paths

Standing on the cross roads

Gaze away at the two paths ahead

Unknown, apprehensive, confused

Results of my choice I dread

Teacher called life awaits

Experiences, value of which is immense

Clear yet confused, Brave yet scared

Words are missing for my defense

Faith in God, I take the plunge

Deep I go into the unknown territory

Sit I will one day, chart down my thoughts

Come my child, I will tell you the story

Saraswati Pooja

Dasara (I prefer to stick to my wonderful mother tongue, Kasturi Kannada) celebrates the various forms of divine feminine and one such form is Mother Saraswati. Born as manasaputri of Brahma, she is recognized as the god of learning and knowledge. She became Brahma's consort over a period of time and desceneded on earth as a river to carry the fire that threatened to burn down the world into the depths of ocean. She is also known as "Shonapunya" i.e. one who is purified of blood due to a curse by Sage Viswamitra. In traditional paintings, she is typically represented with a slight smile and in a white saree depicting purity and serenity.

River Saraswati is an integral part of Hindu mythology and as a lost river, has a lot of reverence and myth built around it. River Saraswati was an integral part of Amish's trilogy on Shiva (The Immortals of Meluha, The Secret of Nagas and The Oath of Vayuputras). 

Human civilization thrived on the banks of Saraswati giving rise to a whole new community called Saraswat Brahmins, an offshoot of which is the Goud Saraswat Brahmins (GSB) to which a lot of Konkani and some Marathi Brahmins belong. 

In this age, the importance of Saraswati is very crucial and her essence is of primal importance. As the goddess of learning, she is constantly delivering a message that education is the way to attain realization. Note that the education is not about rote learning and being able to perform a written diahorrea of what one has memorized, loosing the very essence and importance of what was read.

Education is about erasing the darkness of the mind and opening up the same to newer possibilities and newer experiences. Education is to provide the humans the ability to transcend the pre-conceived notions an d being able to look through a new window, walk through a new door and be able to provide a newer perspective and newer outlook. For a lower income classes, education provides a ticket to financial freedom. The importance of Indian IT industry and it's ability to provide a relatively better lifestyle to a largese of population is never lost. 

True education is about observation, analysis, interpretation and implementation. A subject needs to observe the environment, question the very fundamentals and reasons of why something is happening and what are the driving factors for the same. Observation throws up newer facts which needs to be Analyzed, impartially and unconditionally. Analysis tends to be biased due to human tendency, but the sheer ability of a human to transcend this barrier enables the subject to newer realities and experiences. Analysis provides data points which needs to be interpreted and fit into the model which is the crux for the problem under consideration. Once the perspectives are available, it boils down to implementation and the cycle starts again.

Interestingly, debugging in software parlance follows a similar pattern. 

Today's world is in state of constant conflict and I feel the pervalence of Mother Saraswati is far more important than ever. I hope she provides the humans to look inside than outside and attain true knowledge. 

I bow down to thee mother who is responsible for being able to uplift us from lower strata of society and providing us with a better quality of life.

I bow down to thee mother who has enabled me to get exposed to a wider spectrum of thoughts, humungous ocean of knowledge and provided me with an opportunity to try and introspect oneself's beliefs and thoughts.

I bow down to thee mother who inspires me to spread her message and whose sheer presence gives me the comfort that her presence in my life ensures that I can face challenges thrown up by life.

Footnotes: Over time, I have visited multiple temples, but Saraswati has an integral role in my life. Some temples of interest are

1. Sringeri Sharadha Peetam

2. Koothanur Saraswati Temple

Happy Saraswati Pooja.

Unfinished Journey - Part I

I write this as I stand at the cusp of one of the most important days of my life. A day which forever transformed me, from a boy to a man. A day when I became self-sufficient and self-reliant. The day I started my career.

It's been quite a journey laden with varied experiences and explicit memories. Journey this long wouldn't be complete without it's own share of ups and downs. Sometimes more downs than one could fathom or comprehend. Looking back, one can't help but laugh at the goof-ups and screw-ups by me. However, one undisputable fact remains. I am rich with experience and wealthy with wisdom. 

Starting my journey quite a long time ago .. not so long compared to others, sometimes it looks a miracle that I have lasted this long, I remember every single important moment of my career. This is a pensive of memories for me or someone like me to come and read at a later point of time. I am deliberately leaving names out, but for some it should be quite apparent. 

First job, First day, First friend... Fortunate to have met this guy from a similar college.. An amazing human being, a hard-worker and as it proved later an excellent role model and mentor. He is doing well for himself and I wish he continues to excel always..

