Bombay, Terrorized..

Mumbai locals. The lifeline of the city. Used by 6 million people everyday. 3 years ago, I was one of them, travelling to Churchgate 6 days a week. I enjoyed the locals. Its the fastest yet more economic way of getting your way across the city. I can't forget the feeling. The trampling, pushing and elbowing. It had become an integral part of my life. So much so that when I kept going back home over the summers, I would still use the locals because I had no qualms about being in one. On days when my mind wasn't preoccupied with what lectures to attend or worried about reaching lab on time (running across platforms, switching trains, making my wee little space in the already overcrowded compartments bursting at its seams, floating among the sea of people), I would simply sit back and observe the people around me. Not really big on eavesdropping, but there were conversations you couldn't help but hear, things you couldn't help but notice. It was nice to wonder now and then where people were headed and what the purpose of their being there really was. Ofcourse, the evenings were a different story; more lively, people getting back home at their own little pace while chatting up with friends and mates. The cheerful faces, bright eyes trying to fight fatigue, looking forward to having a homecooked meal and a good night's sleep, are things I just cannot erase from my memory. It was a side of Bombay I hadn't seen for 16 years. And like everything about my city, I absolutely loved it.
On a regular day like today, 3 years ago, at rush hour, I would have typically taken a fast local headed towards Borivali with a few friends in the first class men's/women's bogie, stepped out at Bandra and switched to a slow from there to Vile Parle (or simply a slow from Churchgate to Vile Parle). Its heart breaking to think of all those college going kids, who were heading back home today. My heart goes out to the young men and women returing home after a gruelling day at work. And my heart dies to think of those mothers and fathers trying to reach their kids and spouses after a long mundane day. It is really unfair to even think that the innocent be harmed. I am shocked and utterly disraught over the events that have unfolded. It is certainly not comforting to think of all those people affected by this tragedy. May the Almighty bless the souls of those who lost their lives and I only hope the injured recover speedily.
I was one of them. It could have very well been me...

Light My Fire!

Watching the New York skyline towering to your left and the maiden of Liberty on your right, overlooking the Hudson is by itself very scenic and gives you a feeling of surrealism. Add to that the the beautiful dark sky and awesomely lit downtown Manhattan. Now imagine 4 barges on the Hudson letting off fireworks in perfect synchrony for the following 30 minutes. Gorgeous. Engrossing. Breath taking. Almost unreal. Need I say more? Yes, I was agape.

A Dlog, you said?

This has probably been the longest I have been away from writing. I think I'm losing my touch. Maybe I need to write some more to regain it all. *shrug* This space has been labeled and called many names. Yet, I see a steady flow of traffic in here almost everyday. The numbers have certainly not declined. I hope I don't come across as much of a braggart when I say that. Infact, I do regret any inconvenience caused to those who carried out the ardous task of clicking on the link to my blog only to find zero new posts. Kindly bear with me until I get struck by an epiphany, a flash of ideas that may manifest themselves in my clueless head and sublimate through my anxious fingertips. And I will be back soon, to say the least. Because That's certainly not All Folks!

Somebody Stop Me!

Time Period: 1 week

• Lindt Babushka Dolls - 5
• Lindor Truffles - 45
• Superdupersized Swiss Milka bar - 1
• Regular Godiva bar (to-go) - 1
• Whole pack American cheese Singles - 1
• Countless glasses of chocolate milk (including 1 whitechocolate caramel in whole milk every day)
• Pieces of chocolate cake - 3

Calories - 0!

(WARNING! The above features indulgences performed either by professionals or really lucky people like me. Accordingly, I must insist that no one attempt to recreate or re-enact any activity outlined in this post.)

The Machines Have taken over!

Move over astrolgers, sadhu, sant and jyotshi-jis, the machines have taken over! Or so it seems.. I was browsing through Kris' blog and decided to explore the website that claimed that she was 47% masculine and 53% feminine. As if predicting personalities was not enough, I chanced upon something more intriguing. The Wedding Date Predictor! How very bold of them! I realized that maybe it intended on testing you on how ready you are to take on added responsibilities and the like. How wrong I was! Well, not completely wrong. Besides doing all of that, it seemed hold to its title, literally! There was a Date! I mean, even the greatest of forecasters who have roamed the earth, Nostradamus for instance, couldn't do that! Woa..I was blown away. Not by 'how' they could come to the conclusion, it was more of "how the hell could they even 'think' of something like that?" Curious. Very curious...

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That's their analysis. I'm glad I can't put up a clearer picture. I'm glad noone can see the actual date. I'm glad I don't have to take it seriously. Embarrassingly early!

EGG-ceptional!

