Can Mumbai really be turned into Shanghai?

The latest Vilasrao Deshmukh government has expressed their desire to turn "Aamchi Mumbai" into Shanghai or Hong Kong! Is this dream really feasible and practical? Some wise man had once said that unless you dream of the impossible, you can never achieve it. However, considering the practical barriers and obstructions towards achieving this ambitious dream, it seems like just another political gimmick to me.

How can the roadblocks such as population, illiteracy, traffic, corruption, and pollution (just to name a few) be undone in order to seek such a growth of the commercial capital of the country? These problems are well and truely existing and until the leaders of the nation find solutions to these issues, this dream seems to be way too far from reality because it is not just the tall buildings that define the city but also the infrastructure that enables the citizens to live their everyday lives. If you ask the "real Mumbaikar", he is least worried about this propoganda and continues to live his fast paced life in the city in an endeavor to catch the 7:04 AM fast local to Churchgate.

Salute to those who dare the impossible! Salute to Mumbaikars!!!

The Jana-Gana-Mana Controversy

With all the hooplah about the intended meaning of the National Anthem by Rabindranath Tagore and the contention that "Vande Mataram" should be the National Anthem instead - all I have to say is - How the hell does it matter what the current day politicians want us to believe???

I cannot imagine a person of the calibre of Tagore to write such a beautiful verse in praise of King George V. He couldnt have been so short-sighted. And even though he did, how does it matter today - since he has died for over 50 years now and will therefore not be able to explain to the world what the real intention of his poem was.

Therefore, in the best interest of such a great nation of ours, I think all of us should get over such petty controversies and sing the National Anthem with the interpretation that we think best - sing it in praise of "Bharat Bhagya Vidhata" - the Lord Almighty, who is the true bestower of good fortune!!!

My latest India trip!

August 19, 2006 to September 22, 2006 was a memorable time this year when I took an extended vacation spent in the country of Gods. It was especially cherishing because this was Aki's first ever India trip, and I was always curious to see how she will react to the sudden attention and pampering that she would get there. Well she being my daughter - she loved it! She made most of the attention that she got from her grandparents, uncles and aunts, and everyone around.

Aki's first birthday party at Vanita Samaj on August 23 was also a grand event. About 120-130 people attended the function, most of them being family from both sides. The cakes were ordered from Monginis, and the highlight of the party was an awesome poem composed by Tejal uncle, Nandu kaka, on Akanksha. The dinner for the function was courtesy Lily Caterers.

The weekend in Murud was fabulous - thanks to the awesome location of the "Sarkari Vishram Gruha" (Government Guest House) where the steps from the front lawn directly led to the beach. The best part of the trip was the company - along with most family were also a couple of my best friends, Samir and Nikhil. Nikhil had coincided his trip from London with ours and it was great to meet him after 3+ years. The one person that we noticeably missed on this trip was my kid brother, Sasmit, who was on his maiden foreign trip to Germany.

The Goa trip was short and sweet and most of the missions were accomplished. I got an opportunity to perform an "Abhishek" at Ravalnath, and a "Laghurudra" at Mangeshi.

The Thane and Borivali trips were also good fun and time well spent with relatives and friends. Got a chance to meet good ol' Ashwin Kenkare after a long time. He hasnt changed a bit and is growing bigger each day.

Overall the India trip was good fun as it normally is, and it stinks to be back to the grind!