First job was also laden with rich real-life experiences of what Pygmalion was and how it could impact us. It was also a real live demonstration of what human ego can achieve when channelized. Don't get me wrong, I meant it in a positive manner. Actually, it landed me to take a leap of faith and switch jobs, which was actually a big deal considering my back-ground of coming from a traditional and conservative family. 

Of course, justice can't be done to the first job experience without mentioning a couple of role-models, one an unassuming genius with a golden heart who practiced the-right-hand-must-not-know-the-left-hand policy in philanthropy. The other was an energetic and bubbly individual who constantly pushed himself to excel.. something I want to imbibe. Of course, my last mentor was a gem and I feel sorry that I had quit days after he became my mentor formally.

26 Jan 2001 was a turning point in my life. Gujarat earthquake with widespread destruction was a national tragedy. It also happened to be my first tryst with "Education doesn't breed civility or humanity" experience.

Ok.. with 15 months under my belt I jumped to my next job which I call as the first golden phase of my career. Compared to a lot of guys these days, I did land up spending quite a few years in this job. Start-up happened to me unknowingly and without design, something I am thankful to the almighty for. It was one hell of a ride, both for the company and for me. I saw the passion and dedication of few individuals which landed up creating jobs for 400+ people and enriching them financially when a logical point was hit. It was one hell of a ride with a constant endeavor to better oneself. 

4.5 years is quite a long time to have a lot of pleasant and unpleasant experiences. Sometimes, these experiences can leave a scar on memory, but as time passes by, one would learn to cope with it as just yet another event. I am touch with a large population of my colleagues and I am sure I can write an paragraph for each one of them (being an relatively early member helps :)).

First, the guy whose dream transformed and shaped the dreams of a lot of people, inculcating long standing values into us. The definition of passion, commitment and dedication can't find a better example than this individual.  He is a never-ending movie that never ceases to amaze and his ingenuity and brilliance was a masterclass. Just sample this. He is about to embark on a meeting with a client. He picks up the lonely planet book about this place, familiarizes himself and then quotes local idioms to break the ice. Brilliant.. A widely read person whose quotes were an inspiration, he remains my inspiration to become an entrepreneur like him or atleast an inspirational leader. And oh!! When we made money through the sale of the company, he led the way in Philanthropy by contributing a significant sum to different causes. An outstanding human being.

Next, I can't forget the guy who was my manager (I still would like to call him the same). An amazing and wonderful human being, his brilliance and dedication is on-par with the previous individual. His passion to constantly expand his horizons and keep pushing his boundaries was not very apparent that time. As they say, Everything is obvious in hindsight. He remains a good friend, an amazing technical brain (one of the best in my view) and inspiration for many. For me, he has remained the same in the last ~14 years I know him. 

I was blessed to meet another role-model in the form of another manager. His simplicity and down-to-earth demeanor remains an inspiration for me. A complete team man, a very humble person and an amazing human being....He is by far definitely one of the top managers I have had the privilege to work with. 

My peers or rather my competitors as I used to think at that time. A set of highly motivated individuals, these guys were absolute brilliant. I may not have expressed in as many words, but guys, it was an honor and privilege to have worked with you. 

My team.. Oh yes !! The guys who endured the unflinchingly, unassumingly, raw ME.. It was quite a journey and requires a dedicated chapter sometime. However, it would be quite unfair if I don't remember a few individuals. 

First, my little brother or the one I considered as one. Time, people, Chinese whispers destroyed the beautiful relationship we had. It has mended over time, but never is same as the time we had fun. He is doing well for himself and I am sure he will definitely achieve the highest echelons in life. 

Next, an absolute inspiration. A girl who was very silent, fiercely independent, but brilliant individual. She is one of the inspirations who prooved that belief, time, space and opportunity can make anyone a superstar. She is an amazing individual whose later avatar literally made me realize, how wrong we are judging the book by it's cover. She remains a dear friend and I am sure she will continue to excel.. as always..

Along with her, is another girl who is an amazing person, sure about what she wanted in life and continues to tread this path. 

Last of my team mates has a special connection with Gandhi Jayanthi. This person proved what positive pygmalion can achieve and achieve he did. Standing the cusp of one of the most important decisions in life, he demonstrated what belief can truly achieve in life. He is definitely one of my inspirations and am sure he will do very well (which he is already). 

Many more are there whom I left out, but I want to end the list of persons with one whom we lost forever. An amazing human being and a role model for a young kid like me from my first job, this guy was a living example of what I wanted to become. Fate had different designs and we lost him forever. When we were waiting for his mortal remains, one of the guys commented, "Did we require this incident to convene together", which continues to haunt me till this day.

