Happy Diwali

Happy diwali to all.

Let the lights from diwali light up your life. It would be delightful celebration all across India except for Manipur who is currently fighting for the survival which is again complicated by the deadlock between the CM and protesters resulting in boycott of classes since last 2 months. The state board exam currently faces the situation of canceling which will result in losing of years, hopes for thousands of students if it happens.

I decided to stay away from crackers unlike the previous diwalis. Not because I don't like them but, because staying away from them atleast would save some child from forced labour as the report suggested that many of these crackers were made by kids as young as ten. Just a day before there was blast in cracker factory in Tamil Nadu resulting in death of as many 32 people but many people inspite of repeated broadcast in TV failed to notice this.

Unless we stop ourselves, any kind of laws and law enforcement agencies can't stop it. At least, this year I had done my part by staying away from crackers. Hoping that you'll join me sooner than expected.

Wake Up Sid : My Review

I was about to give "Wake Up Sid" a miss. Not because of any reviews but, the teasers of the movie looks like Lakshya's first half. Lakshya being one of favorite movies so I hate any kind comparison / remake with it.

With the coming of unexpected holiday due to election in Maharashtra (Mumbai) and good reviews from close friends make me watch the film at the end.

To begin with I would say it was nice and refreshing movie. And would recommend you for the same.

The story line of the movie is,perhaps, inspired from Lakshya (as I said earlier) and Waqt - Race against time (the first movie which I watched with my own money after first pay cheque) and Konkana's part was probably lifted from "Luck By Chance" with little change. But, to this Karan Johar has added lot of youth and Ranbir Kapoor delivered the perfect "Sid" in him.

The movie have shown how bollywood is fast maturing in story telling without going to stupid angles like the Sid in the movie who was fast maturing and learning every next scene - simple, straight and bull's eye.

Go for it. Missing it will be disappointment because such movie rarely comes in Bollywood.

Education in Manipur

The above picture (taken from net) perfectly describes the education in Manipur. The classes from Pre-Nursery to level of University including those private courses like computer are in state of boycott for more than two months. And, there is no sign of letting up of protest in weeks to come.

Education has become latest casualty. All the appeals are going to deaf ear and Chief Minister is clung to power as if it is birth right shamelessly in spite so much protests from all sides since July Last Week.

Not to be watched

There are two things which I feel it's highly over-rated and not to be watched :

1. T20 and ODI
Too much of cricket is killing the interest whatever interest I have. There are so many tournaments, tours that I have lost track of them since past one year or so. Too much of cricketers on ads and news (for wrong or no reasons) is taking a toll on my interest. But, I'm still watching and following Test Match of great interest. Rumour is saying that ICC is introducing another trophy for acting next year and all the Indian cricketers are front runner.

2. Reality Shows
First it was "Big Boss" then came so many that I lost interest at all. Even during the first year of Big Boss, I used to fight with roomie then asking him to put some other channel. Now, every channel has more one reality show running at the same time. I will better switch off my TV set rather than watching some stupid reality show.

A hectic Week and the new twists

A very hectic week. One of uncle's friend and his brother had put up in my place for past 4 days as they were here to attend some IT-related seminar. I went to receive them at airport but, it was sleepy experience. The flight was delayed by over 3 hours due to the stormy weather since past few days. By the time they reached, it was well past midnight. So, by the time I went to bed it was too late for office next day.

But, eventually I had to go to office after lunch for my half yearly performance discussion with my boss as it was last day according to the mail by HR. It was a fun filled engaging debate throughout for more than 2 hours. The longest discussion in my group. I had been honest with my points. No buttering. It's all filled with bitter truth. At the end, my boss applauded me and gave me a rating of "very good" with some encouraging and good comments. But, when it's comes to appraisal, I'm skeptical due to my past experiences. But, I think I'm about to grow beyond that stage as I'm finding myself more comfortable in handling criticism and bad remarks without much setback.

My apartment with no guest room was finding little small specially with 2 guests who are very much senior to me. So, I had to skip the online conference for writing the letter for the upliftment of class boycott in Manipur. Juggling for the office and to attend to my guests made this week really hectic. Finally, they left today early morning.

Last day of the week was the twist and may bring in some dynamical change in career if things work out in my way. One of my previous bosses gave me hint that I'm ready for bigger role and I should approach my resource manager for the same. I wrote a mail about the same. Things were under discussion then among them it seemed. Let's see how things unwrap. I'm keeping my find cross as of now.