100 things I miss from life in KJ Somaiya

Last month, I read a blog by Karan Desai enlisting 100 things he will miss about life in VJTI. I guess college life is the most carefree time in the life of an individual and reading about it made me recollect my days in K.J. Somaiya Engineering College. And I thought I should compile my list of things that I really miss from the days of K.J.S. So here it goes

100. Playing cricket at Neelkanth Valley ground courtsey Ankit.
99. Mass Xeroxing of whatever notes one could get hold off.
98. Taku-Taku aka Squash on 2nd floor terrace.
97. Cutting hours doing nothing at the slope.
96. Long Mafia games with no winners.
95. Vinod sir's lectures. One always had their doubts cleared when Vinod started explaining things.
94. Vinod's forgetting habits. Its a legend of KJS Extc batch of 2007.
93. The eventful history quiz during grading of CP-1 journal.
92. Creating carbon copies of journals and assignments.
91. Sitting at the entrance before the exams doing last minute revisions for the upteenth time.
90. Keeping a quarter of the syllabus as option.
89. Rush to see the scores on the day of the results.
88. Travel on the 9:01 Goregaon local.
87. Visting Jeevdaani Temple after every semester exam.
86. Returning to Goregaon by 5.40 MEMU every Sunday.
85. Fighting for the right to occupy the last bench before every term test.
84. Putting proxies for students to ensure there are 50 signatures when the strength is 20.
83. Seeing the first bench empty in honor of Ninad.
82. Completing the 100s of pages of workshop journal in record time.
81. Bunking lectures with alarming regularity.
80. Attending Talale/Byju/Vakils classes.
79. Practicals - where practically nothing would be done.
78. Lunch in the mess.
77. Seeing CR students await their turn for concession while WR students getting it immediately since lesser no of students from WR.
76. Three Nairs, three Pillais...the core of the Malyali group.
75. Industrial visits cum college trip. The wordings are right. IV kam aur ghoomna jyada.
74. Symphony, the cultural fest of Somaiya.
73. Shouting at top of ur voice for support of ur group in house cup.
72. Long walk from Vidyavihar Station to College, one which would leave u totally exhausted on a hot and sunny day.
71. Visits to khau galli in Ghatkopar.
70. Falling asleep in lectures without fear of being caught.
69. Idli Chilli and Chinese Bhel in Canteen.
68. Losing temper while awaiting Transcripts. how much time do they take to verify and edit a 3 - page word document?
67. Rummaging through lots and lots of documentation for selecting Final Year Project.
66. Spending days doing nothing hoping for the Project to complete itself.
65. The look on everyone's face on seeing the front page of Microelectronics and OFC paper.
64. Seeing Shridhar's name as the topper of every exam.
63. Submitting journal reports in brown file, which soon will be punched through.
62. Garam singdana at college gate.
61. Buying one notebook on first day of semester. This is supposed to last and does last an entire semester. Sometimes even a year.
60. Long discussions about the previous day's cricket match.
59. Security people warning about displaying IDs. We would remove them as soon as they left.
58. Prem kahanis of the class.
57. Winning quizzes with Sandeep. The only time I participated without him, I lost pretty badly.
56. Pulling NTD's leg about his habit of running behind trains and not girls.
55. Vinod's doubts. Something which is never in shortage.
54. Nagori sir's lectures, when nobody would be listening.
53. RAD's lectures in Sem 7. Right after lunch, everyone would be in sleeping mode.
52. Rajeev bhai's stand up one man comedy show. This man is simply the best.
51. Challenging KP Arun on the cricket field.
50. 5 day gap between two exams.
49. Reducing question bank from 20 to 5 for the term test.
48. Thakur sir's lecture. The only time, the class would be full before it started.
47. 75% attendance rules. Made every proxy count.
46. Visiting reference section virtually. The lack of this made life really wonderful.
45. Mustafa's singing skills. Would get a profit in any local train in Mumbai.
44. Running for signatures on submission day.
43. Analyzing last 4 papers to determine which quarter of the syllabus could be left as option.
42. One month break between semesters. This always felt short.
41. Keeping exact count on the number of multimeters and mouse in the lab. So that if any gets lost, the blame is not on us.
40. Wondering why all engineering college students are inside their college while Arts, Science and Commerce students always outside theirs.
39. Standing outside the window of hostel, just to get the latest score of the match going on.
38. Visiting Lamington road to get what not components for the projects.
37. Dressing up in formal shirts and ties for tie and saree day.
36. Monday morning term test. This was called monday morning term test cause you started studying for it on monday morning.
35. Catching 322 to Santa Cruz station and remembering those fateful 24 hours on one rainy day in July 2005.
34. Completing journals sitting in the departmental library.
33. Never reading the assigned text books (forget about the reference books). Always depending on the local author books.
32. Project lab with just one pc having internet connection.
31. Protests in final year against hike in fees.
30. 5 rupaiya ka hisaab on dabeli with Sandeep.
29. Composing short poems mocking on Prof Satish's style of teaching.
28. Pulling Ameya's leg for that fatal mistake in PCT class.
27. Comparing the return cost for various book depots.
26. Venturing into the badminton court and realizing that it is now a workshop facility.
25. VP and SP from the canteen.
24. Taking xerox of 5 different notes 24 hours before the final exam.
23. Discussion of the previous exam, which ended 2 days back.
22. Preparing for seminars, where u know no one, other than the prof, is going to listen to u.
21. Visiting Goregaon station bookstall weekly for Sportstar on return from college.
20. Looking forward to reading Kshitij every year.
19. Keeping a tab on the attendance record. Ensuring that it doesnt fall below that dreaded figure.
18. Rushing to polytechnic building for emergency xerox.
17. Sighting airplanes as they descend into the airport. Imagine doing this with a lecture going on.
16. Deciding always to have a paper presentation at the next TPP (which would never come the paper, not the TPP).
15. Vinod's mai jara RS sir se mil kar aata hun. tu yahin rukna habit. And then disappearing for an hour.
14. Sleeping in train and then realizing that your station has passed long back.
13. Shouting 'Present' during the roll call.
12. Creating xerox of assignments with such high precision that no xerox machine could have done.
11. Attending IETE events.
10. Final fun filled event of Symphony with a rock band coming to college.
9. Rappelling down from fourth floor during Symphony.
8. Group Discussion during second year. I will never forget that.
7. Cricket matches after college.
6. Arun dropping every catch on the field.
5. Bhivandi trip which lead to the shootout movie.
4. Card games during the industrial visits.
3. Being generally late for lectures.
2. Forgetting about the previous semester's course work as soon as it ends.
1. Being half hr late for a hour long tutorial.

