Flight mein udo, Par pehle ye to padho

As airfare war esclates  and passengers rush in to take advantage of the low prices, booking flights 3-6 months in advance, how much do we all know about our rights as Air passengers.   Airlines will surely try every trick in the book to deny you your right, and obviously many are unaware of them and hence falling into the trap of the airline who never pay a single penny for cancelled flights and merely reschedule us to next day flights.

Having taken advantage of one such scheme, I booked my Mangalore-Mumbai-Guwahati return ticket for Rs 14400 on Jet Airways. I would start my journey by a morning flight from Mangalore on a Saturday, then catch a noon flight to Kolkata and from thereon, take an evening flight to Guwahati, reaching there at late evening all on the same day.

The first indication of a flight delay was when I was unable to web check-in on Friday.  At around 5pm, I received a call from Jet Airways Mangalore Airport office stating that my Mumbai flight was delayed by more than 2 hours, which would mean that I would then miss the Guwahati flight and would have to travel Guwahati on Sunday.  Alternatively, I could take a late evening flight on Friday and then take an early morning flight to Guwahati from Bangalore on Saturday early morning.  What was clear that I had to either stay in Bangalore on Friday night or stay in Kolkata on Saturday night.  I asked who would take care of my stay for a night at Kolkata or Bangalore as it was Jet Airways who is changing my schedule. That's not our responsibility, our job is to inform you before 3 hours, you can take it or leave it. You can take back you money which is another option, he informed me.  This is what DGCA rules are he further told me when I said this is not what DGCA rules say.  You won’t even get a penny as compensation or any stay facility from Jet Airways, come today or tomorrow, he reconfirmed to me. I promptly told him I would call back in half hour as my fellow traveller was still at work.

Made a choice to take the Bangalore route as it would mean that I would reach Guwahati much before what my actual plan was. Braced myself for a Rs 4000 hit for hotel and taxi, no doubt which I would then recover by filing a case against Jet.  Called up my fellow traveller, who incidentally was still work place, to get ready today and get me a copy of DGCA Know your Rights page and reach airport at 7.30PM.

After collecting my tickets, the first thing I did was to head to the airport manager.  This person in DGCA representative and has a complaint book where one can file their complaints, I was informed that I opt for the email route which would be treated on a priority basis. Moved on and collected my boarding pass and asked for the Jet Airways In-charge at Mangalore Airport.

Must say he was a much sane person.  He duly apologised for his staff’s behaviour on phone.  He said he was well versed with DGCA rules.  I asked him to arrange for our dinner and hotel stay at Bangalore failing which I shall duly file a complaint to the email id of the Airport Manager. He came back to us after few minutes stating hotels were not available and instead offered us a compensation of Rs 3000 each for the inconvenience caused due to change in schedule. 

  

My fight was for not for the amount of compensation. Think of the tickets being booked for your family with kids or senior citizen, what would they do if left stranded at Bangalore or Kolkata Airport for no fault of theirs.  Until we fight for our rights, Airlines will surely take us for a ride. 

Now, with the news is coming out that Spicejet, who began it all with the deep discount offers,is now cancelling flight frequently leaving passenger high and dry (http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-11-22/news/56362267_1_sanjiv-kapoor-spicejet-kalanithi-maran-controlled-airline), and also Air India leaving as many as 50,000 flyers stranded in October 2014 (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-India-left-50000-of-flyers-stranded-in-October/articleshow/45264447.cms) time has now come for air passengers to know their rights and exercise them. The DGCA page is available here: http://dgca.nic.in/kyrdgca/KYR_portal.html

We would be rendering a great service, if we take time to read it and then pass on to our friends as well, so that everyone is aware of their rights.

BSNL KA NAYAA TOPI SCHEME

"Make hay while the sun shines", goes a saying and Indian Telecom companies just seeming to do that.  Inventing new ways of minting money and cheating customers is nothing new to these behemoths who usually act in a cartel.  From activating unwanted services to wrong billing they have tried every trick in the book to fool their customers.  However, this new year BSNL should be credited for bringing the most amazing scheme to loot the public of their hard earned money. 

