Saturday, September 30, 2006

Death Trap opp. Churchgate Railway Station




Everyday hundreds of people including women and senior citizens, risk their life by hopping and jumping and crosssing over the 2 feet Road Divider Wall at Maharshi Karve Road opp.Churchgate Railway station on the way to and from the office. Its dangerous for the motorist and bus drivers also. Few police men tries to control the hung unmanagable crowd helplessly. I feel its a criminal waste of Police force. The solution is very simple and it's available just few steps ahead, just look at the the Iron Railing fromEros to Samrat and another Iron Railing on Veer Nariman Road. The concerned authorities must install the same kind of Iron Railing on M.Karve Road immediately to avoid any mishap and loss of human life. I have seen, while travelling by bus, persons misses death by few inches and fraction of seconds.

Simple Solution is just few steps away. Increase the height of the boundary wall.


Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Ossar Nomination- Rang De Basanti

Do we really have to complete the the formalities of nomination to Oscar Award ? Are our movies really worth ?

MAHARASHTRA-KARNATAKA BORDER DISPUTE

Old Players Out and New Player In.

Dear Aba,

We have high hopes and expections from you.

How long our marathi bandhavs have to wait for the justice? We have learned that Justice delayed is justice denied. It is really misfornunate that we, in maharashtra are showing indifferent attitude towards own own people.

Hats off to our people in Belgaum for keeping the issue alive.

Let us hope for the dispute to be resolved in nearest future in favour of our marathi bandhavs.

आबांचा धडा आणि एकीचे आव्हान - सुरेश गुदले
सकाळ वृत्तसेवा बेळगाव, ता. २६ - कोणत्याही स्थितीत रेटायचेच--- ईप्सित साध्य करायचेच--- अशा कर्नाटकी काव्याच्या "च'च्या बाराखडीच्या तडकाफडकी अंमलबजावणीचा धडाकाच सुरू आहे. ........ ते एकजिनसी आहेत. अट्टल आहेत. त्यास चोख प्रत्युत्तर देताना महाराष्ट्राचे उपमुख्यमंत्री आर. आर. पाटील यांनी दाखविलेल्या आरशातील वस्तुस्थिती स्वीकारून "एक धक्का और दो'च्या निकराने लढावे लागले. त्यासाठी एकीचे आव्हान पेलावे लागेल. केवळ पेलावे नव्हे तर "पेलावेच' लागेल. सीमाभागाच्या वेदना आम्ही दूरवरून अनुभवल्या, इथून मुंबईला गेल्यानंतर या भागाविषयी थोडे उदासीन राहिलो, अशी प्रांजळ कबुलीही आर. आर. यांनी दिली. इतकेच सांगून ते थांबले नाहीत. महाराष्ट्र केवळ भावनिक नव्हे तर कृतीने तुमच्या पाठीशी राहील अशी ग्वाही त्यांनी दिली. आता म्हणजे सरकार काय करणार ते स्पष्ट होण्यासाठी काही काळ जावा लागेल. यासाठी राजकीय मारामाऱ्यांतून सरकारला वेळ मिळेल अशी आशा करुया! कारण सर्वोच्च न्यायालयात महाराष्ट्राची बाजू मांडण्यासाठी वकीलच उपस्थित नव्हते असा संताप तेथे उपस्थित असणाऱ्या नरसिंग गुरुनाथ पाटील यांनी महामेळाव्यात व्यक्त केला.

अलीकडेच मुंबईत आझाद मैदानावर सीमाप्रश्‍नी सर्वपक्षीय धरणे आंदोलन झाले. नेतृत्व केले होते ज्येष्ठ नेते प्रा. एन. डी. पाटील यांनी. त्या ठिकाणी मुख्यमंत्री, उपमुख्यमंत्र्यांसह सर्वांनी जाऊन पाठिंबा दिला. यासंदर्भात आर. आर. म्हणाले, ""कुमारस्वामी बेळगावात येऊन अधिवेशन घेत आहेत. आम्ही अधिवेशन सोडून धरणे आंदोलनाच्या ठिकाणी गेलो होतो.'' अशा वाक्‍यांवर टाळ्यांचा छान पाऊस पडतो. कारण सभेचेही असते एक मानसशास्त्र! आर. आर. ही सभा जिंकत होते तेव्हा कर्नाटक अधिवेशनात बेळगावला उपराजधानी दर्जा देण्याचा, बेळगावात कायम हिवाळी अधिवेशन घेण्याचा, त्यासाठी येथे विधानसौध बांधण्याचा आणि बेळगावचे "बेळगावी' करण्याचे निर्णय झाले. कर्नाटक आणि महाराष्ट्राच्या गतीत नेमक्‍या या फरकाने मराठी भाषिक सात्विक संताप व्यक्त करतात. आपल्या राजकीय इच्छाशक्तीच्या गाडीची गती विलक्षण संथ आहे. परिणामी महामेळाव्यात ठराव, चर्चा खूप झाले आता तरी कृती करा अशी कळकळीची हाक देण्यात आली. या उलट इंग्रजी शाळा बंद करणे, कन्नड सक्ती यांसारख्या कैक निर्णयांच्या तडकाफडकी अंमलबजावणीचा कर्नाटकचा धडाका सुरू आहे. त्यामुळेच ""कन्नडिग दहा वर्षांपूर्वी सार्वजनिक जीवनात कन्नड बोलतही नसे, उलट तोच मराठी बोलण्याचा प्रयत्न करत असे,'' असे रिक्षाचालक सांगतो. याचवेळी दुकानांवरील मराठीचा पत्ता हरवलेला असतो. कन्नड "पाट्या' झळकत असतात. अधिवेशनाच्या ठिकाणी इंग्रजीही हटवून कन्नडच झळकते. विजेचे बिलही कन्नडमध्येच स्वीकारावे लागते. तुम्हाला कळो न कळो--- आता तुमच्या पुढच्या पिढीला तर कळालेच पाहिजे. कर्नाटकात सध्या संयुक्त सरकार आहे. अंतर्गत राजकीय मारामाऱ्यांमुळे रोज खुलासे, प्रतिखुलासे सुरू आहेत. सरकार पडणार, पाडणार, निवडणुका लागणार--- अशी बातमी आठवड्यात जर आली नाही तर चुकल्यासारखे वाटते; मात्र सीमाप्रश्‍नाबाबत सर्व मंडळी एकदिलाने महाराष्ट्रद्वेषी गीत गातात. अशाच एकीची गरज सीमाभागातील, महाराष्ट्रातील नते, पक्ष, गट-तटांमध्ये आहे. कारण "समितीत आधी एकी करा--- पक्षाचे झेंडे नाचवायला सारा देश पडलाय,' असे आर. आर. सांगतात. तेव्हा त्यांचा रोख शिवसेना-भाजपवर असतो. भाजपमधील नेते महाराष्ट्रात एक आणि सीमाभागात, कर्नाटकात आले की दुसरेच बोलतात, असेही त्यांनी सांगितले. त्यात वस्तुस्थिती नाही असे कसे म्हणता येईल? १९९२-९३ मध्ये बेळगावचे समितीचे महापौर असणारे रमेश कुडची आज आहेत कॉंग्रेसचे आमदार. या वस्तुस्थिती दरम्यानचा जो काही प्रवास झाला तेव्हा पुलाखालून जे पाणी वाहिले त्यात नुकसान झाले ते सीमाप्रश्‍नासाठी आवश्‍यक असणाऱ्या एकीचे ! यापुढे ते होऊ द्यायचे की नाही ते ठरविण्याचे आव्हान समिती व मराठी भाषिकांसमोर आहे. आबांनी तीस मिनिटे घेतलेल्या धड्याच्या सांगतेचा हाच तर संदेश होता!