IPL vs IPL

In the coming few days, the public in India will be enjoying the two tamasha filled IPLs which will be played out almost simultaneously.

Indian Premier League - The brainchild of Mr. Lalit Modi, the IPL after a very successful first season last year moves to South Africa this year. This move was essential after it was thought that with the elections on at the same time, it will be better to have the tamasha abroad.
Teams
Rajasthan Royals - * player - Shane Warne

Chennai Super Kings - * player - Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Kings XI Punjab -* player - Yuvraj Singh

Delhi Daredevils - * players - Virendra Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir.

Mumbai Indians - * player - Sachin of course, but Zaheer will relish returning to the venue where it all started for him in his 2006 comeback.

Kolkata Knight Riders - * player - Saurav Dada.

Banglore Royal Challengers - * player - Kevin Peiterson.

Hyderabad Deccan Chargers - * player - Adam Gilchrist.

IPL will be played from 18th April to 24th May. The winners will have automatic qualification for the Champions League in 2009.

Indian Political League - IPL is the basic strucure of the democratic foundation of India. Held every 5 years, its the most tamasha filled time ever. The ruling coalition cries hoarse about the so called development in the preceding 5 years. The opposition claims that they would have been a better fit for heading the government and want to be given a chance.

Teams
Indian National Congress + Allies - *players - Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi

Bharatiya Janta Party + Allies - *players - L.K. Advani, Narendra Modi

Third Front - *players - Mayawati, Jayalalithaa, Prakash Karat

Fourth Front - *players - Laloo Prasad Yadav, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Ram Vilas Paswan.

In addition there are many many more leaders in contention.

The IPL will be held from April 16 to May 13 with the final results being declared on May 16th. The winning party will be responsible for leading the country for the next 5 years

Back to the old ages

In the manifesto released by a political party aspiring for nation wide status and whose leader has not shied away from his ambitions to be a future Prime Minister of the country, its mentioned that the party will ban the use of English and Computers if it comes to power in the general election. So what else can we expect if this party comes to power?

1. Stopping the production of electricity. Electricity leads to electric devices, which ensure majority of the work is done by them. This leads to shortage of jobs.

2. Ending all industries in the country. Didnt our country and people survive before industrialization?

3. Having 10 guards for each politician. This way, for each politician, there will be 10 people employed in his security. So more employment opportunities.

4. No airplanes to fly. As there are no computers, its implicit that all airports and airlines will be closed. Only way to enter India for foreign nationals and NRIs will be by ship or road. People should travel within the country by bus or train.

5. Each state will be free to implement its own language. Only that language will be spoken in that particular state. People speaking any other language will be prosecuted.

6. However there will be a few English medium schools available. But they will be open to admission only for children of politicians.

7. All industry owners must give up their position in their company. All the people in the industry, beginning with the owner down to the last person on the payroll will receive equal salary.

