Receding Green Cover of IITM

It has been a while since I ran inside IIT Madras so I have been wishing to get a run there for some time and the opportunity came yesterday.  I was on the last day of my 10x10 and wanted to squeeze it in somehow in the evening.  Since I hadn't run in the morning, I forced myself to fight the traffic and head to IITM instead of running around Boat Club fighting traffic.

I always enjoyed running in IITM and I still do.  I like the relatively traffic free roads and the green cover.  But yesterday, I saw lot of 'fallen' trees.  Some due to nature and many others 'felled' by humans.  It would tragic to reduce the forest cover in the name of 'development' and I sincerely hope IITM is able to strike a balance between 'development' and retaining its green cover.

That said, my run inside IITM was otherwise good and I was doubly happy having managed to complete my 10x10.  Along the way, I met these third year students who were waiting for the shuttle bus near IITM Research park entrance.  I 'coaxed' them to run / walk with me till their Hostel.  They reluctantly obliged, but that set the stage for interesting conversations.  We talked about many things ranging from technology to 'what after graduation'.  Good Luck Nikhil, Karthik & Sadhvik.

ps: This 'tip' merits to be in Senthil's diary (in Boys movie).  So, if you wonder about the 'tip'.. it is.. Sivan temple in IITM gives 'pongal prasadam' at around 6:30 PM everyday.  Made a 'note to self' to 'time' my future runs around that time... :-)

Kahaani 2 - Could Have Been Sharper

Went to Kahaani 2 with lots of expectation but returned with a feeling that the movie could have been sharper and shorter.  Like in earlier Kahaani, Vidya Balan is in almost every frame and has carried the movie single handedly.

Movie starts off showing the strong bond between Vidya Balan and her teenage kid who is confined to wheelchair.  All of a sudden, child goes missing and in ensuing panic Vidya Balan gets hit by a car and goes into Coma.  Then comes the dramatic twist about Vidya's past in a Kalimpong school.  All these does keep the momentum of the movie, but after a while scenes become predictable and one could also predict the next scene.  

Also,  I wish the story kept the focus and not branch out into to subplots.  Storyline should have just focussed on Vidya and the kid.  Instead, it starts veering into the first marriage of Vidya and the police officer, an unnecessary twist which just 'slows' down the story telling and doesn't contribute to the main thread.

But, I liked 'realistic' cinematography.  Art department hasn't tried to create perfect visuals, but has let the narrow streets of Kolkata and Kalimpong speak for itself.

Overall, enjoyed the movie and would give 4 stars out of 5. See it for Vidya Balan. (Rating - ****)

ps: For the first time, went to INOX theaters in Chennai Citi Center.  While getting in and out of the movies was relatively easy (unlike Satyam complex), sound system left much to be desired and definitely needs an upgrade.

Also, got to experience the playing of national anthem after the recent Supreme Court order.  My only gripe is that anthem version played was too fast.  It should have been slower.. lot slower.

#Kahaani2 #Movies 

Yoga By the Beach

I had been wanting to do this for a while.. got a chance today.  Thoroughly enjoyed the session, wish had done more..

 Sirasana - Doing this facing the ocean was tougher than doing it facing west.  It has got to do with the slope towards the water.

Anjaneyasana - Needed to stretch even more.. could have done a better job.. :-)

'Stuff of the Legends'

Who is the legend in this photo?

So, I bumped into this guy in my routine Bengaluru flight.  I generally dose off during this puddle jumper to makeup for waking up early.  But this time I somehow struck a conversation with my neighbor and that made the generally monotonous one hour flight interesting.

Guy next seat mentioned that he has seen me in some runs and boy I started yalking away about my running 'exploits'.  As I was reeling off my running stories, I too remembered seeing him somewhere.  So, I asked him..

"I have seen you somewhere too.. Was there a story about you in The Hindu?"

"Yes".. He said coolly and politely.  What I discovered later about him, squarely shut my mouth.. :-)

He turned out to be Sridhar Venkatesh who is perhaps the only 'Indian' to have participated in Marathon De Sables, the gruelling six day, self sustained 250k trek across Sahara.  I asked him how did he train for it in Chennai?

Sridhar said, he got an online coach and ran a minimum of 10K per day and a marathon every weekend (with a backpack) for the Sahara adventure.  He also learned the value taking 'salt tablets', which according to him is very useful in the long runs.

Marathon De Sables is definitely stuff of the legends and I am glad I got to meet one.

So, now you know who is the legend in this photo.. A big bow to you Sridhar.  You have inspired me to 'dust off' Comrades from my bucket list.

My Vote Goes to..

My Vote Goes To..