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

It's Ramzaan



Ramzaan is a month of blessing marked by prayers, fasting, and charity.

We visit Suleman Usman Mithaiwala near Minara Masjid at Mohamed Ali Road which is the best option for Iftaar, to break a fast with Malpoha, Aflatoon, varietirs of Mithai, Badam Halva, Karachi Halva,Gajar Halva, Dushi Halva, and many more, Malai Khaaja, Ras Malai, Sutarfeni, Nankatai, Kalajamun and
Firni.

Friday, September 22, 2006

World Heart Day


24th September is World Heart Day. Start walking towards a healthier heart.

The question is
To Be Or Not to Be
or
'To beat or not to beat'?!
(As per comments of fellow Blogger)

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Begum Akhtar

Ghazals sang by Gazal Queen
ishq mein Gairat-e-jazbaat ne rone na diyaa , varnaa kyaa baat thii kis baat ne rone na diiyaa
aap kahate the ke rone se na badale.nge nasiib,umr bhar aap kii is baat ne rone na diiyaa
ronevaalo se kahdo un kaa bhii ronaa ro le ,jin ko majabuuri-e-haalaat ne rone na diiyaa
tujh se milakar hamein ronaa thaa bahut ronaa thaa ,tangi-e-vaqt-e-mulaaqaat ne rone na diiyaa
ek do roz kaa sadamaa ho to ro le 'Faakir' ham ko har roz ke sadamaat ne rone na diiyaa
- Sudarshan Faakir
ab chhalakate hue saaGar nahii dekhe jaate ,taubaa ke baad ye manzar nahii dekhe jaate,
mast karake mujhe auro.n ko lagaa muu.Nh saaqii, ye karam hosh me.n rah kar nahii.n dekhe jaate
saath har ek ko is raah me.n chalanaa hogaa, ishq me.n rahazan-o-rahabar nahii.n dekhe jaate
ham ne dekhaa hai zamaane kaa badalanaa lekin,un ke badale hue tevar nahii.n dekhe jaate
-Ali Ahmed Jalili
ai muhabbat tere anjaam pe ronaa aayaa,jaane kyo.n aaj tere naam pe ronaa aayaa
yuu to har shaam ummiido mein guzar jaatii thii , aaj kuchh baat hai jo shaam pe ronaa aayaa
kabhii taqadiir kaa maatam kabhii duniyaaa kaa gilaa, manzil-e-ishq me.n har gaam pe ronaa aayaa
jab huaa zikr zamaane me.n mohabbat kaa 'Shakeel' mujh ko apane dil-e-naakaam pe ronaa aayaa
- Shakeel Badayuni
mere chehare se Gam aashkaaraa nahii,ye na samajho ke mai.n Gam kaa maaraa nahii.n
Duubane ko to Duube magar naaz hai, ahl-e-saahil ko ham ne pukaaraa nahii
yuu dikhaataa hai aakhe.n hame.n baagbaa, jaise gulashan pe kuchh haq hamaaraa nahii
zikr-e-saaqii hii kaafii nahii.n ai 'Fanaa' , bepiye maikade me.n guzaaraa nahii.n
- Fana

Nothing is better than anything

Ummon’s “ Everybody has his own light.

Ummon spoke to his assembly and said "Everybody has his own light. If he tries to see it everything is darkness.
What is everybody's Light?"

Later in place of the disciple; he said "The hall and the gate"
And again he said "blessing things cannot be better than nothing"
Where Does Zen Think It's Coming From?

Prior to the advent of brain, there was no color and no sound in the universe, nor was there any flavor or aroma and probably rather little sense and no feeling or emotion. Before brains the universe was also free of pain and anxiety.
Roger Sperry (1913-1994)

Ah, if my brush could only catch the faint Scent of the white plum-blossoms that I paint!
Shôha
Now two minutes of silence
Close you eyes.
Be absolutely still, Frozen.........
Now, relax.
Now Come back.

Anousheh Ansari




Anousheh Ansari - First Female Private Space Explorer & Space Ambassador


Dear Anuosheh,

We are all proud of you. You have created History.
As a child, Anousheh Ansari begged her mother to let her sleep on the balcony of their home near Tehran, Iran. She would gaze into the velvety darkness, drift off to sleep and visit the stars. Most childhood dreams disappear when the sun rises on adulthood and people are blinded by responsibilities, time and money. But it didn't happen that way for Mrs. Ansari, a 39-year-old Plano businesswoman, who could not speak English when she immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager. In 2000, she sold her family's telecommunications business for $750 million.
As early as today, she is the world's first female space tourist.

Mrs. Ansari has been training at Houston's Johnson Space Center and in Russia as a backup civilian astronaut to Japanese businessman Daisuke Enomoto, who paid $20 million for a 10-day round trip to the International Space Station on Sept. 14. ."
In 2000, after three U.S. patents, they turned a $50,000 initial investment into the stratospheric sale of their company. The money allowed the Ansaris to finance their dream.
The Plano family contributed more than $2 million toward the Ansari X Prize Competition, which financed the first civilian rocket plane to puncture the world's atmosphere, in 2004.
That contest awarded $10 million to the developers of the first privately developed reusable spaceship. Legendary aerospace designer Burt Rutan, who was backed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, won the prize in October 2004 after two successful suborbital launches from the floor of the Mojave Desert.
"This was our dream; it's always been our dream," Mrs. Ansari said in an October 2004 Dallas Morning News story. "If you can live your dream, why not?"

http://www.anoushehansari.com/


First Female Private Space Explorer & Space Ambassador

Anousheh Ansari, has been officially named to the Soyuz TMA-9 primary crew. The first female spaceflight participant will launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on September 18, 2006 en route to the International Space Station (ISS) along with the Expedition 14 crew members: NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria and Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin.“By reaching this dream I’ve had since childhood, I hope to tangibly demonstrate to young people all over the world that there is no limit to what they can accomplish,” said Anousheh Ansari, chairman and co-founder of Prodea Systems, Inc.
To visit her blog link is

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Authentic Southern Cuisine

It’s time for Authentic Southern Cuisine including delicacies from the traditional kitchens.

In Mumbai, if you want to get the feel of Chennai where you will go? Obviously to Matunga. It represents Tamil Nadu. I Presume there are more madrasis in Matunga than Parsis in the whole world. Your entry to Matunga is greeted with aroma of coffee in the Air. Temples with gopurams and vimanan and intricate carving of gods and of goddesses inside. Shankar Math, Astika Samaj’sGuruvaruppan, Bhajana Samaj Ram Mandir, are the main temples around. The flowers shops selling gajaras, with those big garlands, (My wife and I love those garlands and wants to get remarried, of course with each other only), local marketplace full of shops selling south Indian stuff, are a treat to your eyes. Matunga is frequently visited by my beloved wife for shopping silk sarees at Nallies. Ask my wallet. It keeps getting emptied frequently. It’s the only eyewitness. I believe Mahalakshmi Silk Saree Center is also famous for traditional silk sarees.

When you are in Rome, behave like Romans. Same rule applies at Matunga. Be Tamil. Matunga is a place where taste meets tradition. Explore Discover and Enjoy Southern Cuisine. For southern food lovers this is paradise. If you bypass all South Indian Restaurants around without even noticing it, you must be a follower of Stoicism.