This way, we will take India back to the pre-British era, one where the country was truly shining.

Wierd and Interesting Weather...29th March 2009

First moment - Bright and sunny...looks a perfect day

Thirty seconds later - dark clouds form on the horizon

Two minutes later - crazy winds...blows up all the dust

One minute later -hail storm

Thirty seconds later - hail storm over...raining very heavily

Two minutes later - drizzling now

Two minutes later - Rain stops

One minute later - Bright and sunny

Such is the famous fickle weather in Philadelphia...

50 hrs of non stop fun

Its a long time coming, but better late than never. This is a recollection of 50 hours of total fun filled enjoyment which had us driving, hiking, camping, visiting foreign country by road without necessary documents and witnessing the grand spectacle that is called the Niagara Falls. Ever since Pragathi organized the hiking trip to Ridley Creek State Park, we have been planning another hiking trip. After lot of discussions and persuasions, we finally had all things sorted out. There were total of 6 of us. Vinayak, Shankar, Prasanna, Vamsi, Jimit and yours trully decided to go hiking to the Pine Creek State Park, camping in Presque Isle State Park and then pay a visit to Niagara.

So it was 3 in the morning of 23rd August that we started out for Pine Creek State Park. The 5 hour ride through rural Pennsylvania was simply amazing. Seeing the sunrise over the countryside is a wonderful experience. We reached the start of the hiking trail at 7.30. Taking a short break, we started on the famous Turkey path, path which winds down the slopes of the first mountain, crosses the Pine Creek and then climbs up the second mountain. It was a wonderful hike, one which had us straining for every ounce of energy that the body could get. We stopped at a waterfall to have a delicious break fast. After finishing break fast, we made steady progress towards the creek. Crossing the creek was a wonderful experience as it has to be crossed by foot through the river bed. There is no bridge for crossing over. A strenuous climb on the other side ensued as we made for the top of the opposite mountain. The view from the top was stunning and gave us a good indication to the challenge that lay ahead of us. That is getting back to our starting position. The down climb was pretty simple followed by the crossing of the creek. Another energy sapping up climb and we had finished our hike. It was tiring, it was strenuous, but it was satisfying. We were a picture of mental satisfaction as we headed towards our car. The five hour hike had us enjoying some of the most wonderful scenery. Nature has created several master pieces which can be enjoyed by man and Pine Creek is one of them. Pine creek is also called the grand canyon of Pennsylvania as the pine creek literally creates a canyon between the two mountains.

So with the wonderful hike done, we were off to our next destination. Presque Isle State Park is a wonderful peninsula inside Lake Erie near the town of Erie in Pennsylvania. On the way, we stop at a lovely park to eat lunch and have some rest. Its a nice drive and we eventually reach Erie by 5 pm. Its already late for hiring a bicycle and so we head on foot to the best beach among the 18 odd beaches scattered all along the peninsula. There's a lovely plethora of colors as the sun sets over Lake Erie. Enjoy waddling around in the pristine and clear waters of Lake Erie. Its a totally relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. I have visited Lake Erie earlier in Cleveland. But no other place can be as soothing to the soul as that beach. After sunset, we need to find a camping site. Finally we zoom down on koa campgrounds which is located a little distance outside Erie. While we have stopped for confirming the availability, a forest ranger comes to ask us if we need any help. When we inform that we are looking for a campsite, she directs us to the state park office. However since we had already got our answer from koa, we dont stop at the office. She trails about 5 miles behind us before telling us that we have left the office behind. Prompt helpful action from state authorities is something we need to implement in India.

Once we get to the campground, the next job is setting up the tent. Having seen Shyam set it up earlier, I am all excited in setting this one up. However its harder than I expected and I need the assistance from others before we can set up everything. Once the tent is set up, its time to prepare dinner. Grilled vegetables alongwith packed ready to eat make a wonderful combination. After a sumptous meal, its time to relax. After chatting for some time, its time to sleep. The next day, we get up to a wonderful breeze blowing. After a filling breakfast, we are ready to start for our next destination. The world famous Niagara Falls with its misty atmosphere is all set to welcome us. So off we go on I-90 towards Buffalo and Niagara. As we near Buffalo, Lake Erie seems to give us company on a regular basis. And then begins the small unplanned advanture.