I woke up lazily to the my alarm on my phone this morning and set it forward to another hour. Finally, I managed to wake myself up at 9 am. Not under the pretext of studying for my ever important final, but because I was huuunngryyy! It was hunger with a capital 'H'. Strange, cause I did have a good meal last night. And it was while I was brushing my teeth groggily that my eyes brightened up at the thought of-EGGS! Suddenly I could think of nothing but 'em lil white oval fellas! So I picked up a bowl and tried cracking them. Mind you, it had definitely been a while since I had done that. I got all the veggies I needed chopped, poured in a lot of cheese and beat it silly! As I got some bread toasted, I left the omelette in the pan to fry. When it was time to turn it over, I messed up big time! I mustve sliced in into a million pieces and lost track of their right side up. Annoyed with myself, I picked up the million pieces and put it between my toast and seasoned it with some salt and pepper just in case it was a disaster. But the first bite felt like heaven. It was a pleasant surpirse. I couldn't help but think of those many Sundays back home when dad would serve us eggs for breakfast, the three of us with our own demands, ranging from the sunny-side-up, to scrambled eggs, to omelettes or just plain boiled eggs. Yeah Sunday was the Egg day. (the ol' 'Sunday ho ya Monday roj khao Anday' thing!) But it was a reminder of those ever-cherished but now only dreamed about moments that took me back in time this morning!.....and from Dad, cooking yummy breakfast is perhaps only one of the many zillion things I'm glad to have learned! :)

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso

Here's something for all of you who missed the Dalai Lama's lecture on "Peace, War and Reconciliation". Will write about it soon.
Here's the video link.

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O holy one thy knowledge I yearn,
With years comes wisdom and lessons yet to learn.

At 70, His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, is an epitome of wisdom and humility. Despite or because of his past, the 14th Dalai Lama seems a very human figure - open about his helplessness, knowing what he should do but choosing to act otherwise. Some may call him a coward for having to flee his homeland and seek refuge.But doing so makes him all the more human and someone you can relate to. He dissected and exposed the very roots of human behavior in his talk about his vision of peace, war and reconciliation. He doesn't seek to be God or all-knowing. 'I have nothing new to offer', he said. His thoughts are clear, consistent and simple. I was overwhelmed by his gentleness as he touched the hearts of the 36,000 present, like a kind grandfather bestowing his profound wisdom upon his grandchildren.
Funny he reminds me of my own granpa :)
I could explain in detail about what he had to offer in his lecture, but I choose not to. I do not think it would be appropriate. Watch the lecture video by clicking the link above.

Gay Laws!-No pun intended.

Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) states under Unnatural Offences:

Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with a man, woman or animal, shall be punished with (imprisonment for life) or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years and shall also be liable to a fine. It also states that sexual acts that do not lead to procreation, are illegal.

What disturbed me the most was that it is a section under the heading, UNNATURAL offences! Is homosexuality ABNORMAL? Marriage is a different issue, probably very controversial, but serving 10 years just because you've had intercourse with a member of the same sex? And what the hell does the last sentence mean? So if you're man and wife, you're only supposed to do it if you were to have a child. Hmm, not surprised India is the 2nd most populous country. Obviously procreation wouldn't apply to homosexuals. So who is it refering to? And don't you dare miss the word VOLUNTARILY in the first sentence! Whatever happened to free will. Besides, sexual urge is a very basic human instinct and sexual orientation is definitely included. Apparently, Section 377 was brought in India by the British in 1860. The law was revoked in the UK in 1967, yet it continues to remain a law here. Hmmm..19th century ideology still alive in the 21st century! So much shit happening behind closed doors anyway! So why not just chuck it and make a bonfire of it. Some law ! The number 377 could instead be constructively used to persecute and! prosecute people sexually abusing 6 year olds (specially applicable to men of power!) I'm sure there's one for it already. But atleast it is an UNNATURAL offence when done VOLUNTARILY. And two of them will certainly do no harm. These guys need to sort out their priorities. Makes my blood boil! Ugh.

Even Bloggers Have a Life!

Sorry guys, haven't really been able to write a lot for a month now. Wow! that's long isn't it? But as you know, I'm in Bombay and a lot of things have been going on for a while. Firstly, a laser operation after which I needed a few weeks to recuperate and then all the fun I should've had during those 3 weeks all crammed into 1! hehe
Which proves that:
1. Even bloggers have a life!
2. Most bloggers may also suffer from an inability to come up with ideas. Let's just term it as a Writer's Block.
And what d'you know? I fell prey to both! So cut me some slack her alright?
I was home-bound for almost 3 weeks. WHich explains the Unky toon -Lonely!
I still have this huge block in my head and need to get out to meet somebody. In short, very unmotivated to pen down some sensible words. I hope you enjoy my poem. (Caution: some of you have already read it. So you can go back to whatever you were doing. I'm sure you have better things to do as well!)