Charging SMS higher rates is an old story.  If you think you can get around the 1Re per SMS by calling your friend this year, forget it if you are a BSNL mobile customer.  BSNL has now decided to charge a higher rate for its customers who have subscribed for a lower tariff by subsribing to their Special Tariff Vouchers (STV) by saying it is not applicable on 31st December and 1st January.  Which means if you have purchased at Rs 44 STV by virtue of which your outgoing call are to be charged at 0.6ps per seconnd (36 ps per minute) for 30 days period, you will now be charged 1.5ps per sec (90ps per minute) on these 2 days. Howzzat ?? A 2.5 times hike for 2 days and also pocket the STV money too.  There is not even an iota of doubt if BSNL succeeds in this scheme and no one questions it over the next few days, it fellow partners in crime will also pick the tab and start looting the hapless customers.  Just like any other regulator, these companies too have one who like Indian police in old hindi movies comes after everything is done.  Hope TRAI wakes up in time this time, to not only stop this scheme of BSNL, but also refund the BSNL customers the excess amount charged to customers.  Or may time has come for for an AAM customer to get wake up and shake the whole telecom cartel. 

 On the lighter side however there is a silver lining, Government companies can think out of the box indeed..Hats off to BSNL for this "Topi pahnanewala" scheme .

http://karnataka.bsnl.co.in/upload_circular_doc/2011/1Blackout_NY%20Eve%20and%20NY%20Day_30122013_web.pdf

Gopi ko Topi

"Sooryange Torch ;)" said one, "Gopige Topi" said another (Good one friends, got a header for my article).  All in response to my Facebook status update yesterday, that my Credit card data was hacked and that I had become a victim of data skimming. Needless to say, given the good following I have have on Facebook and with enough comments on whatever I post, this was bound to happen.  Friends used every medium from BBM, Facebook chat to Whatsapp to ask me what had happened and how.  So, here goes the events of yesterday. The purpose of this blog is not only to give you an account what happened, but also to educate you what do if such thing happens with you.

As headed home, I received a call from HDFC Bank asking if I had used my credit card on any International website for a amount of 16K (obviously INR).  The card was in question my old credit card.  I had just got a new card in lieu of it and it should have automatically been cancelled although technically it was due to lapse by the end of this month. By then I had received one message stating an amount of Rs 710 was transacted (on some hongkong based website) and 3 messages stating my transaction is pending due to security reason after which I received the call.  

Remember that Verified with Visa & Master Card Secure, the additinal security measure is not needed during an International transaction, so merely your card number, CVV code and date of expiry can be used to make an International transaction on a website.  Immediately I had to hotlist my card by calling the bank which I duly did.  

So what really wrong and how ? 

Well, this is called skimming. More on this can be found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_card_fraud#Skimming

 South East Asian countries are notorious for such skimming. In case you visited one in the recent past, chances are that your credit card data may have been hacked.  The bank, once they come to know that your card has been used in such countries, usually calls you up to replace your card with a new one (for free of course). So please make it a point to replace you credit cards after trip to such countries.

What is to be done if you become a victim of Skimming?

Usually as mentioned in the above article, the issuer can easily detect Skimming (as my bank did), so here's what you got to do.

1. Block the card immediately either thru Internet banking or Phone Banking

2. File a complaint with your bank by email or using internet banking

(Note that, my card was with me.  In case its lost or stolen and then an unauthorized transaction happens, you then need to file a police complaint too)

3. Every bank has a dispute form. It has several reasons, just choose your reason, sign and send it to the bank.  The bank has to address your complaint within a reasonable time.  But here's the catch. Once the amount is debited you have to pay it, else your name will go on the CIBIL database as a defaulter.  Once the bank is satisfied it was fraudulent transaction, it will credit back the amount.

How was I saved ?

The card which was used had to be deactivated upon the issue of new card.  The card limit was already Zero as per my last month statement and it could not be in anyway used.  I presume this is what has saved me (altough its not yet confirmed)

So, all you travellers beware or as they say in Konkani "B" Careful :)

 Globe trotting has its own set of problems, thats what I realised yesterday. 

Defaulters Proposes, Banker Disposes - Innovative Banker cracks the whip on hi-flying Education Loan defaulters

If the saying "Simple living, High Thinking" suits someone the best among the vast number of people I know, it has to be Hariram Shenoy.