This job gave me everything in personal life. Tragedy struck in the form of my mother's death. However, the scene where around 10 Qualis vehicles came and all my colleagues were there with me will forever remain etched in my mind. This phase also included my marriage and the birth of my first child, events that are truly memorable. Of course, I can't forget the ice-cream treat I hosted for 20 ladies in Corner House and their reciprocation in the form of a picture and the gift, which remains a treasure for me. 

Culmination of my journey here laid the foundation for my home. The money I got from ESOP became my seeding capital for my home and the fact I write this from the comfort of my home is truly because of this job. 

Memories, some pleasant and some unpleasant remain. However, I will forever treasure the experiences and people whom I was privileged to meet. I have purposefully left out my gang of 4 friends as I think that relationship requires a dedicated section in future. 

Next, a giant leap of faith and an amazing roller-coaster ride. However, one part of mine died with my second job. The rat-race of who-earns-more was something I left behind and I don't regret the decision till date. Pity, I didn't realize it earlier.

To be continued...

Nanna Malleshwara

Recently, I read a wonderful article that led me to relive my life from 3 decades ago and about my favorite place in the world, Malleshwaram.

History:

Malleshwaram is actually known as Kadu Malleshwara named after the resident deity on 15^th Cross, Sampige Road. The temple dedicated to Shiva is one of the oldest ones in the country dating quite a few centuries back to Shivaji era. A visit to this temple is not complete without visiting the other temples which are literally a stone’s throw away viz., Nandi Teertha, Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, Shirdi Sai Baba and Gangamma temples. I particularly find a lot of peace of mind and solace in Narasimha Swamy temple, a reason I am quite unable to fathom.

Culture:

I was literally not born in Malleshwaram, but from Day 0 of my life, it has been my address in this wide world. My parents had been residing in Malleshwaram for more than 2 decades before I was born. Born into a family of shop-keepers, interacting with wider public was programmed into my DNA from the very day I set my foot in this world.

Generally, one part of Malleshwaram is considered to be a Tam-Bram (Tamilian Brahmin) area. However, the notion of Malleshwaram is subjective and depends on one’s own interpretation.  For me, growing up on 8^th Main road, the arterial road that connects Yeshwanthpura to downtown Sheshadripuram upto Majestic serves as the backbone for Malleshwaram. Few words are not sufficient to do justice to what it meant for me, but I will capture some key points which I feel have been influential in shaping me the way I am.

First, I grew up to be respectful of all human beings irrespective of caste, creed, religion or social status. So, I was naturally ingrained to address others as Patis (Grandmother in Tamil), Anna/Akka (Elder Brother/Sister sometimes used for father/mother in some sections), Aunty/Atthe (Aunt) and Uncles. The fact that this came naturally to me was a testament to environment I grew up in.

So, my news-paper vendor friend was Sunder Anna, my neighbor uncle was Setu Mama (Marwari), my shop owner as Seenu Mama etc. Being a foodie, I can’t forget the Ven Pongal and Chakkera Pongal prepared by Janaki Amma, who was literally a grand-motherly figure for me. Another person I do remember a lot is Akkal (Akka means elder sister) who happened to be mother of a famous doctor. The respect that doctor uncle and his sister showered on their mother has stayed with me forever. I learnt the word “humility” from them for their unassuming nature constantly showering unconditional love irrespective of my social status. In fact, till this date, I feel that this date it’s my opinion that we should respect one and all as humans and not based on socio-economic status.

Is it all about Tam-Bram? Oh no.. far from it.I don't wish to create a laundry list, but Malleshwaram is one big diaspora comprising of lot of people from different castes. I can’t forget St. Peter’s seminary where the brothers used to play cricket and basketball with us. One of the key events in my life is attached to the Christ The King church on fag end of 8^th Main, very close to Yeshwantpura. The church on Christmas Eve is a must visit.

On the other end, Mohammaden block is a muslim dominated area. I have very fond memories of this place as it used to house a lot of my class mates from high school and PUC. These guys are the reason why I learnt to ride a bike (first without gears and finally, a geared motor cycle). We didn’t know what was Hindu – Muslim at that time. We were just friends or dosts. For me, it remains true till date.

In Malleshwaram, you were just a Malleshwaram Huduga (boy). I am definitely proud of my up-bringing and will forever be one.

Sights, Sounds and Smells:

How can I write about Malleshwaram and not write about the sounds and smells of the place? I can’t do complete justice to the Foodie’s Heaven called Malleshwaram, but this is a small humble attempt.