"In Loneliness He Trod..."

Among masterpieces in an art museum,
Was a picture of a young colt that rode,
Into the sunset night,
A solemn sight,
In loneliness he trod..

Riding along the plains,
With the wind in his black mane,
The handsome face beamed with pride,
And shot to fame.
But achieved at his own will he had not,
He was a mere picture,
At the hands of a brilliant artist,
Who was a mere liar.

The brush stroked,
As the paint revoked,
A fitting sight to see,
A young one seemingly burst with exhuberent energy.
Was it a masterpiece because it held promises,
Perhaps of beauty unprecedented?
Or did it hold a story untold,
Of a lonely soul resented?

Resented 'cause we all know,
Within our hearts, we do not show,
That the young colt we endear,
Is a reflection of what we fear,
As we choose our path,
That we tread along,
Hoping that the horse that shone,
Would help our journey home.

None sought explanation,
Being only a source of inspiration,
Was the picture of the young colt that rode,
As in loneliness he trod..

As I Mature...

Remember I just turned 20? I've often been approached by people asking me how life has changed ever since that happened. Now I'm 20 years, 1 month and 13 days old. Its sad that after 2 decades of existence, you end up endorsing such disturbing thoughts, advice and ideas. They aren't meant to be merely laughed at. This is some real serious issue we have here at hand. Don't you think?

Courtesy: Krittika

The River...

The River...

Blink thrice and it falls apart,
Reminiscences of a dream from the start,
From between the two intimidating barriers,
Flows a superfluous reserve of unseeping tears.

As it touches down on fertile ground,
Suddenly the blessing is much too profound.
Sweeps away everything in sight,
Mirth, a planted belief- all put up a fight.

Encroaching on space fulfilled,
The foreign force ravages even what was tilled.
Still and shimmering from the top,
All for the best, especially for future crop.
But thoughts by underlying currents strong,
Into the past are pulled along.

Blink once more and the barriers shed,
Not peaceful nor steady, but in spurts instead.
More gushy and rushing the force is felt,
Rolls down my cheek and on my lips melt..

© Divya Sagar

Ah! so lovely outside today. I wish i could take a picture and put it up here. I haven't been out all day but here I am studying in my balcony, eating a sandwich. Been able to step out after almost 7 months! Nice to see people outside too, kids biking, people taking their cars out with their windows down, everyone's out from hibernation! Its time for all the short n skimpy clothes. Such a welcome change after those 2 tonne heavy coats n sweaters. I'm still looking for a hammock!:(

The Chemistry of a Kiss

Only your sweet face
Only your shining smile
Can ever whisk me away
To heaven for a while

The brush of your cheek
My knees turn so weak
Your soft sweetest kiss
Is tender heavenly bliss..

Lovely isn't it, the feeling? Well, allow me to deromanticize the kiss for you. This might help explain the plethora of emotions and sensations you experience during that very special moment of intense love (as some of you may beg to differ, this is to say that i used love only for lack of another appropriate word). Anyway, it's why your knees go weak, your palms sweat, your stomach does flip-flops and you begin to stammer. Does the heart really rule the mind? No. Its actually all in the head folks! Cupid has struck when the Limbic system in your brain gets overwhelmed with neurochemicals.
The cortex is the area of your brain that controls logical thinking, while emotions are processed by the limbic system. Ofcourse, the Limbic system is therefore the one responsible for kissing.
Blame it on the Chemicals!
About as many as more than stars in the night sky, the neurons (little nerve units) accompanied by a 1000 neurotransmitters do the job. Neurotransmitters are ofcourse the chemicals released at the ends of neurons, which help pass on information through the network.
The brain experiences a surge in norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin phenylethylamine (PEA). A wildly passionate kiss sends out signals to the brain which trigger the mood-boosting hormone serotonin. As a result, the person feels more relaxed and balanced. (FYI: Serotonin is the transmitter responsible for inducing sleep). The best known love-related chemical phlenylethylamin or PEA as it is called, then works much like Cupid’s arrow : it stimulates pleasurable sensations and contributes to that top-of-the-world feeling. Norepinephrine stimulates the production of adrenaline and makes your blood pressure soar when you’re near the person you’re attracted to - yet another explanation for the pounding heart and sweaty palms when meeting the person one fancies. These neurotransmitters attach to the so-called 'pleasure receptors' in the brain to create feelings of euphoria, giddiness, elation and the like.
So why is it addictive? The pleasure receptors crave a certain level of the different neurotransmitters at all times. Which is why you probably keep going back for more.

Wanna know what parachuting, bungee jumping and distance running feel like? Close your eyes and think of your most electrifying kiss!