As we follow the route mentioned by the GPS, we see a sign board. It says "Canada via Peace Bridge. Please keep your travel documents ready for inspection". As its a divided highway, there is no way we can go back. On inquiring with the US Immigration officials, they inform us that the best way would be to go to Canada, turn back and re-enter the United States. So off we go towards Canada. Due to the very good relations between the United States and Canada, the border officials serve as departure verification as well as arrival verification. So there is no check on the United States side when you enter Canada. Similarly, there is no check on the Canadian side when you enter United States. The immigration official on the Canadian side is pretty helpful. She insists that since we are already into Canada, we visit the Niagara Falls from the Canadian side. On informing her that we dont have our passports, she guides us back to the United States. So here ends our short visit to Canada. But when we reach the United States, we find that we cant enter the country without proper documents. On explaining our situation, we are lead into a waiting room. An officer hears our tale and asks for a valid photo id. He checks the name in the entry list and clears five of us. But Prasanna has a real long name and it doesnt fit into the computer. After many many different trials, his name is yet to come. Finally, the officer gives up and allows him entry into US. When all this is done, we check the GPS and find that instead of entering Niagara Parkway, Niagara, US, we have entered Niagara Parkway, Niagara Canada. After entering the proper address, we are on our way to the Falls.

The afternoon sun is shining on the Falls as we head for Maid of the Mist. The Maid of the Mist ride takes us into the bottom of the falls and its a wonderful experience. During the ride, we enter Canadian space for the second time in the day. But this time, there are no issues and we come back without any adventure. On our way back, we spot the Rainbow bridge. The Rainbow bridge is another bridge joining Canada to United States on the River Niagara. Once the Maid of the Mist is done, Jimit, Prasanna and Shankar head to the aquarium while Vamsi, Vinayak and me head to the river bed. We thoroughly enjoy the calm and serene waters of the Niagara river just before the Falls. After the other three return, we head to the Cave of the Winds. Its a walk at the bottom of the Falls and is really a superb experience. After enjoying the walk through the falls, we head for some food. By this time, its night and the lights have come on. If Falls during the day time is an exhillatering experience, the excitement manifolds during the night with a plethora of colors on the Falls. After clicking photos to our hearts content, we head back to our car and start our return journey. With routine breaks for Vinayak to rest, we finally reach Philly at 6 in the morning on Monday completing 50 hours of non stop excitement and fun. It was really a wonderful trip...

Spring time

The last snow had melted away, the frosty winter was over...
As the temperatures increased, the first leaf came over...
Signaling the arrival of the best season of the year, the spring...
and with it, a whole new colorful beginning...

As arise the new leaves and flowers...
Keep reminding me of their divine powers...
the lasting effect they have on the soul...
stirs the mind and body whole...

The fun filled time is about to start...
The season surely will play its part...
This is the time to shout and cheer...
Finally after the cold Winter, Spring is here...

My first love...............

I was as usual standing at Boisar railway station waiting for her to come. Seeing her was always a special moment for me. In fact I knew that whenever I saw her, my day would go in a great manner. And soon, I could make a silhouette in the horizon. She was speeding towards me at real great speed. And soon she had arrived, her arrival marked with a storm that leaves everyone mesmerized with nature's beauty. Her departure was equally sudden, but the moments that she was there, it seemed like everything had just fallen silent, time had stopped while she sped past me at a speed of 120 kmph. And she was gone. As I saw her disappearing into the horizon, there was a sense of satisfaction. I have full belief that my day will go good as I return back home after getting darshan of the queen of Western Railway, the Mumbai New Delhi Rajdhani Express.

My love with the Mumbai Rajdhani started in 1989 with my first trip from Mumbai to New Delhi. Headed by the twin diesel engines (ofcourse, I was too young then to know anything about the classification of engines), it was really a train to watch zoom past you at full speed. Since then for numerous times, I have found myself at Boisar railway station just waiting to get a glimpse of the passing Rajdhani express. Infact one of the highlights of my journeys by Valsad passenger was seeing the Rajdhani zoom past at Palghar. When the Rajdhani would be delayed, most people would be happy as that meant we wouldnt have to wait 20 mins for it. But for me, it was sheer disappointment, an indication that the day wouldnt pass by as expected.

My second trip in the Rajdhani was in 1999, when the twin diesels had changed into a single electric engine. The traction might have changed, but the aura and romance remained the same. When the Rajdhani got the first LHB coaches in India, it made me proud that my favorite train had triumphed over several other high priority trains of India like the Howrah Rajdhani and Bhopal Shatabdi in becoming the first train in India to use LHB coaches. As expected, I was there to see my beauty dressed in a new fashion.

Now, as I see the Amtrak trains zoom past me at high speed, I get reminded of my favorite train. The Amtrak trains might have a higher speed than Mumbai Rajdhani, but they surely lack the aura and the romance of the Rajdhani. The Mumbai Rajdhani will complete 40 years of service on 17th May, 2012. Will surely like to travel by it on that day. On 17th May, 2012 as well as the grand silver jublee celebrations on 17th May 2022. 2951/2952/Mumbai Rajdhani/The Rajdhani, whatever people might call you, the truth is that you rock!!!