Currently working as Senior Branch Manager with leading public sector bank, he's been my all time favourite. Be it his sense of humour, love for travelling or love for being up to date with latest technology, he is a "Jack of All trades" kind of a person.

We have been hearing a lot about uses and misuses of Social Networking. Now comes Hariram Mam's latest salvo against defaulters of Education Loans. These smart chaps who dont turn up to pay their loans after getting good jobs and whose notices have been returned with "Addresse not found" have finally been located by him. Where else but on FACEBOOK !

In what can be said first of its kind, he has located atleast 10 people on facebook and sent them reminders thru email. A few of these smart loan defaulters are abroad earning handsome salary. They have been sweetly told that their Passports would be impounded, if they dont pay up.

One smart gal's who said she is unemployed, is working in Top 4 Chartered Accountant Firm according to her facebook profile. Mails are been sent to their HR's informing that these are defaulters with the Bank and cases have been filed against them. Poor defaulters, they must be cursing their luck. Its high time that more PSU bankers get into facebook and track these Education Loan defaults.

Hats off Hariram Shenoy for your innovative idea that has helped the bank and also served a lesson to these smart defaulters.

A good article in Business Standard

I guess I don't need to why this article is worth reading. :-)

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/madras-stock-exchange-ropes-in-new-members/421339/

Trip to Kanyal falls.

Hidden among the Kudremukh Range of the western ghats is Kanyal Falls. This falls is around 15Kms from Hosmar, a small village on the Belthangady-Karkala Road. Hosmarians are famous for their adventures. This time the trip was led by none other than my good friend, philosopher and guide, Hariram Shenoy and Madhav Prabhu from Hosmar.

Not much drivers are ready to take you to Kanyal. The terrain is such that only Tempo Trax or Cruiser may make it to Kanyal. A better way is to leave you vehicle at end of the tar road (or till such place where your vehicles go) and then walk till the falls.

The area now falls under the Kudremukh Reserve Forest. I was also told that earlier one could trek thru Kuringal and Alakapuri and reach Kudremukh.

There's no power in Kanyal village I am told. The lone house near the falls uses solar lighting. Its just dense forest all the way. The sunlight may not pierce through the dense tropical forest of this place even in noon. There is no way you can reach the place in rainy season. Around 15 families at Kanyal take all the groceries before the start of rainy season. Well, you just need to visit it to see it and experience the place.

If you love adventure, its a place to visit. May be thru a walk. The best thing I realised at Kanyal is that though there's no power, you are still covered by Airtel, through its nearest tower. What an irony ?

Please be informed that Naxals are active in this area (though we dint meet them during our visit)

PS: Pics uploaded in my facebook page..

Anup's Website


My friend Anup's love for photography is beautifully reflected in his website. He beautifully supplements the photographs with narrations as well, which makes his website worth a visit. Here's the link : http://anubimb.com

DDLJ @ Maratha Mandir, Mumbai

Watching movie is always fun. But sometime its special too.Its not everyday that you get to see a movie thats been running successfully for the last 14 years. Yes, you've read it right, 14 years.

Yash Raj Film's blockbuster movie Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge(DDLJ in short) has been running successfully at Maratha Mandir at Mumbai Central for the last 14 years. The recent mumbai trip gave me an opportunity to watch it (for the upteenth time) at Maratha Mandir.

There is only one show at 11.15am and the occupancy is above 80%. A huge chunk of unemployed (kasub-less in konkani) youth form a huge part of the audience. The ticket prices are also down to earth, with balcony being the costliest at Rs 22 (see pic)

Don't need to say anything about the movie. Apart from a great storyline, cast, superhit and evergreen songs, DDLJ was the first movie which opened up the most lucrative overseas market for Indian movies.

Shaking hands with Mukesh Ambani

Its not everyday that you get to see Mukesh Ambani. The best way to meet and greet him is at the Reliance Industries Limited's (RIL) Annual General Meeting (AGM). Having attended lots of AGMs in Bangalore, this one was my first AGM at Mumbai.

