A refreshing new address for Food-enthusiasts.

Gosh it's been so long since I wrote!! Initially, I thought of explaining why I haven't written in so long. But I couldn't really explain it in an interesting way. Hehe. Anyway, I want to thank my dear friend Pramod Rao for helping me make a comeback (as random as the comeback is) Anyway, while I'm on the subject and talking about Pramod, I'd like you all to try a website that I totally love. http://www.zomato.com  It's a brilliant website that gives you all the info and incentive to go out and explore the dining-out options in your city or the city that you are visiting. The website serves Bangalore, Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune. All you need to do is enter the website and find the best places to eat in your city/locale. You can even look at menus, reviews and special offers available at the restaurant.

The best part about the website is the clutter-free, refreshing design that places emphasis on the food and the experience of eating out. So, this weekend, ditch your go-to neighbourhood restaurant and venture out into the exciting world of food around you!! And tell me what you think of your experience.

Mankad the Magician

It's been forever since I blogged. No excuses. Just been plain lazy and largely uninspired. If I'm writing today, with an exam tomorrow, I have a valid reason

Very rarely do we get to meet people who inspire, engage and manage to get you engrossed in a classroom environment. I'm doing a post-graduate, so I've met scores of teachers through school and college. I've finally met someone who can talk about anything under the sun and still make sense. Let alone make sense, he can keep you captivated. Telling stories to teach a subject like Global Economics is not something everyone can do. Stories that entice, and capture an over-worked student's attention. I'm privileged to have been taught by this inspiring man, Prof. Harkant Mankad.

Prof. Mankad walked into our class of about 120+ on 27th of August and has kept us listening, glued to his stories and awake (a surprise considering our long hours) till this afternoon when he delivered his last lecture. From the moment he cracked a joke about his waistline, through the countless stories of war, politics and history, till he told us about his interest in palmistry, there have been lessons in Economics that none of us would've bothered to pick up otherwise.

We learnt a subject that we thought would put us to sleep and instead came out smiling, like kids who'd heard the best of stories on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

It's amazing how an achiever like him can continue to reach newer heights and still stay so humble. His personality is endearing and strangely he reminds me of my granddad who narrates such wonderful stories. On the whole, its been an experience that's left me enriched. What has been the most striking to me is the revelation that this world and the economy is about psychology which makes me feel closer to the subject than I ever have. It's been a series of lessons in Economics, strangely correlated to the way we live our everyday lives.

Thank You Prof. Mankad, on behalf of the batch of 2008-10 at SIBM Bangalore. You've inspired us all to go out there and play our own game.

Section C- Applause for Jens :)

I have an exam at 2. LIBERAL ARTS. (No, I'm not doing an PhD in Arts or anything, doing an MBA actually!) But this post isn't about my exams. The past week has been hectic. Weird sleep patterns, weird eating patterns, irritations and lots of studying. In the midst of all this our director decides to have elections- Radical! Out of the blue, a new student leadership for 09-10. Studies came to a stand still, discussions were rampant. Everyone wanted to know who was being nominated and what the next year in SIBM was going to be like. Suddenly, the exams didn't seem like a big anymore (to most of us at least :P)  The elections happened on 20/03. 

The top three candidates for each post were interviewed into the wee hours of the morning. While all this was going on, I took sometime to observe and reflect. I noticed the vast differences in opinion. I noticed how each of us thought and how we justified our decisions and choices. I'm still discovering a lot about my peers here and they never cease to surprise me. I decided to make an idiot out of myself again. Stood for a position that I probably wouldn't win,but just stood to reiterate my commitment to this place and the people here never changed. 