The Gastronomical journey starts from the Matunga Railway Station itself. As soon as you come out, on your left hand side you will find a fatherly figure restaurant, with historical background opened in 1942, inaugurated by Sane Guruji, none other than Rama Naik’s Shri Krishna Boarding. Very Neat and clean, hygienic restaurant. One can even inspect their kitchen to verify the claim, of course that won’t be necessary. Just enter it and pamper yourselves. The meal is served course wise – Rasam serves as appetizer followed by rice and sambar accompanied by seasonal vegetables supported by Papadam & pickle, served on Plantain leaves. Then comes curd rice. If you happened to go there on Sunday just enjoy Sunday Special meals with vegetables like Dudhi Bhaji, Batata Bhaji, Tondli Bhaji, Beetroot Bhaji, Carrot Bhaji, brinjal, Shrikhand Puri, Gulab Jamun, Dudhi Halva as sweet dishes, all just for Rs. 65, full meals. If you do not order Payasam that taste heavenly, you are committing greatest culinary sins.

For breakfast there are several options available. On Sunday morning we prefer having breakfast at Ramashraya, opp. Railway Station only for Neer Dosai, Coconut Sevai. Lots of people prefer Mani at Ruia College. Recently Mani has opened a branch near Shankar Matt, which also serves equally tasty snacks. South Indian Concerns is just opp. Shankar Matt where Meals, Tiffin as well as Snacks are available. Sharda Bhuvan, Saraswati are among other OK options. One can also try a road side stall just next to Mani, near Shankar Matt who also serves good snacks.

Café Madras, Café Mysore, New Modern Home, Idli House are the restaurants near King’s Circle.

Café Madras is the Landmark, probably the best around, where ‘state-of–the-art’ dosas and idlis will drive you crazy. Pissarate Dosai, Ragi Dosai, Set Dosai, Ulandu Dosai, Pineapple Shira, Pan Poli, Badam Halva, Upma, Besibhele Hule Anna Bhat, Pongal Avail, Rasam Vada, Mysore Bonda, Vadai, Rava Dosai, Uttapam, Sada Dosai, Masala Dosai, you just name it. But nowadays I have one reservation about Café Madras. It’s slowly turning into Gujarati joint as it’s patronize by Gurjars. I have a strong hunch that the preparations are twisted so as to palate to their chief patrons.

If you are totally devoted to Idlis, please go and worship Idlis and surrender yourselves at newly opened “Idli House”.

Khottu, Mudho, Oondi, Sanna Khotto, Phanas Mudho, Mysore Rava, Kanchipurm Idli, Kakdi Idli, Pepper Idli, Idli Upma, (Those are the dazzling variety of Idlis ,can you believe that ? ) and it’s served with accompaniments like Molga Pudi, Limbda Pudi with Til Oil, Vengaya Sambhar, GSB Daalitqya, Coconut with Hing seasoning, Adrak and Rai seasoning and so on. Idli House has spoilt us. We wasted half of our life with just plain idlis with sambar and chutneys.

I must acknowledge another good restaurant outside Matunga serving authentic and best full meals, Tiffin (Chapatties limited as usual). Its opp. Sterling Theater on 5th floor, where you have to wait in long queue during lunch hours. Its name is New Modern Hindu Home, visited once in a moth on a regular basis by us.


Saturday, September 16, 2006

OUR FESTIVALS ENJOYMENT OF NUISANCE ?

REPRODUCTION, HOPEFULLY LAST ONE

Its 11.45 p.m in the Night. Time to go to bed, to close your eyes and just go to sleep after day’s tiring hard work is already passed. Sleep is still miles away. You know the reason? Ganapati immersion procession of Sarvajanic Ganeshotsav Madal which started around 8.00 p.m is still on. People are still dancing on the same spot with loud music and firecrackers in between for last 3 ½ hours. They are still inside the lane. When will they reach endpoint ? How long it will continue? Its never ending story.

My son has to go to college. I have to go to work. There are few sick old persons around. We all are helpless. Can we do anything about it except just listening?. Will my request to move the procession further will be accepted in good sprit ?

Why they cannot start procession early and finish it off early.Our festivals. How much is enjoyment and how is much nuisance? Only Lord Ganesha knows.

AKBAR, BIRBAL AND POTHOLES

ANOTHER REPRODUCTION

We all know story of Akbar and Birbal and Crow. Akbar asked question on how many crows are there in the city. Birbal answered that at present right now it's 300,000.00 crows. Akbar asked him how can you be sure ? Birbal said You my please confirm the same yourself. If count is more or less, eighter crows have migrated in or out of the city.This time Punekar's question was how many potholes are at present found on the citiroads ?Its less than last year . That the precise answer they received. Last year potholes were 300,000.00 sq.feet. This year's potholes are 60,000.00 sq.feet.

I am little bit confused. what's the oveall total. Is it 360,000.00 or 3000,000.00 or 60,000.00 sq.ft. ? ooooooooooooops my maths. Also is there any balance carried forward this year out of last years potholes ? How about pothole that has been filled or claimed to be filled last year ? How do you count potholes ? Do you actully physically go on counting like 1,2,3,4,5............................................300,000 or just take a measurement tape found with Road Contractors and measure the area ? Is there any tender taken out for counting pothole in PUNE ? Its so confusing. You know.
May be Pune Mahanagarpalika and our politicians with lots of promises and assurances should apply UNESCO's Wolrd Heritage Committee to include Roads in Pune with full of Potholes in the List of World Heritage in Danger. We can represent that those pothole are in existence from the era of Adilshahi Rulers and we have never really tried very hard to fill them up. After the roads are placed in the list of World Heritage in Danger, the ASI can formulate management and conservation plan for the site. Reduction in motor traffic could be one of them.
Let us preserve the potholes.
On a serious note , for my injured and painful back just one and only one pothole was enough. more than enough.
My DOCTOR IS HAPPY.

Pluto is demoted to dwarf planet

This blog was wriiten by me on some other site. I am reproducing it here.

After years of wrangling and a week of bitter debate, astronomers voted on a sweeping reclassification of the solar system. In what many of them described as a triumph of science over sentiment, Pluto was demoted to the status of a “dwarf planet.” In the new solar system, there are eight planets, at least three dwarf planets and tens of thousands of so-called “smaller solar system bodies,” like comets and asteroids.

Oh No. What will happen to our Navagraha Shanti rituals ? We will have to change it now to Astagraha Shanti ! ! My god we may even have to rewrite our horoscopes. Now we will even have to change our Navagraha RingsWe along with our astrologers should have represenented the case at the meeting of the International Astronomical in Prague to include Rahu and Ketu as Planents. We have missed golden oppurtunity.

Mahatma Gandhiji

How to create an effective ad-copy

I have come across a every effective blog on effective advertisement.

http://www.alkadwivedi.net/2006/08/31/how-to-create-an-effective-ad-copy/

People who introduced the word "Gandhgiri" in hindi movie should also visit it.

How we reached Diveagar.

Diveagar is a typical village in Kokan region with ancient Temple of Roopnarayan, devoted to Lord Vishnu, roads with red sand, full of coconut and betel-nut trees, now coastal tourist hotspot, famous for Temple of Suvarna Ganesh. While digging field, one lady found chest buried for more than last 800-900 years, inside was Lord Ganesha’s Gold Mask with gold ornaments.

One Sunday we decided to go for one day picnic to Awas and Sasavane near Rewas, bifurcations on Rewas-Alibaug Road. We reached Rewas early in the morning by ferry from Bhaucha Dhakka. We enjoy travel by ferry with the company of sea birds. I wanted to go to Sasavane mainly because of Sculptor Late Shri Karmarkar Studio. I had read about it many times. One of the famous statues made by Karmarkar is of Raja Shivaji’s now is at Shivaji Institute, Shivaji Nagar, Pune. It’s a bronze statue made in a single mould, technique used for the first time in India. (Hope I am correct) After visit to the studio, we had lunch at the residence cum restaurant of Shri Jogalekar at Awas where they served tasty meals in the backyard plantations. They also have accommodation facilities. Recently I read in newspaper about a small homely resort newly opened at Sasavane by Shri Abhay Abhyankar. His Phone no. is 2437 6452. May be next time we will stay there.