Its an altogether different atmosphere. The company holds its AGM at Birla Matushree Sabhagraha at Vithaldas Thackersay Marg at Marine Lines. The hall holds around 1500 people (Its too small given RIL' s shareholder base of over 20 lakh shareholders). No cameras are allowed inside. Don't try to take pics, for you may be picked up by plain clothes policeman, says a heavily built man donning a RIL badge. Needless to say, there are around 200 people from RIL who cover every nook and corner of the auditorium and add to it the security personnel. I had to keep my bag with camera at a STD booth in front of the auditorium to enter inside.

The attendance is good and the hall is full, but its small when compared to my favourite Infosys' AGM. The first 2 rows are full of old RIL shareholders who stood by the founding chairmain Dhirubhai Ambani.

But its Mukesh's show all the way. He enters the auditorium with a Namaste to the first 2 rows, talking to few old and loyal shareholders. Then he starts his walk till the back of the auditorium with namaste and shaking hands with enthusiastic shareholders for whom its a once in a year (or should i say, once in a lifetime) opportunity. He thanks everyone for attending the meeting. When he comes near our row, the person next to me, tells him that we (thats me and another couple, Mr & Mrs Pai) are from Banglore. In his typical style, he shakes hand and thanks us for coming down.

The Q & A session is well controlled. Unlike Infy's AGM where anyone can go and raise questions, RIL shareholders have to pass on the slip to Company secretary who then calls the name who come and speak. It goes on for an hour. Though I couldn't stay on till the final proceedings, its was worth a visit (though, I wont say its worth visiting again)

So whats the feeling after the handshake with one of the world's richest man ??

Just hoping that Lady Luck rubs some of her charm she bestowed on Mukesh on me too..;-)

Black & White..

While we Indians shout loud about racism based on colour, the happenings of the last week made me wonder whether we still live in a medival world, despite ours being an educated society.

The biggest evidence of discrimination of basis of colour comes out at the time of scanning marriage proposals. A fair skinned guy is expected to marry a girl who matches his skin colour.

The trip to my native last week was of great fun. It must be, after all its the Car festival and the time when uncles, aunts, cousins came from wherever they are to attend this function. As always there are umpteenth numbers of items to gossip around when there is such a big gathering at home.

There was no dearth of such stuff this time either. As the news spread just last week that one of my cousins was struck by cupid's arrow and even got a go ahead from his parents for his marriage, we knew that the young brigade was in trouble, for he had found a match for himself and stepped intot the domain of his previous generation, after all we are expected to marry a person whom our parents choose for us. To make the matter worse, he quitely recused himself from the event due to his busy schedule. This meant that we had to defend our turf, for we are branded as a generation who never listen to their parents. Though no one had seen the girl till then, somehow they got to know that the girl was dark skinned and was infact no match for our "fair and handsome" guy.

"So you knew about this, din't you ?" an aunt fired the first salvo inviting me into discussion with the gangs of seniors. I nodded the head in affirmation. So I hear the girl is dark skinned, said another. The family debates are tricky, you need to diplomatic yet not give up. Well, that showed he dint fall for her beauty, she must be a real good person, i retorted. But he could have got a better match, said another. I guess that "better match" meant brighter colour. One person feared about the colour of their unborn children. For such a foresightedness, I thought the person must be put into our planning commission panel right away and plan the next 50 year plan. None of them bothered to ask if she mingled with us well or spoke well, all were left wondering what made him say yes to that girl. Needless to say all people in the previous generation were well educated and work with the finesh organisations in the country.

The discussion left me wondering whether education took us back or forth in time ?

"2 States" - Full Time Pass

My B'lore visit for a day coincided with the release of Chetan Bhagath's new release "2 States".

Being touted as an autobiographical of the author himself, the novel is about a Punjabi boy falling in love with a Tamil girl. Their story of how they convince their parents.

Whats special about Chetan is that he writes just what the Gen X (or Gen Y) wants. And what helps is he is not a novelist by profession. This one point is common to all his novels so far and hence NYT has described him as the best selling author of India.

The theme resembles Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, where though in love, the boy and the girl dont want to elope and want that their parents accept their choice. Hence, the boy goes to woo the girls family. The extension in the is that the girl too decides too gain acceptance from groom's family.

I must say its well written. His comic timing reminds me of Paresh Rawal, just too good. The author brilliantly brings out the cultural differences between the north and the south. Its just like Northies are from Venus and Southies are from Mars. The stark contrast is brought out in a humourous way which keeps you absorbed till the end.