*SlurrrP*

Ever found yourself ordering the same dish time and again in a particular restaurant? I do that a lot. I'm pretty bad at trying out new dishes off a menu. How the hell can you help it when you
have all these exotic sounding names. Ultimately all you get is the food minus the praise and accolades. So I usually decide to stick to what I think I've had before. But there are those other times when one dish is all you can think of when you embark upon your trip to your much (week-long-)awaited eat-out. Dreamy and restless till the food is brought to your table. The first aroma sends tingles down your body, followed by the bite, which is ofcourse, bliss.

Mmmmmm. Thinking about it aren't you? Well, sorry to interupt your yummy thoughts, but I would like to bring to your attention that a few people including me actually like to take the whole thing a step further and do their teeny bit to make you go slurp slurp.
Yes, I'm talking about those wonderful human beings who make the effort to simulate your restaurant experience in your very own dining rooms. Those people who cook and create, mix
and blend different styles of cooking and make it one tasty affair. Yup, it's those guys who make every effort to figure out what exactly they are eating out of their plates in the restaurant. Hmm, minced garlic, tomatoes, oregano..lets see..does that taste like mushrooms sauteed in olive oil?..umm parmesan cheese eh? Well that's a passing glimpse I can give you off my very own Stuffed Mushrooms recipe. Yes! I did it! I made some very exotic Stuffed Mushrooms for the first time. Forgive me for being so egocentric, but it does feel awesome when you are successful at something you've tried for the first time. So.. I'm thinking its genetic. God! She'd be so proud! I love you Ma!
Behavior, they say is sometimes a consequence of situation. My situation: Italian restaurant..amazing stuffed mushrooms apetizer..and very blah entrees..would-be-dimwit-if-went-back-for-mushroom. Now you know why I had to make them myself!

Generations Slip Away..

Well this one I wrote not too long ago(umm a week back)..If you're the thinking type, you might get the hidden meaning, if you're not, well, read it at your own risk. But this one's got two meanings really. One when you don't have to think too much and read it straight off the screen. The other when you read into it. Caters to both my intellectual and intellectually inept(people who believed Star Wars was going to be about stars having fights with one another) audience. Imagine if you were actually intelligent(or so you think) and didn't get it. What a blow to your ego!
Alright..I was only kidding. Read on..feel free to comment though. Lemme know what you think. My poems are only as good as the assumptions that you can make. Have a good Monday!

Generations Slip Away..
Darwin thought he had explained it all,
Evolution of all big and small.
We live to reproduce,
But 'twas but one excuse,
As Nature Selects whoever wins the brawl.

Not meekest but finest,
Not kindest but meanest,
Preying, chasing, swooping, pinning,
Are but the fine tastes of winning.
While one wins, the other muses,
Over music and withered roses.
The cycle repeats itself over,
Beyond the realms of knowledge you shudder,
Searching the soul only leads a yonder,
The meaning of it is all you wonder.
Thus, deep in contemplation,
Slips away, a generation..

Not slowest but quickest,
Not dullest but smartest,
Thinking, planning, doing, gaining,
Are but the fine tastes of obtaining.
While one wins, the other muses,
Over poems and withered posies.
And the cycle repeats itself over,
Beyond the realms of knowledge you shudder,
Then everything seems so clear,
When all is mortalized by the meteor.
Not a form is then left for contemplation,
For there is no reason for a generation..

© Divya Sagar

Rhythm's gonna GETCHA!

I love music. I really really really do. I mean who doesn't right? Unless you're one grouchy old soul! Anyway, back to what I was talking about, I can assure you that the Rhythm sure got TO me! Yeah..crept up on my tiniest little nerve unit. It all started when I took Music 101, this Spring. Musical transmission, music and memory, music and society...whee!how fun:). Pitch, Melody (such a breeze..lalala) and finally... Rhythm (grr). Some tricky lil technicality this is! It's alright if you're a composer. Then you're born with that stuff! But not alright when you're sitting down for 2 80 minute classes trying to identify the Rhythm and meter for every piece that's being played. Which of course helped me come to terms with how stringent (read:painful) and metrical Western Classical music is (although you've got to give it up for Beethoven, Dvorak et al. Some dudes They were). Anyway, today's the big Quiz. I better ace this one! I have to..! I've grown up with this stuff! Gonna have to gather all my musical brilliance to formulate a better way to crack the test! Maybe after the test, I can get back to a world where music is downright fun and entertaining.

Blog Bug Bites!

Well this one's just for the record- I'm an official BLOGHEAD. Yes, it's true. Believe it! A nice big juicy 'Byte' all for myself. Looking forward to writing more. Till then, you might stumble upon some of the things that are close to me if you decide to bum around in here. Now how often do you get to be nosy? Ok, stop staring! Get clicking!
Cheers!