Tamil Nadu is under severe election fever besides the usual heat wave during this time of the year.   This election is also seeing a unique electoral alliances by various parties.  While Amma has decided to go it alone, Kalaignar has aligned with his old ally Congress.  After much dilly dallying, Captain has gone with 5 other parties, who have divergent views on everything.  PMK & BJP, finding no partners, have decided to go it 'almost' alone.  I hear BJP has aligned with some 'letter pad' parties who are inconsequential.

This election season, campaigning has come our living rooms.  Every party worth its salt has a TV channel and have been beaming their biased views 24x7.  We get to see political leaders zooming in their custom fitted luxury vans and their party workers toiling (and in some cases dying) in mid-summer heat.

But, I must admit besides the media noise, no party has made any noise in my neighborhood.  I am yet to witness the much talked about 'money' distribution.

With balloting to start in less than 24 hours, who am I going to vote?  Let me start with who I will not..

My vote will NOT be for AIADMK for a) promoting Sycophancy to the hilt b) making generations addicted to liquor c) institutionalizing corruption.

My vote will NOT be for DMK for a) being synonymous with corruption b) promoting family politics  c) poisoning Tamil minds with brahmin hatred for over half a century.

My vote will NOT be for DMDK alliance for a) hodgepodge alliance with diverse political ideologies b) lack of credible leadership (Vijayakanth is tolerated for his comic relief and not much else) c) not having clear 'common minimum' program.

Now that I have eliminated three major combos, here comes the two parties I would consider voting..

My vote could be for BJP alliance for a) Steering India's economy back to 'decent' growth b) reinvigorating India's foreign policy c) implementing 'direct transfer' of many subsidies and cutting middlemen. 

 My vote could be for PMK for a) consistent & early stance on prohibition b) clear growth manifesto sans freebies c) trying to prove its mettle by standing alone in all 234 constituencies.

ps: It's a different story that I can't vote, though would very much like to.  But, even if I could influence one prospective voter then this blog is worth it.

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் - ஆனந்தம்மாள்

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் #19 - ஆனந்தம்மாள்   (சுமார் 65)  

இடம் - சாந்தோம் சர்ச்   / தொழில் - பிரார்த்தனை புத்தகங்கள் விற்பனை  

" முப்பது வருஷமா இங்க கடை போடறேன்  ஞாயிறு ஆனா இங்க சர்ச்க்கு எப்படியாவது வந்திடுவேன், திரும்பி போறப்ப யாராவது வீட்ல விட்டுடுவாங்க ....."

ps: I met this lady in one of my Sunday runs.  We helped her get to Santhome Church by walking with her for about couple of kms.  All along, she kept talking about all kinds of things, but not once did she crib about anything.  When my running buddy offered her some cash, she refused to accept it gratis.  She took it only in 'exchange' for some religious books she sold him.  True to her name, she is fully of Ananadam and it is infectious. 

A short discussion with Anandammal

More Photos here

How is the 'random' check done?

With major parties grouping and regrouping, Tamil Nadu is reeling under serious election fever.  Only thing that is hotter than the election fever is the mercury outside.  But just the mercury is rising, so are all the election gossips and exchanges.   Leaving the alliance circus apart, I am always intrigued about the 'cash seizure' stories that comes out almost every day.   Who carries wads of cash around and how?  How are they caught?.  I got a glimpse of it yesterday.

As I was coming out of my office in TTK Road, I saw a bunch cops stopping vehicles.  By then, word has spread and people were talking in hushed tones about 'crores' of rupees being confiscated.  I don't know about monies part.. but I did observe a pattern.  

There were about 4 or 5 policemen along with 2 others in plain clothes and one videographer.  They were flagging down all small enclosed trucks going south on TTK Road.  Drivers were asked to come out and open the back doors for inspection.  What I liked was the entire process was filmed.  All the trucks that were stopped while I watching were let go in a couple of minutes leading to me conclude no 'illegal' cash was found.

I don't know how long cops were checking and if they found anything at all.. but it was entertaining... albeit for a few minutes.

Tags - #TNElections, Chennai

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் - Unknown Soldier

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் #18 - Unknown Soldier  (20+ ?)  

இடம் -  யுத்த நினைவிடம்  / தொழில் - நாட்டை எதிரிகளிடமிருந்து காப்பது  

" தினமும் காலை அறு மணிக்கு மலர் வலையம் வைத்து மாலை ஆறு மணிக்கு எடுப்போம்..நாட்டுக்காக உயிர் தியாகம் செய்த வீரர்களின் நினைவாக.. " 

ps: I saw this poignant scene during my run this morning.  While there were thousands on the other side of Napier bridge preparing to welcome their leader to a oath taking ceremony, this lone soldier was laying a wreath in remembrance of thousands who perished for the country.  While there was utter chaos and disruption on the other side of the bridge, there was not a soul to observe this ceremony.  I tried to talk to him, but he wanted to be anonymous.  Here is short video of the ceremony this young soldier did for all those who sacrificed for the country, so that people on the other side could celebrate their leader becoming a chief minister again....