After lunch we got bored and decided to move on and we proceeded to Askhi-Nagaon on Alibaug-Revdanda Road. We had a choice between Kanekeshwar (Lord Siva’s Temple on the hills) or Kihim Beach or Alibaug but decided to go to Nagaon. It’s our hot favorite place. On weekends we have stayed at Nagoan plenty of times before. We were always used to stay at Dr.Athavale’s bungalow near Shivaji Statue and order our meals from the residence of Shri Mahajan. When we reached Nagaon we found that half of the portion was let out to Post office. Totally disappointed we thought we will keep on moving further. I told my wife and son that “come on let’s go to Diveagar”. They liked the idea and jumped at it and we moved on. At Nagaon there are plenty of home stay options are available. Shri Chandrakant Yeragi’s bungalow is the best around. Shri Patwardhan's Hotel Sandesh provides very good food. Accommodation is also available with them. En route we pass beautiful villages named Chaul, Revdanda (famous of the scenic beauty with historical background), Birla temple at Salav, Korlai Fort Fhansad wild life sanctuary, Kashid Beach. We were tempted to stop over. On the both sides of the roads you will find Coconut and betel-nut tree plantations. The extremely scenic drive from Alibaug to Murud Janjira takes you through some of the most beautiful countryside. Once I remembered having lunch in Revdanda at Shri Tambe's hotel (I am not sure about name) in the market place. We then took short break at Nandgaon on Revdanda-Murud Janjira road, famous for Siddivinayak Ganesha Temple and for a short while wished to stay there. However after Ganesha’s darshan we decided to stick to the original plan and then we went to Murud Janjira hurriedly and rushed to Rajapuri to catch last ferry around 5.00 p.m to Dighe. Fortunately we managed to catch it on the very last minute and however we were most unfortunate as there was no time to even look at invincible sea fort (Janjira) and another beautiful beach. It was a time for low tide and the ferry boat could not reach near the pier; it was standing inside the sea. We walked in knee deep water and climbed into a small boat and then finally in the ferryboat. At Murud there are plenty of hotels available near seashore. I believe Shri Tavsalkar's residence one can get good food. Once I remembered eating at Shri Patil’s (I am not sure about name) near main chowk just after entering Murud. Finally when we reached Diveagar it was completely dark and we were tired. The complete journey was carried on by whatever vehicles available. It was a hitchhiker’s journey. There are plenty of 6 seater rickshaws available in the whole region.

Diveagar I had discovered accidentally before when I was traveling alone. I had heard of it, but didn’t know the whereabouts. I was on the way to Shrivardhan from Dighe. One Muslim woman all of sudden asked to get down from Auto rickshaw. I couldn’t understand the motive behind it. Had I done anything wrong? I asked myself and “why?” to her. Relief came only when she told me in the typical Konkani accent “tumchya Sonyacha Ganapaticha deul aala, utra laukar. Darshanalya jayache nahi kaa ? (Your temple of Suvarna (Gold) Ganesh is nearby, why you doesn’t want to go and visit?). May be Lord Gajanan had send mystical women to show me the way around.

At Diveager we stayed with Shri Umesh Limaye (Phone nos.02147 24490 (Could be 952147 24490), 0214724377(or 95147 24377) in a cottage in middle of the spice plantations surrounded by coconut and betel-nut trees. We awake to a clear morning, but it’s rained the night before. What a lovely morning seating in the middle of plantation having breakfast consists of Panage. Diveagar’s beach is the most wonderful for unwinding. Much too soon its time to leave. As Shrivardhan and Harihreshwar are nearby we then decided to carry on the adventure and returned to Mumbai late in the night. Traveling en route to Shrivardhan can be considered as unique experience. It abruptly climbs onto the cliffs and goes on with misty mountains on one side and superb view of the sweeping bay other side. We promised to ourselves that we must return for a longer stay and we kept our promise.

Next visit we again stayed with Limaye’s. That time they served us Fhansachi Bhaji (Jackfruit Vegetable my wife’s favorite) and Ukadiche Modak in lunch. For next two days we just hogged and every time requested Umesh to prepare and serve us their local varieties dishes. Even though he served smilingly whatever we asked for, but I am sure he must got fed up of our hoggish behavior. There are plenty of cottages available in Diveagar. I have also heard very good reputation of Shri Suhas Bapat (Phone no.02147 24377) for delicious meals. But after all as our loyalty is towards Shri Umesh Limaye, we never ate elsewhere.

Time is always short in kokan region and first of all you’ll have to decide where to visit and stay. Let me tell you that the Nature has never been miser in the entire coastal region starting from Rewas. It’s a green and pleasant holidays.

True travelers never plan their journey in advance and they travel with minimum luggage. Since we were supposed to come back to Mumbai in the same evening, we did not carry extra pairs of clothes. The trip was such a wonderful experience, We never realized it.

Good Bye Alexx

I was used to write comments on Alexx's Blog. Before deleting the blog, she left message for me.

'hey there. i deleted my blog. im sorry. and to tha...

Friday, September 08, 2006

http://babiilov33.blogspot.com

hey there.i deleted my blog. im sorry.and to that person who comments me. thank you!
i actually dont know how toreally work this site so im gonna try andfind a better one or something more my style. i think its pretty cool that someone actually enjoys my blogs because i never realised that it was really that exciting. and the fact that the person is from the other side of the world is pretty awesome as well. id rather have someone i dont know reading this stuff rather than someone that i do know. its just me i guess. but thankyou for commening and checking in but i dont think i will use this site anymore again, THANKYOU and bye.
posted by alexx at About Me
Name:alexx
·

Friday, September 15, 2006

Potholes and Rs.2 crorers.

सत्तर टक्के खड्ड्यांची दुरुस्ती तांत्रिकदृष्ट्या अयोग्य पद्धतीनेपालिका उपायुक्तांचा प्रशासनाला घरचा आहेर सकाळ वृत्तसेवा पुणे, ता. ११ - ""घाईघाईने रस्त्यांची कामे केल्यास ती अपेक्षित गुणवत्तेची होत नाहीत. महापालिकेच्या वतीने दोन कोटी रुपये खर्च करून नुकतेच असे घाईने रस्ते दुरुस्त करण्यात आले. त्यातील किमान सत्तर टक्के खड्डे तांत्रिकदृष्ट्या योग्य पद्धतीने बुजविण्यात आलेले नाहीत,'' असे स्पष्ट प्रतिपादन महापालिकेचे उपायुक्त ज्ञानेश्‍वर मोळक यांनी आज केले. ......... पुणे महापालिका अभियंता संघ, इन्स्टिट्यूशन ऑफ इंजिनिअर्स आणि पुणे मॅनेजमेंट असोसिएशन यांनी आयोजित केलेल्या "रस्ते दुरुस्तीचे सुयोग्य नियोजन' या विषयावरील परिसंवादात ते बोलत होते. या वेळी सार्वजनिक बांधकाम विभागाचे माजी सचिव अजित पवार, प्रदीप तुपे आदी उपस्थित होते.

My Comments. : Yes. You are right Respected Sir, we fully agree with you. But I have a small doubt in my mind. Whether the reparing working is carried out hurriedly or slowly in technically perfect manner, why the end result is the unlimited potholes only? The period between last years monsoon and this year's was long enough.

After all who is responsible for the waste of Rs. 2 crores of honest tax payers hard earned money ?

Sachin Sachin and Sachin

शंका फिटल्या... अन्‌ डोळ्यांचं पारणंही!

