Travelling India on Rath

Travel and Living to rope in Advani for a brand new series - Travelling India on Rath. Initially, Advani snubbed the news as a rumor, but later gave in to the 'huge offer' made by the channel. He also explained that this would help him fulfill his dream of becoming the 'oldest' prime minister of the country.

Digvijay S, however, claimed that 99 % people in this country do not have cable connection and out of the 1 % people who do have access watch news channels and Akshara's Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. 'Therefore, no need to fear, congress is safe'. Further, Diggy has called this as a publicity stunt and Cash for Serial case.

RSS chief wasn't available for comments due to Yuva Diwas function. He was there to 'moral police' the youngsters who where drooling over Sheela ki Jawani song!

Meanwhile, Advani's costume for the show has been designed by the French designer - Sabyasachi Mukherjee (he migrated to get married!). The designer has finalised a number of costumes in consultation with Mr. Advani taking care of his brand image. He will mostly be seen in Green Dhoti, Orange Kurta and white Gamcha (stole) - united Colours of Tiranga.

Reportedly, Advani has sought Amitabh B's help before entering the 'chote parde ki duniya'.

- sharif

Bugged!

Potential market for 'hurling' shoes

Every shoe sold poses a threat to not-so-famous politicians!

Recent incidents have opened up huge business opportunities for shoe-makers in India. Various new designs are being considered by the manufacturers, which are not only economical but at the same time flashy enough to generate media attention. Some of the shoes are aerodynamically designed for those who want to aim from the last row. These, however, come with a higher price tag.

Major shoe makers like Nike, Reebok and Adidas are now planning to set up special plants to manufacture customised ‘hurling’ shoes. This is being considered for those who lost their shoes while hurling them at renowned public faces - especially politicians - without hitting their targets. Meanwhile, local shoe-makers are already flooding the market with such shoes. "We usually sell 1,500 shoes per month", says Rajendra - an enthusiastic Meerut based shoe maker. 'Remember the shoes thrown at the India home minister? Those were manufactured by us', claims Rajender with a grin. The shoe-maker also exports his products to foreign countries – especially Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Australia. ‘The one thrown at Mr. Howard was made by us,’ says proud Rajender.

Another shoe manufacturing company – Hurly Burly – plans to sell shoes this season at 'throw-away' prices. It is also planning to launch an advertisement campaign focusing on the accuracy of the aim and target locking technology (used primarily in missiles) – but at a slightly higher cost. In order to boost sales, the company has recently set up a training school with hired coaches.

Looking at the growing market for such shoes, government is anticipating to impose higher tax on the product. This will solve two problems - one, probable manufacturers will be discouraged to the market and secondly, it will generate additional revenues for the resource constrained government.

'Gully Cricket'

A gang of ten, a team of five, we played cricket with utmost passion and planning..We had the point and ranking system and the unforgetful day n night matches with those shining white plastic balls.. that was unique! (atleast at that point of time and for me)..we raced and wanted to become the best in the 'gulli cricket'..
The Team: Nafis/Rinku(the mastermind), Sajid(the organiser), Rocky, Chotu, Nanhu and Jummi (the ambassadors), Danish, Moon, Majid/Nadir/Shamsi, and of course Me..
We were a bunch of lad, happy to accept challenges and no doubt-excel, not just in cricket but in other sports too, like-'gulli-danda', lattu, badminton and in other spheres of life-studies being one of them..
Apart from the intra-colony cricket matches played every evening, we challenged teams of other colonies too..we won most of the time with the foolproof planning made on the eve of every 'big' match at sajid's place..
When we played in the colony, best venue was the 'aam ke ped wala ground' and Nafis's compound..we seldom played anywhere else..We used to contribute Rs 10 for the wickets and all, and Rs 2 or 3 for the cosco balls and few penny more for those 'luxurious' cosco champion balls..
There were rule of the game: 'direct bahar jana out', 'ped se lag ke catch liya to out' and the most strict was-batsman being responsible to fetch the ball if went to 'naali'..Each day teams were chosen by the captains, it always turned out be balanced on each side, as all of us were all rounders in 6, 8, 10 over matches, best of 3 matches..
In retrospect, everything was so pleasurable and carefree..I feel those were the days when we learnt about team work..
The cheers and arguments of the match still resonates in mind when i pass the compounds..The team is still doing well and going strong..

