a chain hunger strike or something? atleast the patients admitted wont be left to die..
Also, the critical part in this is that all the patients who get admitted in Government medical colleges are wellbelow the povery line, with no means to seek treatment in private hospitals.
Shame on you Striking Doctors!
Friday, September 03, 2010
Babu chettan – A Full life!
• An ordinary man from kannadi,
• Struggled as everyone in the initial phase of life
• Slogged and made a great career,
• Sweat it out in the deserts of the middle east
• Who had a bunch of friends who would die for him,
• Who had a wife and 2 kids who adored him
• A wonderful son in law, daughter in law, and a grand daughter
• Who had a huge extended family who loved him– KV & VK families
• Was someone who lived life Kingsize,
• Was someone at who’s home, everyone felt at home
• Who helped God knows how many people in distress!
• Who ensured people around him also had a good life
• Was a friend, philosopher & guide to many
• A mentor to many..
Guess there is no chance of a debate on whether his was a Full Life. “Alla Pinne”!
Babu Chetta.. it wasn’t time for you to leave us! We so wish you could have cheated death!!
Friday, November 06, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
The Divali Pledge
Standing in the balcony, watching the Bangalore skyline awash with fireworks, it struck me that we are spending too much money on celebrating Deepavali/Divali. Deepavali, the festival of lights has led to us literally burning crazy monies on fireworks which for all practical purposes does more harm than good to anyone(think of the environment!). How much of pleasure we get from seeing a firework is something we need to introspect. Though we all make a hue and cry about the need for governments to start austerity drives, we as individuals do nothing! Typical armchair middle class
The thought of literally converting money to smoke and fire rattled and bothered me. While we have enough money to party and buy fireworks, there is another set of Indians who have to work their ass off to earn 2 square meals a day.. forget 3! I kept imaging how many mouths could have been fed with the money we blew up. We and me are not really bothered about the poorer lot.. this is the fact.
Diwali can actually be celebrated in a much better way.. the real traditional way.. lighting small ‘diyas’ (lamps)which signifies the power of light over ignorance/evil etc etc. I personally felt much more satisfied with the diyas i had than the firecrackers and sparklers i bought.
I know that Austerity starts from within. Even if we cannot forgo the celebrations, we can still provide at least one family with a wholesome meal on a festive occasion. I remember how my parents and grandparents used to feed as many people as possible during festive seasons. I also remember the custom in my ancestral home (and many other homes) wherein you call out and ask “is there anyone who is hungry and not been fed today” before closing the main gates of the home..While we have all progressed in life materially, we seem to have conveniently forgotten our traditions and the intent behind many of the festivals we celebrate...
Well, to cut it short, i have decided that from this day, every time there is an occasion in my family, every time there is a festival lunch, i will make it a point to feed at least one mouth.. ideally a family.. Im sure gonna keep this word not by donating to charities, but by physically giving to the needy.
The thought of literally converting money to smoke and fire rattled and bothered me. While we have enough money to party and buy fireworks, there is another set of Indians who have to work their ass off to earn 2 square meals a day.. forget 3! I kept imaging how many mouths could have been fed with the money we blew up. We and me are not really bothered about the poorer lot.. this is the fact.
Diwali can actually be celebrated in a much better way.. the real traditional way.. lighting small ‘diyas’ (lamps)which signifies the power of light over ignorance/evil etc etc. I personally felt much more satisfied with the diyas i had than the firecrackers and sparklers i bought.
I know that Austerity starts from within. Even if we cannot forgo the celebrations, we can still provide at least one family with a wholesome meal on a festive occasion. I remember how my parents and grandparents used to feed as many people as possible during festive seasons. I also remember the custom in my ancestral home (and many other homes) wherein you call out and ask “is there anyone who is hungry and not been fed today” before closing the main gates of the home..While we have all progressed in life materially, we seem to have conveniently forgotten our traditions and the intent behind many of the festivals we celebrate...
Well, to cut it short, i have decided that from this day, every time there is an occasion in my family, every time there is a festival lunch, i will make it a point to feed at least one mouth.. ideally a family.. Im sure gonna keep this word not by donating to charities, but by physically giving to the needy.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Cyclothon
Against all odds and proving all detractors wrong, i participated and completed the 25km course at the Cyclothon 2009 Bangalore this Sunday
The Sunday started very early at 4.30 am. Got ready, shoved the cycle into the car with lots of difficulty and drive down to the venue-BIEC on Tumkur Road, which itself was a good one hour drive from home. While I was expecting to see 100 odd people at the venue, i was in for a pleasant surprise. There some 500-600 already gathered at the venue.
Towards the flag off time, there were close to 5000 cyclists in the holdup area. It was an incredible feeling that needs to be experienced. I never imagined that so many Bangaloreans would get up so early in the morning and come and ride! BSA Hercules had also organised cycles on hire for the race.