Life started at 5 am to prepare a long day ahead. One of the key sounds was the siren from BHEL at 7 am. Of course, our shop was open and running catering to all the people running for their first shift. People from BHEL, BEL, Mysore Lamps, Kirloskar used to throng our shop. However, one of the moving and permanent images in my mind has been of the 7.30 am bus. This bus was from Spastic Society of India and used to pick-up these kids whom God had designed to be special. I am refraining from using the words mentally challenged or developmentally challenged, for they are my god’s chosen angels. I wish I could do something for them..

Schools were next and being a part-stationary shop, the hues and colors of the school uniforms always painted a wonderful picture. Whether it was the Green of Nirmala Rani or White-Navy Blue of KV Malleshwaram or my alma matter, the checks and muddy brown of MES, the colors never ceased to amaze. Wonder if I will be able to get them into one single frame.

Sights and Sounds formed one part of my life, but the most interesting one is the food.. Yumm. Being a foodie, I always used to relish the different flavors of different cuisine dished out by different parts of Malleshwaram. Right up on the list is Janaki Amma’s Chakkera Pongal, but I am considering this as family. I haven’t captured my mom’s cooking, which was fantastic and out of the world. One of the most versatile and multi-talented cook, she remains my inspiration, something I want to rediscover.

Food, Malleshwaram and the first name is CTR (Central Tiffin Room) now named Shree Sagar right bang in the middle of Malleshwaram Circle Margosa Road. The Benne Masala Dose, Filter Coffee and Goli Bajje are part of the folklore and it’s a pilgrimage to visit this place once in a while. Masala Dosa, Filter Coffee and Malleshwaram have another key point, Janata Hotel on 8^th Cross close to Sampige Road. Asha Sweets is a legend and people swear by their name till this date. Smell of filter coffee is a constant recurring theme for me, partly due to the different smells of the same and partly due to the fact that we had a coffee business.

Veg Pulao in Ganesh Bhavan on 13^th Cross next to my school was heavenly, a taste that is deeply embedded in my mind. Bhel Puri in Gomatha Juice Center was out of the world. However, the best Bhel Puri I used to savor was the one prepared by Nagaraja Uncle in a push cart on 8^th main, right opposite our shop. I haven’t tasted a better Bhel/Masala/Pani puri till date.

Kodiyal brought a Mangalorean flavor to the cuisine, but was more of a recent addition. Agarwal’s Bhavan near 18^th Cross Bus-stop was our favorite joint after a Saturday afternoon cricket in Boys High School grounds (where CET Cell is currently housed).  Veena Stores and Idli.. need I say more.. Place to visit on Margosa road which is akin to another pilgrimage. There is one shop opposite Manipal Northside which serves equally good Idlis and I make it a point to have a try now and then. I am sure some would think of Gullu’s Chats but that’s Nehru Nagar and technically Sheshadripuram.

Some other spots of noteworthy mention are Nayak’s condiments on 9^th Cross for Mangalorean Condiments, Chitra Traders previously on Coconut Avenue Road and now closer to Sampige Road for Kerala Pappadams & Banana Chips, Shivasakthi outlet opposite Janata Hotel for their out of the world Tamarind/Menasina Thokku

While food smell was heavenly, there were some natural smells which have been enchanting. The smell from Sampige (Magnolia Champaka) tree next door to my home with it’s different hues of yellow and saffron is heavenly. One of the strongest odors I remember is from a Lingada Hoovu tree (Cannon Ball tree) whose strong odor used to remain with me. There is an old should I call Victorian House on 4^th Main (probably) 8^th cross corner opposite BES School which has this tree. Every time I used to pass this road, the smell from the flowers was ever-lasting. The last vivid smell I used to remember is from Raat Ki Rani (Cestrum nocturnum) which was found in abundance.

The one experience which I cherish till date is to walk through 8^th Cross Road from Margosa Road entrance to Sampige Road during Festivals. The smells and colors of the flowers and hustle-bustle of the shoppers remains an enchanting and exciting sight, an experience which can’t really be described.

Science and Malleshwaram have a long history with Sir C.V.Raman’s house in 15th Cross,  Prof. C.N.R. Rao being a resident and many more well-respected BEL Engineers from this area. Of course, Malleshwaram does share it’s border with I.I.Sc. which remains an inspiration for a lot of us.

Education has a strong connection with a lot of leading institutions of the yore from Malleshwaram. MES College has the reputation of producing some outstanding students. Maharani Lakshmi Ammani and MLA colleges have a repute on their own.

Music also has a deep connection with Sabhas and Matas hosting the musical feasts time and again. Venugopala Swamy temple in 11^th Cross is well known to host some scholars of repute.

This is just a quick (I mean it) recollection of my memories from the treasure trove of my life. However, I have missed quite a lot which I plan to write about in future.