Student Elections are mostly popularity contests and Politics no doubt. That's one thing that's common about them anywhere. While we all were wondering why he voted for her and why she voted for him, there was someone who took time to reiterate that there's still something that we can enjoy here.. the company of our friends and our classmates. Section C or Club C as it's called has been a goofy, smart set of people who're capable of so many things together and Jenifer (Jens or jeny as she's known) is one unique person. I don't think we were ever best of friends or are similar in many ways, but this post is to appreciate her for her thoughtfulness and to remind both the 'Politicians' and the 'Citizens' that there's something about this place we want to remember. Great job jens :) 

Women's day

I know its a few hours past women's day (more than a few months since I wrote..sorry!!) but these thoughts just sort off formed in my head. This day was special to me for two reasons. One, it was my mum's birthday. Two, my mum, to me, is the most important woman in the world. There's nothing new about that sentiment and I presume most of you feel this way. This piece is about how I realized my bond with my mom. A few years ago, 4 to be precise, I would laugh or ridicule anyone who said something as 'mushy' as this. My mum and I were worse than enemies because we had to live with each other and that she had to feed me (she had no choice poor thing). We agreed on NOTHING and we didn't agree to disagree. She hated my guts, my choices, my attitude and everything that could possibly be hated. Meanwhile, I wondered which century she came from and why I was stuck with her. Now, I know some of you know exactly what I'm talking about and the rest of you are wondering how mean I could be to my own mum. But hey, I'm being absolutely honest. I used to wish that our relationship was different and that I could make her proud of me. Somehow, never happened. Or maybe I got the entire picture wrong. 

Years went by, I went to college and though neither of us really TALKED about it, things seemed to get better. Soon, I told her things about my life, my friends, crushes, college politics, gossip. She shared too. She told me about her concerns for me, her childhood, friends, family gossip and so much more. We cooked together, we went shopping together, we went for walks together. One day, I realized, my mum and I had managed to have the kind of relationship I'd envied my friends for. Neither of us knew how or how come? nor could I see how we'd changed as individuals, but there we were. 

Today, my mum is my best friend. It sounds so movie-like but its true. It was her birthday on 8th and I'd gone home to surprise her with gifts, cake and a memorable celebration. She never celebrates her birthday and if she'd known I was planning it, she wouldn't have let me either. When I woke her at 12 to give her presents, take pictures and cut cake, I saw a smile on her face that I will never forget. It was a smile of genuine happiness and joy. She hugged me and thanked me. It was a simple gesture for me to show, throwing her a 'party'. It was easy, and didn't take much. But what I got in return was that Smile. It was so important to me. That's when I realized this woman doesn't WANT anything for herself. She doesn't ask either. She gives, she loves, she fusses and worries. she''ll always have my back. She is my mum and she's my ideal woman. 

Over the past 5 years, we've grown as people. TOGETHER. That's the best part. I've realized that I took her love for granted and now, I will give her all my love. To think that one day I might have to actually grow up and the day I won't exactly be her Lil girl anymore scares the hell out of me. But somehow, I know that day won't come. Yesterday she said was her most memorable birthday and that she suddenly realized she had two grown children to take care of her. 

To see her smile that time, filled my heart with joy and my eyes with tears. I love you mom. Happy birthday :) 

Evam- Back in Bangalore this Jan

If you'd read my early posts, you'd all probably know my affiliation to Evam. As a part of that vibrant team of individuals and a team that thrives to put smiles on people's faces, I invite you to the best theater experience. So this January, unwind and let yourselves go. 

The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it'

- Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest(1895).

 

Dear Friend,

After the phenomenal premiere in Chowdiah, Evam brings Wilde back to Bangalore!!

 

Evam's Wilde museum, showcasing facts, figures, trivia and also of course one of his best plays

 

The Importance of Being Earnest

The very beginning of 'long lost brothers,'

the prototype for 'duplicate identities' and

the mother of all happy, light-hearted stereotypes. :)

 

During this time of economic backlash, recession and stress, take a vacation to the world of Wilde. Prepare to smile, be charmed and take back a romantic comedy that leaves you happy and laughing with it or at it. :)

January 9th @ 7.30pm
January 10^th, 11^th @ 3:30pm and 7.30pm
Tickets Rs. 200
Rangashankara, J P nagar, Bangalore. 

 

Surprise Surprise...!!