The crowd was a milieu of amateur cyclists, pure enthusiasts, corporates, army folks and kids out to enjoy. The rides were classified into Elite (60kms), Amateur (36 kms), Green Ride (25kms), Fun Ride (10kms).
The elite race, a gruelling 60 km ride was flagged off first early morning. This was a race with good prize monies on offer.
I took part in the Green ride.. though it was my first 25km ride, it wasn’t very tiring. The only problem I faced was that my ass was on fire due to a very narrow seat, which offered no comfort on longer rides. I sure miss the broader seats of our good old Hercules! So the last 5 kms, i was literally either standing and riding or stopping for a few seconds every now and then to give my bums a bit of rest!
Special Mentions:
1. ABB for coming out with a 190 strong contingent
2. The Madras Engineering Group (MEG) for their battalion strength!
3. Mr. Mahalingeshwar for completing the 25km ride without breaking a sweat – at age 81
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Sorry State of Affairs
I chanced upon a CBSE Social Studies textbook for Class VIII yesterday while my wife was preparing teaching notes for the kids at school. Observations from that exercise:
If the syllabus in a text book is a reflection of our academic system, CBSE has been successful in shocking me. I am dismayed at the extremely superficial nature of what is being taught in schools. While there are arguments that the all studies up to Class 10 need only be superficial, I fail to understand the logic behind it.. Most of the time, the school years are spent studying, not learning. In retrospect, I feel that even if kids are just studying (and not learning!), it remains with you the rest of your life. Proof of the pudding was that, I was able to explain to my wife the background of the Mughal empire, the key distinguishing features of most of the rulers and their contributions in detail. All this, from my memory. A little bit of googling around confirmed that I was bang on!
Textbooks are supposed to provide you with information that is not just relevant, but gives you a wholesome and comprehensive picture of the subject being learnt. So when you are learning history, it is absolutely necessary to know the socio political and economic set up of the region. Without this basic understanding, how can you ever try to draw a picture in your mind about the bye- gone era? I fail to understand.
Consider statements like these:
1. Akbar was the greatest Mughal ruler. His reign can be divided into three phases – initial years, the coterie period and the glorious years.. and there is not much being mentioned on why each period is unique from one another. Also there is absolutely no mention of him being the first ever Mughal ruler to have abolished Jaziya and bring in the concept of religious and communal harmony.. Pathetic!
2. There is a chapter which introduces the concept of God. What’s surprising is that it starts straight away with the Hindu concepts of Trinity.. Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar. Absolutely no mention of why and how the concept of God or religion ever came into existence. I also fail to understand why the chapter looks at religion from a Hindu perpective. Im sure there are many kids who do not follow hindusim as a religion in schools!
Teaching Methodology:
Why is it that our system has degraded to an extent that teachers are forced to read the text and explain the meaning verbatim? Absolutely unscientific way of imparting knowledge. Eighth graders are perfectly in a position to read and understand what’s printed in a text book- especially social sciences. So what value does the teacher add when he/she is reading and explaining verbatim? None! The teacher is supposed to be a master of the subject and introduce to kids much more than what is in there in the text book.. I strongly believe that text books should not be end point of learning. With internet over powering our lives, it makes life so much more easy for the teachers to do a bit of research and provide additional and interesting info to kids..
I really don’t know where we are going. I really don’t know what ails our education system. But I know that it’s not on the right track. Guess this is what happens when the people at the top of the pyramid have no clue on what is required.
If the syllabus in a text book is a reflection of our academic system, CBSE has been successful in shocking me. I am dismayed at the extremely superficial nature of what is being taught in schools. While there are arguments that the all studies up to Class 10 need only be superficial, I fail to understand the logic behind it.. Most of the time, the school years are spent studying, not learning. In retrospect, I feel that even if kids are just studying (and not learning!), it remains with you the rest of your life. Proof of the pudding was that, I was able to explain to my wife the background of the Mughal empire, the key distinguishing features of most of the rulers and their contributions in detail. All this, from my memory. A little bit of googling around confirmed that I was bang on!
Textbooks are supposed to provide you with information that is not just relevant, but gives you a wholesome and comprehensive picture of the subject being learnt. So when you are learning history, it is absolutely necessary to know the socio political and economic set up of the region. Without this basic understanding, how can you ever try to draw a picture in your mind about the bye- gone era? I fail to understand.
Consider statements like these:
1. Akbar was the greatest Mughal ruler. His reign can be divided into three phases – initial years, the coterie period and the glorious years.. and there is not much being mentioned on why each period is unique from one another. Also there is absolutely no mention of him being the first ever Mughal ruler to have abolished Jaziya and bring in the concept of religious and communal harmony.. Pathetic!