The first half dwell with how they meet, become friends and then fall in love. While the second half is how Raj is accepted by Ananya' family and Ananya by Raj's family. Its a bollywood masala movie written into a book with "Kahani me Twist" in the end. Pukka Film material. All this happened to the author himself is purely co-incidental.

Also what makes his books a best seller is the price. At Rs 95, this book by Rupa & Co is a value buy. With no good films this week, I just picked it up and finished it off by the time I reached Mangalore.

So go out and pick you copy now and start reading.... 2 States, Jai Ho...

Austerity Drive - Apun ka Ishtyle.

One of the lessons learnt during the recession of the past year is to cut cost wherever you can. Just like the Austerity drive started by proxy PM our country. But long before she started it, I was already on austerity drive.

Thanks to the day train between Mangalore and Bangalore, travelling has become cheaper. It costs just Rs 126 (101 B.Fees + 15 Res. Charges + 10 IRCTC service charges). Whats more, you can get the tickets even till the previous evening. Its just a God send gift for people who are fed up of the condition of the road between the two cities.

Also an advantage for me is that it stops at Yeshwanthpur which is just a mile from my habitat in Bangalore.

It also gives you a chance to see the beauty of nature between Subramanya Road and Sakleshpur as it tranverses through the western ghats(Photos have already been uploaded into orkut)

And last but not the least, it gives me lots of time to read books, mags and newspapers which i carry (finished reading Chetan Bhagat's " 2 States" this time, more abt it later)

So if you are a traveller between these two cities, just take this train and see the difference.

Hmm.. Its been a long time since I have blogged.. Neither I have got any work nor time.. Anyway, visited Goa with friends. Thanks to Anoop's super SLR cam, his love for photography and writing, me and jayanth had nothing.

So here's the link to his write up on the Goa Trip
http://chitra-vihaar.blogspot.com/2009/10/dudhsagar-waterfall-trek.html

Do give a feedback.. He wrote all that I had to write.

Truly Inspiring...

One day I decided to quit...I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality...

I wanted to quit my life.I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I asked, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me... "Look around", He said..

"Do you see the fern and the bamboo?""Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.

I gave them light.I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth.

Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed.

But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year, the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.

And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

He said."In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.

But I would not quit. In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed.

I would not quit." He said."Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant.

But just 6months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.

It had spent the five years growing roots.

Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.

I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

He asked me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots".

"I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you."

"Don't compare yourself to others." He said.

"The bamboo had a different Purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful." "Your time will come", God said to me."You will rise high"

"How high should I rise?" I asked. "How high will the bamboo rise?"

He asked in return. "As high as it can?" I questioned.

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

I left the forest and brought back this story.

Courtesy: Forwarded message from Naresh

An year into enterpreneurship

It an year since I started off as an independent stock broker and its been really great. The amazing run of the markets during this period has been a memorable one. And to be a witness to this historic run as an enterpreneur has been more enjoyable. From the business page, the news about markets has now shifted to Page 1, a tribute to the strength of the Indian markets.

I still remember a friend asking whats this "Enterpreneur" and what does he do ? And my good friend Shenoy pulling my legs all the time using this word. I still remember the days when i sat jobless at Karkala enjoying my break after leaving my job and before starting up office. During the times when everyone was looking to earn a good salary with a risk free employment, here I was leaving a good job (that too in Bangalore) just to return back to Ujire. And for what, to become a stock broker. One of the finest advice was from a good friend from Karkal Puranik Mam (who's also a stock broker) who narrating his own experience told me, " Its difficult to get a bride for a stock broker, so just think again" (PS: Of course, when i met him more recently and reminded him about this, he had changed his view on the above subject)

What I have gained during the last year ? Well, I work like a true MNC (strictly for 5 days a week), be at home during weekends, attend almost all samaradhanes in Karkal & Mulki, get to visit festivities at these places, watch movies at Adlabs.

Coming to what i miss, I miss my friends in Bangalore. And also my addas with friends Mayuri, Mcdonalds, Adiga, Upahara Darshini, Paddu, Shantisagar Paav Bhaaji n Dahi puri, Ganesh Juice centre and vada pav at Rajvardhan. Also none of my good friends are here now, they are all at different places.