 

We are still there in Bangalore on Jan 13th and 14th bringing back to you one of our favorite productions:

 

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

a funny, wacky, crazy comedy

 

January 13^th, 14^th @ 7.30pm
Tickets Rs. 200
Rangashankara, J P nagar, Bangalore. 

For Early Bird Discount BLOCK TICKETS NOW at www.evam.in

Tickets also available at Landmark(Forum Mall), Blossoms(Church Street) and at Venue.

 

' We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.'

- once again Oscar Wilde

 

The Importance of Being Earnest-Evam Entertainment

Yesterday, 25th of December 2008 turned out to be an eventful day for me. I woke early and traveled across town to meet a team of people from Evam Entertainment that was working for the production of their play 'The Importance Of Being Earnest', an adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic. I was excited but didn't know what was in store for me. When I got there, I was greeted warmly by a friendly bunch of people, all with their heads buried in some work. Everyone had their hands full, smiles on their faces, and there was friendly banter all around. 

For me, being on a team of organizers was not new so I felt right at home. What was new to me was the way these guys treated each other and the work that they were doing. What I was surprised about was the positivity and joy that they seemed to pass on to one another and in the process, leave everyone smiling.

As I spoke to all of them, all I was feeling was a sense of belonging, the passion and excitement that these people associated with their work. The actors, backstage team, In-venue team, and everyone who was involved was vital to the success of the premiere of the play. 

At the team huddle (a big circle of about 35 odd people, holding hands), the lead actor Karthik Kumar said 'All that matters is that EVERY one present in our audience leaves the venue feeling special, feeling light, happy and with a smile on his face. That's all that matters. Not the 3 months of work, not the mistakes on stage, not the 1 month of production work, not the actors. What matters is that we remember why we're doing this. And let me remind you, we're doing this to make people happy' 

Sounds simple doesn't it? But his words spoke to me. And later on when I watched the play, I understood exactly what he'd meant when he spoke those words. Those words translated into a beautiful performance, an excellent synergy with the stage and a strong connection with the audience. Somehow, at the end of a long tiring day, it all seemed to be worth it. I'd met some of the nicest people and just like Karthik said nothing else mattered because I knew I was there to do my best to make the audience there leave smiling and wanting to come back.

It was almost as if to say, if you know WHY you're doing what you do everyday and you genuinely believe in it, the outcome will take care of itself.

Marley and Me- A review

Since I love dogs so much, I thought I'd start off with a review of this book that I just finished reading- Marley and Me by John Grogan. Its a story that touched my heart and made me smile as the author went about describing his 'wonderful' dog. Now, when i first just heard the title I thought it would be a book about this 'model' dog, straight from 'pet heaven', the perfect pet.. you know. But the book is about just the opposite. It's about Marley.. a notoriously disobedient incorrigible dog who's more than a handful! The story begins even before Marley is born and sets up the scene for us.. A newly married couple looking to learn responsibility. They decide to adopt a puppy, boy were they in for a rough ride! Marley enters their lives and turns things upside down effortlessly. His antics described so vividly, made me smile. Every time he tricked his 'dad', John, I was reminded of my own crazy bundle of fur, Tawny. The book prepares you well for the experience of raising your first dog if you don't already know. The book takes the reader through the life of Marley and his family and his crazy adventures. The author fondly recounts Marley's costly but humorous antics.  whether or not you are a "dog person", there is still a lot to laugh about and enjoy while reading this book. The memories are so personal and heart-felt that it makes you wonder why you don't have a dog or thank god that you don't have one! Personally, my favourite incident in the book is the one of Marley being kicked out of obedience school. Whats more endearing is John's resolve to get his dog the obedience diploma and his determination to train the 'worst dog in the world'.

Marley's unfailing energy is admirable but sends a whirlwind of disaster rippling around him. Yet through it all, the book points out the unconditional love Marley has for his family, and they have for him. Just as his ruinous powers appear endless, his love and loyalty know no bounds. Till the very end, Marley displays nothing but LOVE. 

I closed this book feeling overwhelmed by how much a dog can change people's lives and how much we could learn from them. To love unconditionally was my take-away from this book.

Give it a read. You'll enjoy it.