2. There is a chapter which introduces the concept of God. What’s surprising is that it starts straight away with the Hindu concepts of Trinity.. Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar. Absolutely no mention of why and how the concept of God or religion ever came into existence. I also fail to understand why the chapter looks at religion from a Hindu perpective. Im sure there are many kids who do not follow hindusim as a religion in schools!
Teaching Methodology:
Why is it that our system has degraded to an extent that teachers are forced to read the text and explain the meaning verbatim? Absolutely unscientific way of imparting knowledge. Eighth graders are perfectly in a position to read and understand what’s printed in a text book- especially social sciences. So what value does the teacher add when he/she is reading and explaining verbatim? None! The teacher is supposed to be a master of the subject and introduce to kids much more than what is in there in the text book.. I strongly believe that text books should not be end point of learning. With internet over powering our lives, it makes life so much more easy for the teachers to do a bit of research and provide additional and interesting info to kids..
I really don’t know where we are going. I really don’t know what ails our education system. But I know that it’s not on the right track. Guess this is what happens when the people at the top of the pyramid have no clue on what is required.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Mind over matter
In the 36 years of existence in this planet, how many times have i gone to the gym? Once and for 5 days to be precise. Not very strange considering the fact that I tip the scale a good 105 Kgs.. fat deposits carefully nurtured and built over a decade of helping Dr. VJM build his empire. And what i have achieved? Just mass!
My family and wife in particular have been pestering me for ages to get going and start on a lean meal diet to at least maintain the existing weight, if not reduce. Well, being the thick skinned rhino that I am, no amount coaxing, cajoling or ridiculing from friends and relatives could do the trick. I knew that the call has to come from inside – inside me..
And it finally came last week.
For some time, I have been trying to change my wardrobe, which has been relatively the same for some 4 years now.. (I’m one of those minimalist types who do not feel the necessity to buy new stuff every month). Pushed by my wife, I decided to start hunting for some shirts and Tees especially since its peak shopping season in Bangalore and sale offers are flying left right and centre. After having checked a few shopping malls, I finally understood the gravity of the problem. I have money in hand, but no brand fits me! So in effect I can never take advantage of the Buy 3, get 4 free offers.. How can I even wonder picking up 7 shirts from one outlet when I have difficulty in getting one that fits me??
Back to my work outs..
1. While in Dubai, I joined a health club and spent 5 days.
2. If I were to put a classified ad for sale of a treadmill it would be: “Sparingly used, 3 year old spanking new Life Fitness treadmill for sale, expected 10k, negotiable, contact xxxxxxxx”
3. Proud owner of a decently expensive Firefox bicycle.. I at least use that regularly because of my love for cycling...
Anyway, the wardrobe dilemma prodded me into action. I also got really inspired by a great guy – Abhijit Pradhan (don’t ask me how... but he has the knack of inspiring people even through the net), I finally decide to hit the gym. Ashish’s recommendation of Snap Fitness will hopefully prove to be the proverbial final nail in my fat deposits!
For the last one week I have been regular at the gym. I don’t know why I feel transformed- A new me.. getting up every day and happily thinking “Wow, i need to go to the gym”. Sitting at work post lunch and thinking “another few hours before i can hit the gym”.. thats a Me i have never known or imagined would ever happen
The week in gym has been good.. my trainer keeps pushing me to the limits.. every time I get pushed, i find more mental and physical reserves to complete the task in hand... Special thanks to all my friends who have prodded and keeps encouraging me on this journey..Nambu, Kunal, reem, Ashish, Vimal, Saugat, Jeo, Deshpande, Nishi, Grover.... and of course Mr. Pradhan!!
My family and wife in particular have been pestering me for ages to get going and start on a lean meal diet to at least maintain the existing weight, if not reduce. Well, being the thick skinned rhino that I am, no amount coaxing, cajoling or ridiculing from friends and relatives could do the trick. I knew that the call has to come from inside – inside me..
And it finally came last week.
For some time, I have been trying to change my wardrobe, which has been relatively the same for some 4 years now.. (I’m one of those minimalist types who do not feel the necessity to buy new stuff every month). Pushed by my wife, I decided to start hunting for some shirts and Tees especially since its peak shopping season in Bangalore and sale offers are flying left right and centre. After having checked a few shopping malls, I finally understood the gravity of the problem. I have money in hand, but no brand fits me! So in effect I can never take advantage of the Buy 3, get 4 free offers.. How can I even wonder picking up 7 shirts from one outlet when I have difficulty in getting one that fits me??
Back to my work outs..