क्वालालंपूर, ता. १४ - तो परत आलाय... "सचिन' नावाचा चमत्कार! त्याचा मैदानावरचा तो रुबाबदार वावर... फ्रंटफूटवर येऊन भल्याभल्या गोलंदाजांचा केलेला "कचरा'... ऐटीत भिरकावलेले षट्‌कार... शतक पूर्ण झाल्यावर दोन्ही हात फैलावून अभिवादन करण्याची आणि आकाशाकडं पाहत आपल्या दिवंगत वडिलांना स्मरण्याची त्याची अदा... सगळं कसं पाहत राहावंसं वाटणारं... दुखापतीनंतर त्याच्या हातातली ताकद कमी झाल्यानं त्याचा तो विलोभनीय खेळ पाहायला मिळेल का अशी शंका होती... पण सगळ्या शंका फिटल्या... कारण सचिनच!शंका फिटल्या... अन्‌ डोळ्यांचं पारणंही

My coments : Now a days when Sachin plays, it's a front page news.

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Pau Bhaji






Pav Bahji is gift to the world by Sardar Pav Bhaji at Tardeo, Mumbai and we are all glad for that.
Another place where you get mouth watering Pav Bhaji is at Sukh Sagor, In between Finlays and Reliance Mobile shop, Near Girgaum Chowpatty. You cannot miss it. You can find out the place with your nose. Just follow the aroma of Pav bhaji getting prepared on the big Tava near entrance. Beware there are many restaurants of the same name.
There is no camparision to the pav Bahaji at Sukh Sagor, nobody in the whole world can beat him. You can also order for the idlis, Pizzaa's. My son likes Fried rice. Combination of Chineese Dish with Pav Bhaji.

Unfortnately Sukh Sagor do not have much seating capacity. Its situated between a narrow passage. Very much crowded and noisy on sundays. But still it doesn't matter. The taste buds are at stake.
To end the evening with sweet memories, one can have Fruit Juice from the nearby Sukh Sagor Fruit Juice Centre, followed by chilled Mitha Maghai Paan or Banarasi / Kolkatta Masala Paan

Deva Aamhi Tujhya Phalkhilche Bhoi

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

JAFFARBHAI NEAR METRO

Jaffarbhai is a posh food joint at Metro with advantage of home delivery service and a place from where I will never, never, ever again order food in my life time. What a let down and complete fiasco. I ordered Veg, and Non Veg food for birthday Party at my home and we were all including honorable guests were miserably disappointed with the quality of food. Very oily, very spicy, all veg. dishes with tasting almost the same. That night my ego was completely smashed and my stomach refused to cooperate .

We were supposed to order only Biryani from Delhi Darbar, Grant Road as per majority decision but I insisted on Jafffer bhai and I repent my decision.

What an expensive way to learn the lesson.

Blessings to all but my choice is

B.Tambe, Kolhapuri Chivda, Prakash, Aswad and others

Marathi Bhojan ani Snacks in Mumbai. Always remember that there is more than Vada-Pav and Misal in Marathi Cuisine

Mumbai is in Maharashtra, but is Maharashtra in Mumbai? That’s the question haunts most of the Marathi manus. Good restaurants serving good maharashtian snacks and specifically meals are rare in the capital of Maharshtra. I would like applause two restaurants in Girgaum, who have refurbished recently. They have taken completely 360 degree turn.
Those two are Sarpotdarbandu’s B.Tambe Uphar Gruha and Velanlarbhandu’s Kolhapuri Chivda. Both equally good, one minute, no, on second thought I would say B.Tambe is far better in my perspective. After all my loyalty is towards B.Tambe and my appetite has been always dragging me along with my wife and son towards them. When B. Tambe was closed nearly 9/10 months for repairing and renovation, we were literally starving. During those period we do, switched to Kolhapuri Chivada but we rarely enjoyed the food, it was just a passing period. Nothing personnel. Both of the restaurants have opened A/C sections. It’s to be highly appreciated when other restaurants are closing down the shutter.
Virkar Aahar Bhavan, Purohit ( I still remember Masala Milk), Kelkar, Modern (famous for Olya Kajuchi usal and Kharwas), Tembe, Kulkarni (world famous Batata Bhaji and Bhaji. Even after 25-30 years I still remember the taste and the waiting period in queue and the price. 25 paise per dish) has even disappeared from the memory. Kona Hotel is still surviving in the race. Anandashram in Khotachi Vadi which is highly appreciated all over for the fish preparation is still batting but I do know how long it will continue?

To come back to B.Tambe Uphar Gruha and Kolhapuri Chivda, even though you will find South Indian and Punjabi Dishes on the menu ( may be they are trying to follow Udipi restaurants), if you arrive at Lunch / Dinner time its better to stick to Bhojan Thali or Chouras Aahar ( Meals) or at the most to Masale Bhat. You should ask to Dalimbi / Pithale, Bhakar to be included in meals as you can chooses choices offered in Vegetables (2vegs in a thali at B.Tambe and 1 at Kolhapuri Chivda).

If you are in no mood for meals or arrives at some other time you can just choose any tipical Marathi snacks ranging from Pohe, Sheera, Upma, Batata Vada, Kothimbir Vadi, Thalipit, Alu vadi, Usal / Misal Vatana, Pattice. Once we tried Batata vada with sambhar and Pav at B.Tambe and liked it so much to we keept on repeating the same dish. Even if a person is fasting for a day, he will never go hungry. He can order anything between Sabudana Vada, Sabudana khicadi, Batata Puri, Farali Misal, Farali Thalipit, Sweet Kachori, Rajgira PuriBhaji, etc. For sweet dish one can try Kharwas. On Sankasti, you can have feast with UKADICHE MODAK. They also serves seasonal dishes like Ole Kajugar Usal, Aamras Puri, Amba Dal, Undhiyo etc.

I have already covered Vinay Health Home separately, who is very famous for Usal /Misal / Patal Bhaji and Pav, so will not include again in this blog.

Kshudha Shanti Home at Thakurdar also serves good thali at reasonable rate. Chaphekar at D.B.Road have also revamped recently. My parents do sometimes order snacks from Chaphekar. Madhavashram behind Girgaum Court have started serving Thali ( RS.45 unlimited) during night and the major attraction is unlimited Ukadiche Modak in thali (Rs.75) on Sanskasti. We are planning to try out some other time.
Panshikar near Girgaum Church and Prakash are the oldest players in this field who are still going strong. Piyush at Prakash, opp. Phadke Wadi Ganesh Mandir can be compared to nectar. Same praise can be applied to the palatable snacks available. Unfortunately Prakash does not have much space to sit and choice and it’s still struck to its original menu of Sabudana Vada, Batata Puri, Misal, Dahi Misal, Vangi Pohe, and Samosa. So many times I wish they could have added few more dishes and move to spacious place.

As we moves towards Dadar, one can stop at Ladu Samrat, Lalbaug, for quick bite for Batata Vada, Misal, Alu vadi before proceeding to Prakash and Aswad near Sena Bhavan, both of them serves only snacks. I like Sabudana Vada and Bharli Vangi, Puri at Prakash.
Aswad is also very good restaurant I must say and whenever we are returning home from suburbs we make it a point to take a break at Dadar and visit Aswad, where I always stick to Kurma Puri and Masale bhat or Misal. Once we had visited Dattyatraya at Gokhale Road, but I am not recollecting the experiance right now. I will try to cover hotels in Dadar region in much dept some other time to give them proper justice.
Few years back we were used to visit a restaurant named " Naivedhyam" at S.V.Road, Goregaon, where excellent thali and few snaks were served. I do not know why all of a sudden the Naivedhyam has disappeared suddenly.
I would not talk only about Viva Pashim, costly affair and beyond my reach now, twice visited earlier but I found nothing extra ordinary, nothing great and we returned with empty wallet and empty stomach. It was not a memorable experiance. Of cource this is my personal point of view.