I can see a change around. When i started investing at 21, people used to tell me stock markets are gambling and its like a aclohol, so better avoid it. Now the same people ask me about investing in stocks. As they say, hmmmmm success changes everything, isnt it ?

Am i planning to quit ? Well, yes, if one of the following 2 things happens:

1. Government decides that markets will be open even on saturday (obviously to boost Service tax and Securities Transaction Tax collections for the government)
2. If i am able to acquire 0.01% stake in my favourite stock, Reliance Industries Ltd (Someone please calculate the amount and mail me :) )

Then, there's lot of speculation about my income. Well, my comments, "Denewala jab bhi deta, deta chappar phadke"

Of Sensex and new records

I still remember being ecstatic when sensex hit 10K. That that time I thought it was a great achievement by the markets. Now a realise it was a small milestone and a precursor to the things yet to come as we have seen over the past 18 months.

Let me first make it clear SENSEX has nothing to do with SENSE or SEX, its just the acronym of Sensitiviy Index. It needs no reason to rise or fall. A sneezing Sonia, a harsh talk by FM or ever changing stance of the Left can bring it down or pull it up all in a matter of few hours (or minutes like last wednesday).

But one thing is for sure. This market is not going to retrace in a hurry. And today has been a historic day. Its up by 879 point thus recording the single largest gain in its history. This whole month itself has been a memorable one for me. After missing the bull run in September (was in Pune for training at National Insurance Academy during last two weeks of September) I was ruing missing watching the largest gain of 600 point during my stay there. But all that was made up on October 9th (incidentally, its my good friend Sandeep's Birthday too) when markets raised more than 700 points.

After a brief break, markets are at back at doing what they do best. Open up, move up and up and up. Records they say are meant to be broken, but so soon, i never imagined. The tremendous amount of money (both domestic and foreign) are taking it up.

Well its all begining, aage aage dekho hota hai kya !

Pic: Yours truelly at BSE building during the recent visit to Mumbai

Mungaru Male - a must watch

I must admit that this has been the best movie i have watched over the past year, hindi movies
included. Everything is right in the movie-storyline, narration, acting, music, dialogues. It
doesnt have any superstar in it, yet leaves a incredible mark on you.

Starring "Comedy Time" Ganesh (a familiar face on Udaya TV where he anchors Comedy Time and has just one film as hero to his credit before this) and new comer Sanjana Gandhi along with Anantanag in supporting role.

Shot is beautiful locales of Malnad including Jog, the film is a visual treat. Shots at Jog falls
are amazing and hats off to cinematographer for such as amazing work. Music is another plus point. Music by Mano Murthy (of Amruthadhare fame) is melodious and can be listen again and again. The lyrics of songs are well written too. This guy is a NRI just comes here once a while, creates some great music and its a super-hit already. Lending their voices are Sonu Nigam, Kunal Ganjawala, Udit Narayan, Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan.

Ganesh is the heart and soul of the film. From comedy scenes to tragic ones, he executes each scene perfectly. His timing, dialogue delivery and language have been rightly exploited by the director. His expressive eyes expresses his feeling in the right manner.

Heroine is beautiful and has done a good job. Anantanag as her deaf father, is as usual, in his
natural self, comes out with another astounding perfomance.

Director Yogaraj Bhat deserves a pat on the back for such a good movie. Keep up the good job.

Of weekends and reunions

The greatest irony of life has been that when i have relocated to my native place, most of my close friends are now living at far away places and have been meeting them once in bluemoon.

Over the past few weekends, i am really busy with catching up with such old friends. Jayanth's
visit was a surprise indeed. He just landed from US just like me dropping into mulki from ujire. No information of his impending visit at all. Sandeep was here for Kodiyal Teru, Ditto with dilip. Meanwhile, Deepak had been to belthangady in the previous week.

All in all busy weekends since a month.

Guru, Inspired by Life....

"Nakal mein bhi akal chahiye", goes an hindi saying and must say this aptly suits Maniratnam's
movie, Guru. Inspired by the life of Reliance founder Dhirubhai Ambani, Guru is an enjoyable movie.