1. While in Dubai, I joined a health club and spent 5 days.
2. If I were to put a classified ad for sale of a treadmill it would be: “Sparingly used, 3 year old spanking new Life Fitness treadmill for sale, expected 10k, negotiable, contact xxxxxxxx”
3. Proud owner of a decently expensive Firefox bicycle.. I at least use that regularly because of my love for cycling...
Anyway, the wardrobe dilemma prodded me into action. I also got really inspired by a great guy – Abhijit Pradhan (don’t ask me how... but he has the knack of inspiring people even through the net), I finally decide to hit the gym. Ashish’s recommendation of Snap Fitness will hopefully prove to be the proverbial final nail in my fat deposits!
For the last one week I have been regular at the gym. I don’t know why I feel transformed- A new me.. getting up every day and happily thinking “Wow, i need to go to the gym”. Sitting at work post lunch and thinking “another few hours before i can hit the gym”.. thats a Me i have never known or imagined would ever happen
The week in gym has been good.. my trainer keeps pushing me to the limits.. every time I get pushed, i find more mental and physical reserves to complete the task in hand... Special thanks to all my friends who have prodded and keeps encouraging me on this journey..Nambu, Kunal, reem, Ashish, Vimal, Saugat, Jeo, Deshpande, Nishi, Grover.... and of course Mr. Pradhan!!
Monday, June 01, 2009
Husbands!!
1. Hey, u do want I want you to do! (The Dictator!)
2. Hey, you do your work, let me do mine (The Single married man!)
3. Love, shall we do this? (The Participative Hubby)
4. Love, you tell me how to do this? (Wifey decides!)
5. Hey, Im the bread winner, my dictate rules! (My rules rule!)
6. Honey, can i use the loo pls? (The doggy life)
7. Babe.. let me ask my mom if its ok we have a roll tonight! (Mama’s boy)
8. Leave things to me, you sit and enjoy! (The Manager Boss)
9. Arrgh, don’t dog walk me! Gimme my freedom (The pestered hubby!)
Which one are you???
2. Hey, you do your work, let me do mine (The Single married man!)
3. Love, shall we do this? (The Participative Hubby)
4. Love, you tell me how to do this? (Wifey decides!)
5. Hey, Im the bread winner, my dictate rules! (My rules rule!)
6. Honey, can i use the loo pls? (The doggy life)
7. Babe.. let me ask my mom if its ok we have a roll tonight! (Mama’s boy)
8. Leave things to me, you sit and enjoy! (The Manager Boss)
9. Arrgh, don’t dog walk me! Gimme my freedom (The pestered hubby!)
Which one are you???
Friday, May 29, 2009
Its tough life in a trough
A rocked ship
A beached whale
An elephant in a pit
A plane that has no place to land
Helpless!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Gross show of wealth!!
Obnoxious, detestable, repugnant and gross!!
This came from a chain mail..
I have used my sensibilities to crop the picture and keep the identity of the person unknown.
This is absolutely gross show of wealth. Weddings have become platforms for people to show off their wealth! I wish the next gen will not follow this!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Plight of the Left
Fighting for LEFT overs
LEFT with Karats (read carrots)
Feeling LEFT out
What’s LEFT??
Nothing LEFT!
LEFT Bengal is finally West Bengal!
LEFT with Karats (read carrots)
Feeling LEFT out
What’s LEFT??
Nothing LEFT!
LEFT Bengal is finally West Bengal!
Friday, March 06, 2009
Misplaced Priorities & the Gandhi memorabilia
I fail to understand the hooplah over our concern for Gandhiji’s memorabilia when we as a country and citizens of the country have restricted ourselves to remembering the Mahatma twice a year- on his bday and on Martyrs day...actually just once a year because October 2nd is a holiday and Martyrs Day is not!
His values, ethos and teachings have become redundant to this generation for whom materialism and ‘I, Me, Mine’ concepts have become paramount... and this includes me too...
I feel it is pointless that we create such a hype when an auction takes place in another part of the world and that too for memorabilia Gandhi had given..
As a government is power or as citizens of the country, are we really concerned about anything that happens here? As long it does not directly affect me, my family and my social circles, non of us are bothered about anything.. Be it poverty, good governance or Gandhi memorabilia... But the moment petrol prices go up by a rupee, I’m concerned!!
Strange fellows, we are!!
His values, ethos and teachings have become redundant to this generation for whom materialism and ‘I, Me, Mine’ concepts have become paramount... and this includes me too...
I feel it is pointless that we create such a hype when an auction takes place in another part of the world and that too for memorabilia Gandhi had given..
As a government is power or as citizens of the country, are we really concerned about anything that happens here? As long it does not directly affect me, my family and my social circles, non of us are bothered about anything.. Be it poverty, good governance or Gandhi memorabilia... But the moment petrol prices go up by a rupee, I’m concerned!!
Strange fellows, we are!!
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