To conclude I would rate as far as Thali and Snakcs as well are concerned B.Tambe is on top. For snacks only the award goes to Vinay Health Home followed by Prakash ( Both opp.Phadke wadi and Ddar) and Aswad near Shivaji Park.

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Indore : Sarafa Near Rajwada.


As inspired from Aditya's blog http://culventure.blogspot.com/ on Culinary Adventure , I also wish to start series on the same line. I may not be as good as, but still I can try. Humans eat food for living, there are few who live for food. I would like to include myself in the second category. My whole family including parents loves traveling. Its hereditary.Whereverr we go, we try to find out restaurants serving local food ( e.g. Santosh in Jodhpur, where we enjoyed Dal Bati with ton's of ghee poured, Churma Ladu) or houses where home made meals are prepared for traveler's like us. We are not crazy after fancy restaurants, we like simple food. Atleast I. May be I will try to correlate place and food together. My well wishers thinks I am fanatic about food & above that as I strongly disapprove Non-veg. they try to stay away from me.

Malav Mati Gahan Ghambhir, Pag-pag Roti Dag-dag Neer.

When I think about traveling and food, Sarafa at Indore comes to my mind flashingly. In Indore, you have to experience food with Indori Tabiyat. Carry on all your work at ease pace. In relax mood. No rushing. No hurry. Indore is a place where people not only loves delicacy, but to decorate food before serving and they thoroughly enjoy serving dishes with najakat (style). Indore is a paradise for Vegetarians and we are veggiees (1+1=2). In Indore, our day starts with Pohe with sev on top at breakfast. You get Pohe at almost around the corner everywhere. One can eat Pohe with Usal too.

After the jewellery shops (SARAFA) are closed in the night, Halvaie's (food vendors) comes out from no where and put up their stalls. Calorie conscious people, persons with hig cholesterol levels, diabetics, should preferably stay out of Sarafa & should not dare to enter.

Pattice, Khobra Pattice (Coconut along cashewnuts with potato coating), Kachori, Samosa, (all along with mouthwatering variety of chuttanies), Pharali Khichdi ( At stall opposite Kothari Market fully decorated with pomegranate, sev, Potato Salli wafers, masala wafers, coriander,lime. Pinch of masala all for just Rs7-8), Bhutte Ka Kis, Garadu, Ragda Pattice, Gulab Jamum, Rabdi, Malpohe, Pedhe , Joshi ke Dahi Vade , Jaliebi prepared in Pure Desi Ghee ( One Jalebi is so big. Its prepared on kg basis, unlike available elsewhere) , Imrati ,Dal Bafle(Dal Bafle is a another topic itself. There are few hotels opp. Kanch Mandir, serving Dal Bafle.), Faludas, Shikanji, milk shakes, Icecreams, fruit juices, thousand of varieties of Sev ( Tomato, Potato, coriander , Clove, Garlic, Spinich, thinsev, thicksev), Namkeen, Farsan, Wafers and what not.

If you come to Indore and do not visit Sarafa during night, its like going to Agra and not visiting Taj Mahal. After the dinner is over, mukhvas, Pan is a must. No escape. I once almost died because of overeating at Sarafa.

Chappan Bazar is another place worth visiting. Gulkand Barfi at Madhuram is top class. Again Farali Pattice, Kachori are simply delicious here also. I like Om Ke Namkeen, near Chappan Bazar. Aggarwal Sweets at Palasia is not to be missed when you are in Indore. Mathura Sweets in Chavanni is also good shop.

If I do not mentioned Hotel Shree Maya, I will never forgive myself. Shreemaya at RNT Road not only provides gooaccommodation but serves exceptionally tasty food along with its branch at Mumbai -Agra Road. Paneer dishes are specialty. Both of them have good pastry shops. Ambience at ShreeMaya, Mumbai Agra Road is simply marvellous.

To conclude I must say, one must get emotionally attached to Indore to enjoy tasty food.

Bhatkanti

Courtsy : http://www.esakal.com/
कोंडाणा लेणी - कर्जतहून कोंडाणा गावापर्यंतचे अंतर १०- १२ किलोमीटर आहे. गावामागच्या डोंगरमाथ्यावर राजमाची किल्ला आहे. याच डोंगराच्या पोटात कोंडाणा लेणी आहेत. लेण्यांमध्ये एक मुख्य चैत्यगृह व शेजारी काही भिक्‍खूंच्या प्रार्थनेच्या खोल्या आहेत.
कर्नाळा - मुंबई- गोवा महामार्गावर पनवेलपासून १० कि.मी. अंतरावर कर्नाळा किल्ला आहे. महाराष्ट्र शासनाने कर्नाळ्याचा परिसर पक्षी अभयारण्य म्हणून घोषित केला आहे. तेथे पक्षी संग्राहलय आहे. किल्ल्याच्या मुख्य प्रवेशद्वाराशी कातळात कोरलेल्या अरुंद पायऱ्या आहेत. दरवाजातून आत ७०-८० फूट उंच सुळका स्वागत करतो.
लोहगड - लोणावळ्याची प्रचंड गर्दी टाळून जाण्यासाठी योग्य जागा म्हणजे लोहगड. सकाळी लोकल पकडून मळवली स्टेशनात उतरल्यावर एक्‍स्प्रेसवे पार करून भाजे गाव गाठायचे. लांब-रुंद पायऱ्या असणाऱ्या झकास वाटेने गडाचा माथा येतो. चार वाजेपर्यंत भाजे गावात उतरलात, तर समोरच्या कड्यात अर्ध्या अंतरावर भाजे लेणी पाहता येतात.
गोरखगड - ठाणे जिल्ह्यातील मुरबाडजवळील देहरी येथील गोरखगड हा खास करून पावसाळ्यातील निसर्ग अनुभवण्याजोगा किल्ला आहे. कल्याणपासून तीस किलोमीटरवर मुरबाड व पुढे २५ किलोमीटरवर देहरी असे अंतर आहे. गोरखगडाच्या सुळक्‍याच्या पायथ्यात कोरलेली गुहा लागते. गुहेच्या शेजारी छोटे मंदिर आहे. माथ्यावर शंकराची पिंड असलेले हल्लीच बांधलेले एक देऊळ आहे.
पेब (बिकटगड) - मुंबईपासून सर्वांत जवळचा गड म्हणजे पेब गड. पेब गडावर जायचे असल्यास मालडुंगे गावासमोरील सत्याची वाडीवरून जाता येते. माळडुंगेपासून साधारण तासभर चालल्यावर हळूहळू चढ लागतो तो थेट पेब गडाच्या मधल्या भागात सरळ कड्याजवळ येतो.
पेठ (कोथळीगड) - कर्जतजवळील बऱ्यापैकी सोपा ट्रेक म्हणजे पेठ किल्ला. कर्जतहून जामरूखची एसटी पकडून आंबिवली येथे उतरावे. आंबिवलीकडून धावणीला जाणाऱ्या रस्त्याने पाऊणतासात पेठ गावाचे पठार येते. तेथून चढणीची मळलेली वाट पकडून गडावर साधारण पाऊण तासात पोचता येते. गुहेत नक्षीकाम केलेले पाच खांब आहेत व भैरोबाचे देऊळ आहे. तेथून पदरगड, सिद्धगड व भीमाशंकर पर्वतरांगा दिसतात.
प्रबळगड - मुंबई-पुणे महामार्गावर मुंबईपासून सुमारे ४५ किलेमीटरवर शेडूंग फाटा येथे एसटी बसने किंवा पनवेल वारपोली बसने वारपोली गावात पोचायचे. वारपोली गावातून सरळ कच्चा रस्ता व पुढे पाऊलवाटेने (साधारण १५ मिनिटे) ठाकूरवाडीत जायचे. या वाटेवरून ईशा व गडाकडे तसेच माथेरानला आरकसवाडीमार्गे जाण्यासाठी वाट आहे.
हरिश्‍चंद्र गड - हरिश्‍चंद्र गडावर जाण्यासाठी कल्याणहून माळशेज घाटातून पुढे जुन्नरला जाणारी सकाळची एसटी आहे. खुबी फाट्यावर उतरायचे. येथून तासाभरात खिरेश्‍वर गाव येते. गडावरील कोकणकडा हा सर्वांच्याच आवडीचे ठिकाण. वाटेतील गुहेत मध्यभागी एक भले मोठे शिवलिंग आहे. त्याच्या सर्व बाजूंनी बर्फासारखे थंडगार पाणी आहे. बरेच जण या पिंडीला प्रदक्षिणा घालतात.
त्रिंगाळवाडी - त्रिंगाळवाडीला जाण्यासाठी मुंबईहून सकाळची तपोवन एक्‍स्प्रेस पकडून इगतपुरी गाठायचे. खिंडीमध्ये सप्तशृंगी मातेचे मंदिर आहे. खिंड पार करून सुमारे वीसेक मिनिटे चालल्यावर आपण त्रिंगळवाडी गावाकडे जाणाऱ्या रस्त्यावर पोचतो. नाक्‍यावरून उजवीकडे बुध्या डोंगर आणि समोर वाळविहीर डोंगर दिसतात. डावीकडे त्रिंगळवाडी किल्ला. किल्ल्याच्या पायथ्याशी लेणी आहेत.
चंदेरी - चंदेरी एक छोटेखानी टेहळणी किल्ला. पनवेलमार्गे इथे पोचता येते. पनवेल येथून धोदानी अगर मालडुंग या गावची एसटी पकडून चंदेरीला पोचता येते. येथून प्रबळगड, श्रीमलंग हेसुद्धा दिसतात. गावाबाहेरून जाणारे दोन विद्युत मनोरे मागे टाकले, की समोर लहान-मोठ्या टेकड्यांची रांग दिसते. माणिकगड - माणिकगड हा कर्नाळ्यानंतर सोपा ट्रेक आहे. पनवेल-वाशिवली एसटी बसने रसायनीमार्गे तासाभरात आपण येथे पोचतो. गाडीतून उजव्या बाजूला जो उंच डोंगर दिसतो तो माणिकगड. पश्‍चिम टोकाला असलेल्या सुळक्‍याला "माणिकची लिंगी' असे नाव आहे. नंतर गडाच्या दक्षिण टोकाकडे चालून परत उजवीकडे वळायचे आणि थेट सरळ वर चढून गडाच्या तुटक्‍या तटबंदीतून गडावर प्रवेश करायचा.
नाणेघाट - नाणेघाट गाठायचा, तर कल्याणला जावे लागते. इथल्या एसटी स्टॅंडवरून मुरबाडमार्गे माळशेज घाटात जाणारी गाडी पकडायची. मुरबाड सोडले, की वैशाखरे गावाच्या दोनेक किलोमीटरपुढे "ओतूर ६४ किलोमीटर' असा मैलाचा दगड दिसतो. येथून वर पाहिले, की नानाचा अंगठा म्हणजे एक मोठा कडा खुणावतो. शेवटचा नानाच्या अंगठ्याला लगटून असलेला घाट संपला, की दोन्ही बाजूंना छान गुहा लागतात. घाट चढून गेल्यावर लगेच पठार सुरू होते. इथे डावीकडे एक पडकी इमारत व समोर भला मोठा रांजण आढळतो. उजवीकडे खडकात कोरलेल्या लहान गुहेत श्रीगणेशाची मूर्ती दिसते. समोरच जीवधन किल्ला, वानरलिंगी, टोक सुळका व काट्याची लिंगी दिसतात.