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் - விஜயா

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் #17 - விஜயா  (63)  

இடம் - திருப்போரூர்  / தொழில் - பிரார்த்தனை பொருட்கள் விற்பது 

" முப்பது வருஷமா இங்க கடை போடறேன்  ....." 

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் - ஸ்ரீவத்சன் & பிரசன்னா

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் #16 - ஸ்ரீவத்சன் & பிரசன்னா  (29 & 30)  

இடம் - அபிராமபுரம் / தொழில் - பேராசிரியர் & பொறியாளர்

" நாங்க 21x 21 ஓடனம்னு திர்மானம் பண்ணியிருக்கோம் .. இன்னிக்கு ஆறாவது நாள் ....." 

ps: I caught up with Srivatsan & Prsanna on the sixth day of their 21x21 and ran about 6k with them.  It takes a lot to run half a day for 21 consecutive days in April in Chennai.  The heat & humidity is punishing.  Here is a short video on their motivations for taking on this challenge.  Stay safe and good luck guys.. God Speed.

Tags - #HumansOfChennai, #Chennai

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் - ஹரி

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் #15 - ஹரி  (26)  

இடம் - அபிராமபுரம் / தொழில் - இஸ்திரி

" ராஜமுந்த்ரி பக்கத்துல ஒரு கிராமத்துலேந்து ஏழு வருஷம் முன்னாடி சென்னை வந்தேன்.  இப்ப தமிழ் நல்லா தெரியும்.." 

Tags - #HumansOfChennai, #Chennai

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் - செம்புலிங்கம்

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் #14 - செம்புலிங்கம்  (67)  

இடம் - ஆழ்வார்பேட்டை  / தொழில் - இளநீர் விற்பவர்

" பதினோரு வருஷமா இந்த வியாபாரம் பன்னறேன்.. சிவனுக்கும் மூணு கண் நான் விற்க்கும் இளநீர் தேங்காய்களுக்கும் மூணு கண்.. சந்தோஷமா வாழ்க்கை போயிகிட்டிருக்கு.." 

ps: Sembulingam is a regular fixture at the corner of CV Raman and Ashoka Road and I drive past him almost everyday from work.  I sometimes stop to buy a ilaneer from him and have a engrossing conversation. 

Almost always, he will be wearing a bright smile and upbeat about life.  He opens his shop bright and early and closes down when his target is met.

Thank you Sembulingam for giving me a healthy alternate..

Tags - #HumansOfChennai, #Chennai

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் #13 - எங்கெல்பெர்க்

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் #13 - எங்கெல்பெர்க் (27)  

இடம் - ஆழ்வார்பேட்டை  / தொழில் - டெலி சேல்ஸ் (Tele Sales)

"எனக்கு முணு வயசுல ஜுரம் வந்தது.. அப்பலேந்து கொஞ்ச கொஞ்சமா கண் பார்வை போயிடுத்து.  நான் BA (English) படிச்சிருக்கேன், இப்ப டெலி சேல்ஸ் வேலை செய்றேன்.. ஒரு நாளைக்கு குறைஞ்சது 100 கால் செய்யனும்." 

ps: I see Engelberg at the Eldams Road, TTK Road intersection often.  He will be making his way against the unrelenting one way traffic on TTK Road around 9:00 AM.  Today, seeing him, I asked him to stop, parked my scooter, took his hand to walk him through the heavy oncoming traffic.  On earlier occasions, I used to walk with him only for about 100 meters till the left turn.  Engelberg used to stop me there and would walk on his own.  I assumed he worked in a place in that street.

But today, he revealed that his place of work is actually in Abhiramapuram third street and he chooses the side streets to avoid traffic.  He also told me the specific landmarks we have to pass to get to his office. (Sriram Nagar, Coconut vendor, Police Station, Narrow Lane.. )

I got talking to him and got to know a little bit about him.  That, his name is Engelberg and he commutes to work from Villivakkam.  He takes bus in the morning and takes train back home in the evening.  He leaves home at 7:30 AM to be in the office by 9:30 AM.  He leaves work at 5:30 PM and reaches home by 8:00 PM.

All thru 10 minutes of our walk together, I found Engelberg, cheery and upbeat.  Never once did he 'complain' about anything.

Thank You Engelberg for allowing me to walk with you, you made my day cheerful.. 