Life can be simpler!!!

Why do people get close, share, enjoy the company and then suddenly some way or the other things become difficult, so much so that its even hard to talk?
Of late things have not turned out to be great. Lots of relations have fell apart and this has left a deep mark on my attitude towards people, i fear a lot now!! things could have been better if not good..life could have been simpler if not smooth.. 'Aisi hi duniya hai to phir aisi yeh duniya kyun hai?'.
Things were great when i was in 2nd year of graduation. Lived my life on my own terms and conditions and enjoyed in the company of myself. Sometimes I tell myself-lets go somewhere...Alone...but i know life will still scare me, it will still follow. The good part is that I still try to be happy and thats why i find even PJ's hilarious and laugh my heart out and whenever i feel like crying-i cut onions..hahaha..i wish that when i move ahead in life, i dont trample on anybody's feeling..i hope that whoever matter to me and to whom i matter, are always beside me to cheer me up when i fall and warn me not to get complacent when i rise...in short, to keep me grounded..
i must accept the fact that 'life still rocks'..as i say always-no matter what the sky has for me, i have the courage to face it..:)

About my placement

Lack of space, prevents me from writing a long story-a true one! As its said-Life is a box of chocolates, you never know what you'll get.

It was end of August (08) when first company (Grail) visited for recruitment. All formally dressed, I went to the placement cell. Excited at the same time nervous. First round as the written round. Somehow I got the hint that there is a short listing criterion. Indeed there was, when Satija announced it, 60% in M.A (P) and Grad level, which I didn't fulfill. I along with some other went out of the class, disheartened. Ashutosh and I waited for Kritika and others in the mass comm dept., frustrated and irritated. Later Kritika and a few others were selected for further rounds to be held at the Noida office. Before this, in class, I had a heated argument with Satija (i am sorry that this happened), as I thought she knew about the short listing criterion beforehand. It was a really really bad experience.

Next, The Smart Cube was slated to come on 17th September .I prepared for the tests the night before and let time to decide. I thought black trouser and new white shirt will change my luck. Instead, I was out in the first round itself. Second heartbreak! Irritation, anger, frustration, self pity-sad state of mind. Divya Satija announced India Infrastructure is visiting the next day (18th September)-and I thought it's my last chance. But obviously, I was feeling extremely low and no encouragement did pep me up. 4:30pm: Kritika, Kaushiki and Shalini got through-selected. It was decided –I will not tell to anyone about the company visits. Just after the result was announced, it rained heavily. Ashutosh left around 5.30pm, Shalini waited for d.b., so I decided not to leave her alone and so Kritika and I waited too. After Shalini left, we took an auto and reached Hudco Place at around 8.30pm, rain! jam! Kritika gave me slippers and umbrella. Splitting headache-I slept around 11pm after Kritika's desperate attempt to boost my morale and get ready for the next day. She failed and I slept without preparing.

As soon as a I got up, I wrote a small article on inflation and kept it so that I could show it to the India Infrastructure people. Blue shirt (IIIII) and black pant-luck!. Reached half an hour early and read whatever Kritika gave me (which she prepared till 1am). Round 1-interview, nervously I went into the room, but somehow I managed not to show my jittery feeling to them. Interview was good. Selected for the written round-I was gaining confidence. Wrote four pages on 'Rise in oil price and subsequent fall-teaching to developing countries'. Out of 7, 4 were selected for final round. I was one of the four. I said-I can do it. 2 rounds of interview followed and half an hour later result was announced. One was selected-Sharif Qamar. I couldn't believe it. I didn't know how to react. Soon after I told this to Ammi followed by others. I was ecstatic and am still. Kritika stayed throughout the day as my driving force!!!!

Sharif-26th September, Enroute tohome.

''My Epitaph''

'Lying six feet under, i am saved from earthly storm and thunder'

Here's a Man who lived by his principles..

Gave back what he got from others..

Was satisfied with whatever he got ..

Never complained of what he lost..

For everything that came in his way, he gave his best..

Who cared for the family and the rest..

-sharif