Congratulations

Mrs. Supriya Sule,

Please accept my heartiest congratulations on being elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha.

Welcome to the world of politics.

राज्यसभेवर सुप्रिया सुळे यांची बिनविरोध निवड.

महाराष्ट्र विधानसभा मतदारसंघातून राज्यसभेच्या एका जागेसाठी होणाऱ्या पोटनिवडणुकीतील तिन्ही अपक्ष उमेदवारांचे अर्ज आज छाननीच्या वेळी बाद झाले. राष्ट्रवादी कॉंग्रेसच्या सुप्रिया सुळे यांचा अर्ज वैध असून छाननीनंतर त्या एकमेव उमेदवार राहिल्याने त्यांची बिनविरोध निवड झाली आहे. ......त्यांच्या बिनविरोध निवडीची औपचारिक घोषणा परवा सोमवारी दुपारी तीन वाजल्यानंतर केली जाईल. सोमवारी दुपारी तीन वाजेपर्यंत उमेदवारी अर्ज मागे घेण्याची मुदत आहे. छाननीत बाद झालेल्या तिन्ही उमेदवारी अर्जांवर सूचक-अनुमोदक म्हणून कोणाही आमदाराच्या सह्या नसल्याने ते अवैध ठरले.

Saturday, September 09, 2006

British Nandi

I think I have found British Nandi ? Is Kadimaster and British Nandi same person ?

BRITISH NANDI. WHERE ARE YOU?

Dear British Nandi where are you?

We are all missing you and your column “Dhing-Taang“, you were used to write everyday for last 2/3 years in daily ‘Sakal’. I am quite sure those politicians featured in also must be missing your column.

Why you have disappeared mysteriously? We are so used to your style of writing on the concurrent issues with those witty remarks. Will you still read Page 3, with no photographs of celebrities?

Please come back and please start same column from wherever you are.

We are missing your touch of class.

Regards,

HOW I GOT ADDICTED TO INTERNET AND BLOG

Statutory Warning: Love me or leave me. Hey, where’s everybody going?

Well it’s a chain reaction. One addiction leads to another and my wife is fully responsible for the same.
(The paragraph below may be sounding gibberish, well its an attempt to a fine reproduction on a small scale of what we watch on IDOT BOX)

It’s a long story like those Hindi and Marathi serials on Television which she watches everyday and night without break. No matter what so ever. Serials are like a never ending story. Even if you watch the T.V. serial after a huge gap say may be after a gap of 1-2 years I am sure you would not have missed much. Just few dialogues here and there. Nothing more nothing less. Hero may have become old and turned into grandfatherly figure, heroine is now grandmother or even great grandmother (may be staying in house or may be in exile, with memory or loss of memory) but still looking young and still very attractive (How they manage to stay young and fit at this age?. (In reality I have no objection. Last week one young girl offered me a seat in a bus reserved for Senior Citizen even though I have not even crossed mid forties) in her silk saris and wearing tons of Gold ornaments all the time in the home and in spite of working in the kitchen all the time, in the same appearance and staying in huge mansion along with their family , even though multimillionaires with no servants, no cooks, no driver, no housemaid, poor lady has to cook and serve food all the time, to biggest khandan in the whole world with father–in-law, mother-in-law, current husband, ex husband, or husbands with or without their families, along with current husband’s relatives, Brothers-in-law, sisters-in-laws, with their spouses and children, her husband’s sons, daughters, her sons, her daughters, their sons and their daughters, spouses of ex husband’s, along with their children from current and ex husband/s and on the top of it her own sisters and husband’s ex girlfriends (very complicated human relationships you know? ), and half of the time you won’t understand what’s their problem? or why the are fighting or arguing or why this time they are in jail or how come they are out of prison so fast. And not to forget those villainous women (I would say Nadira was far far better) with their notorious assistants always busy with their foul plays and half the time visiting temples, or Characters with plastic surgery done on the face to change the appearance and play hide and seek game. (Once I thought of changing my face with the help of plastic surgery, but dropped the idea as my wife will recognize me at first instance with my big tummy. (Some people pass a comments saying when I enter room that first my tummy comes then followed by me), persons dying in accidents and reappearing mystically and so on.