Tags - #HumansOfChennai, #Chennai

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் #12

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் #12 - செந்தில்நாதன்(51)  

இடம் - எக்மோர்  / தொழில் - உபெர்(Uber) டிரைவர்

"முன்னாடி நான் கடவுள் இல்லைன்னு சொல்லிண்டு திரிஞ்சேன்  .. இப்ப கடவுள் இல்லாமல் இல்லவே இல்லைன்னு சொல்லறேன்.. முக்காவாசி திவ்யஷேத்ரம் போயிட்டேன்.. " 

Tags - #HumansOfChennai, #Chennai

Chennai's BAD Habits - Digging

Chennai's BAD Habits #1 - Digging

Chennai seems to be in love with digging.  Plethora of agencies dig up roads for all kinds of reasons, most not valid for the much haggard Chennaite.  The road condition doesn't seem to matter.  Whether the road in severe disrepair or newly minted road, some agency or the other.. legal or otherwise, Chennai roads are continually being dug up.

Needless to say, after each dig, the digging agencies leave the place worser, though they are 'supposed' to mend and lead the road in 'perfect' condition.

After a long neglect, Prithvi Ave in Abhiramapuram saw a fresh coat of asphalt just two months back.  The was in fairly decent condition until of course, some and clean until some agency decides to dig it up.

For a dig like this, you would expect somebody would know why.  I started with asking the actual 'diggers' who were sweating it out on a steamy March day in Chennai.  They either truly didn't know or feigned ignorance.  Moreover, we had a language issue as well.  Like in many places now in Chennai, they were migrant labourers from Bihar / Assam / Orissa and didn't speak a word of Tamil.

They pointed me to their Supervisor, who did speak Tamil.  When I approached him, he first wanted to know why I wanted to know.  When he saw me taking pictures, he tried to shoo me away and when that failed, started 'threatening' me.  I just drove 100 meters from him and took the pictures & left.

Change the street name, change the locality, one could imagine the same in scene in neighborhoods all around chennai.  Behind each dig, some contractor somewhere is making money.  Nobody is digging dirt for free and why can't this better managed?  Here are my ideas to 'dig' better:

1. Coordinate Digging - City must work with all stakeholders  (electricity, water, cable, phone, sewage, Internet..) and draw a 'plan of digging' before digging.
2. Provide info to citizens - Publish an annual digging plan for each street with start and end date, including the contractor name.
3. Impose penalties - Make contractors pay for shoddy job.

I hear you, the above is common sense.  But then, they are not common practice...

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் - ராஜா

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் #11 - ராஜா  (சுமார் 25)  

இடம் - கோட்டுர்புரம்   / தொழில் - இளநீர் விற்பவர்

"ஒரு நாளைக்கு நூறு காய் போகும்..." 

Tags - #HumansOfChennai, #Chennai

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் #10 - பஹாதுர்

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் #10 - பஹாதுர் (சுமார் 50)  

இடம் - அபிராமபுரம்  / தொழில் - வாட்ச் மென்

"நா நேபாலுக்கு ரெண்டு வருஷத்துக்கு ஒரு தடவை போவேன் .. அங்க தான் என் குடும்பம் இருக்கு.." 

Tags - #HumansOfChennai, #Chennai

Know Your Chennai (KYC) - Napier Bridge

Know Your Chennai (KYC) #1 - Napier Bridge

I am starting another series on known landmarks with unknown history (to me for sure and many of you too..!!!).  Hope you find this as interesting as I do..

Napier bridge (known as Iron Bridge as well) is one of the oldest bridges of Chennai.  It was built in 1869 by then mayor of Madras, Francis Napier over Coovum river to connect Fort St. Gerorge with Marina beach.

A new bridge was added along the western side of the Napier bridge in 1999 to accommodate growing traffic needs of the city.  Thankfully, the newer bridge followed the same architecture pattern of the old iron bridge.  This I believe increased the iconic status of both the bridges as whole and has made it the most sought after location for Tamil movies. 

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் - அன்சர் பாஷா

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் #9 - அன்சர் பாஷா  

இடம் - மயிலை  / தொழில் - துணிகள் தைப்பவர் 

"இரண்டாவது முடிச்சபிறகு கொண்டாந்து விட்டாங்க .. 55 வருஷமா தையல்தான் பண்ணறேன்.  இராமலிங்கம் டைலர்ஸ் கிட்டேதான் தொழில் கத்துகிட்டேன்..." 

Tags - #HumansOfChennai, #Chennai

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் - கிருஷ்ணமுர்த்தி

சென்னையின் மனிதர்கள் #8 - கிருஷ்ணமுர்த்தி 

இடம் - மெரினா கடற்கரை  / தொழில் - காவலர்

"இருபத்துஅஞ்சு வருஷமா குதிர போலீசா இருக்கேன்" 

Tags - #HumansOfChennai, #Chennai