It’s so confusing you know.

To cut the story short, my wife is a great addict of all those serials on STAR and Z channel. After 8.00 P.M to 11.00 P.M she is absolutely busy and of course nothing is wrong in it. She also needs break after working long hours finishing house chores. Her day starts at early in the morning 5.00 a.m. (We get municipal water only between 5.00 A.M to 6.30 A.M and needs to store). In between no one is allowed disturbed her when she is in front of T.V. Any attempt to make any conversation with her leads to you nowhere during those hours. She simply ignores it. After all she has to keep track and consistency and her mind has to remain alert all the time as not to interchange characters among different serials. Whenever she is in a mood to talk, she will open a dialogue saying do you know what happened to Bani or Prerna or Saloni or Tulsi or Parvati (whomsoever may be, name is not important) today? and start explaining the current scenario, me with no clue, will start trying remembering names of my relatives and friends and try to correlate whom she is talking about till realizing she is taking about some character in T.V.serial. Thanks to those advertisements in between, that’s the only hope of getting dinner served.

Sometimes I wised in real life I could have also married three four times either with same women again, then divorce her and marry with her again and in-between the transitions period marry some other women, (as plot inspired by, guess?????) Beware. Be careful. This thought can boomerang; one doesn’t know she may be thinking on the similar lines. Oh no. am I getting emotionally imbalanced? Am I becoming hopeless character?

Is my wife solely responsible or my son is also equally to be blamed? As far as he is concerned, there are only three channels worth watching, Cricket, WWF and Cartoon. He still watches Cartoons in his teenage can you believe that. (Well to confess I also do like cartoons). 1st half of the evening, T.V set is entirely his property and in his possession only and you cannot snatched T.V Remote control from hands of young generations. You know how difficult it is.

In short when I reach home, I got nothing to do except switched on the computer log on to Internet open blog and blahblahblahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Thursday, September 07, 2006

What a relief!!

Now with Ganpati Festival over, we all can have peaceful sleep at night. No more noise pollution during night for another 15-16 days till Navratri Mahatsov. Well then that's time for Garba and Dandia, and time for another round of sleepless 10 nights.

Only way to avoid unrest, go out and play Garba and Dandia ( One should not forget his college days )

If you cannot beat them join them.

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Absent Minded Professor

How could I forget Brihanmumbai Mahanagarpalica, BEST Undertaking, Indian Navy, Coastal Guards, N.C.C, N.S.D, who played major role in the smooth running of Ganpati immersion process.

THANKS A LOT.

GANAPTI BAPPA MORYA PUDHACHYA VARSHI LAUKAR YA!!


Hats off to Mumbai Police, Mumbai Traffic Police, all Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandals, known, unknown volunteers, all devotees for managing the Ganapati Immersion on Anant Chaturdashi in extremely well discipline & organized manner.

HINDUSTANI CLASSICAL SANGEET

For Hindustani Claissical Sangeet lovers visit to http://www.itcsra.org/ is a must.

SUN FACE BUDDHA MOON FACED BUDDHA

SUN FACE BUDDHA MOON FACED BUDDHA

The Great master Basho was seriously ill. The chief priest of the temple came to pay his respect.

He asked. “How do you feel these days?”

The master said, “Sun-faced Buddha, Moon-faced Buddha.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JUST BE

A monk asked Chimon,
“What will the lotus flower be when it has not yet come of out of water?”

Chimon said, “The Lotus flower.”

The monk asked chimon,
“What about when it is out of the water?”

Chimon said, “The Lotus leaves.”

Emptiness.

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Board Exams for Std 4th and 7th


So, Now Educational Qualities of our children are going to increase drastically after implementing decision for Board Examinations for 4th and 7th Standard. Very good decision I must say and We must welcome it.

So far we may not have taken firm stand on the Proposed Role Model Act prepared by Central Govt. to Provide primary education to all, to improve the Quality of education, to make education compulsory to all children under Right to Education. We may be far behind in reaching 100% literacy rate. So what? The foundation must be strong of the children who go to school and it can be achieved only through 3 tier Board Exams, which are necessary for the growth and development of child.

But why only board exams in 4th,7th and 10th std ? Why not Board Exams every year from 1st to 12th? After all we must improve the educational quality.

Look at the brighter side. It’s not only bound to increase educational quality, also its going to make our children rough and tough in their life. So far our children were used to be under real pressure only at Std. X Board Exams. Now they can have good experience of stress, tension, pressure & frustrations etc at the time of appearing for additional 2 board exams. Same applies to parents also. After all it’s for improving the educational quality. You know. Let those 2 exams be final rehearsal

Teachers should be happy. Henceforth they will not have to conducts exams in school for 4th and 7th. Owners of Tuition classes should be more happy.They can now introduce Tution Package. "Pay fees for 4th, 7th and get 10th std. FREE. "

So boys cheer up and be prepared. After all life is not so easy. Better to learn the lesson in young age.

Monday, September 04, 2006

Ganesh Utsav

I do not understand why there should be purdah between Lord Ganesha and his devotees at Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav’s mandaps in Mumbai unlike Pune? Why the Shree Ganesha idol is kept in enclosed pandal with small openings for incoming and outgoing ? Why devotees are not allowed to take darshan of Mangalmurti openly and freely? Why the devotees are forced to stand in serpentine queue and wait for hours before they could finally enter pandal and worship Gajanana?

Is it only because of Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandals / Volunteers wants to prove their popularity or increase their importance by showing off the world, the long queue in front of their pundal? Do they get some sort of sadistic pleasure watching and senselessly controlling devotees including women, children, and old person who are waiting and waiting and waiting in the long queue?

Don’t they realize that the devotees wish to visit another pandals too and wish to take darshan of Ganapati’s as many as they can and they should not be wasting their time and energies at one place only, which is easily avoidable ? Or at least they could see that the queue is fast moving. Also from safety point of view isn’t those types of pundals dangerous ? Where is the easy way out in case of mishap ?

Why those pepole wants to earn few quick bucks by way of selling special darshan passes ? Many places I found volunteers selling special darshan passes, where one can avoid the long queue and can go straight inside the enclosed mandap. I once tried this easy but expensive method only to find out there were many alike minded persons and landed in to a queue even thou smaller.

Volunteers must realize that the festivals, which we are celebrating are for the community and not for only themselves.

The ease of devotes must be their priority. May be those Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandals should visit and learn management of handling large crowd from G.S.B. Ganapati , King Circle.

Sunday, September 03, 2006

VINAY HEALTH HOME

Tonight we visited Vinay Health Home, Near Phanaswadi, Thakurdwar, Mumbai where you get best Usal, Misal, Patal Bhaji Pao, Mango Lassi. Best in the whole world I must say. This Comments are meant for Pao also. Where else can you get such soft pao ?
Today being Sunday holiday, we had to wait for a while. But waiting was worth it. Whenever we visit Vinay, I stick to one and one dish only. That is Usal Pao and Usal Pao only. I thought today I will be little innovative by addiing Batata Vada in Usal and the combitation proved to be very very tasty. Utterly Butterly Delicious.

Last few days we were starving to eat little spicy food and Vinay Health Home was the first and only choice. During Ganapati Festival there was no control only at what we cooked and eat at home with lots and lots of guest around and we were fed up of overdose of sweet dishes. To bring back the taste (a sensation caused in the mouth by contact with a soluble substance) and to keep my taste buds alive , Usal / Misal / Patal Bhaji was the only eatable solutuion available. And Yes, my choice proved to be correct once again.

Not only my stomach but my soul is also satisfied.

SOCRATES

Ask, you will know.

Even if I lost all my wealth, doesn't matter. Only my wisdom should remain with me.