The director denies that its anyone's life story, but the jury is out already.Just like DA, Guru is
doesnt complete his education, works in gulf as a petrol pump attendant, comes back to india to
find wealth in polyester and then into refining, suffers paraltyic attack. Thank God, Guru has only 2 daughter unlike DA who had 2 daughters and 2 (illustrious) sons.

Full marks to Abhishek who performs the lead role with ease. He is just awesome and the journey from a flop hero to sharing hits with co-stars to now, where he carries the whole film on his own is truelly amazing (Please note that yours truelly is a big AB Baby fan since Refugee days). Aishwarya is good too. Given the role of a simpleton village girl, she wears simple dresses and looks she looks more beautiful with lesser makeup reminds me of John Keats saying "A thing of beauty is a joy forever"(Needless to say i am an Aishwarya fan too, moreover
"enklena Uruda ponnatta"). Ab itni sundar heroine hogi to hero ko pyaar to hoga hi naa ?

Mithun is a revealation indeed. Mani, as in the past, has brought out roles other than the lead pair are well. Madhavan and Vidya Balan do justice to their roles as well. Music by A R Rahmanis outstanding, especially the theme music. Cinematography has been given back to Rajiv Menon, after a long stint with Santosh Sivan and has done a good job too.

All in all a good movie.

The only thing i dislike about my profession is that i get too few holidays and that too are mandated by exchanges. Its a different issue that i overcome this problem by carrying my trading terminal on my laptop, so that i can sit and provide service to my clients sitting in anywhere.

So whenever there is a holiday on a monday, i take an off on friday and plan a trip. If it was Hyderabad last time, this time, it was Chennai. I am always a shrewd planner when it comes to travelling (though i never plan my studies). Why Chennai ? Well, the target was to reach Vaitheeswarankoil around 250kms from chennai on the southern side. Its a place which is famous for nadi jyotishya, where a person's future is predicted thru his thumb impression.

Started off from Mangalore on thursday night by West Coast express to reach Chennai on friday afternoon. My plans went awry when i realised that no bus tickets were available to reach my destination from Chennai. This turned into a blessing in disguise as it gave me an opportunity to travel by bike.

Chennai program itself was a story of strange twists n turns. While my cousin Praveen Anna was told to go to Vizag on the day i was scheduled to reach there and my other friend Gautham had planned to visit Tirupathi with his friends. But luckily their programs got cancelled. Visit straight to their offices on friday and then stayed back at my cousin's house in Anna nagar.
Woke up early (tooooooo early if you go by my standards, let me put on record that i woke up at 4.30AM) on saturday. Reached Gautham's flat at 5.30am. Let me tell u about Gautham Shenoy. He is the only the second person i know who has travelled by bike from Bangalore to his native place (first obviously is yours truly). I had seen him only once before in Karkal during Okli this year. Apart from that, the only interactions we have had is through orkut or yahoo messenger.

We travelled through East Coast Road(ECR) thru Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Cuddalore, Chidabaram to reach Vaitheeswarankoil. The road runs parallel to Bay of Bengal, just like our own NH 17. Travelling by bike is really the greatest thing, though its tiresome a bit you can always enjoy nature unlike journey by any other means. Watched sunrise (Dont ask me when did i last see a sunrise), made a "Boni" to a restaurant at Mahabalipuram on our way.

The place is a Nadi Jyothishya industry in itself. I think you can find atleast 200 people who claim to master this art. All you need to give him impression of the thumb, date of birth and a few details which he asks for. The legend is the one's life story is written on palm leaf by Sage Agastya (some say by saptharshi or seven sages) and the astrologer traces the person's leaf thru the means of finger impression and date of birth. I too visited one of them who told some blah blah about my future. The exact predictions is sealed in a cassette (which i plan to throw soon or conceal it at some untraceable place, as it contains a bit too hazardous material) Copies will be given on request to anyone to gets it touch with me (obviously at a nominal 3-digit price, afterall i need to recover travelling cost as well as the amount paid to astrologer). I have no quarells with those who believe this, but i really feel that it was fake. Anyway, let me keep my fingers crossed on the predictions.

Return journey was pleasent. Had lunch at Chidambaram but could not visit the temple there as it was closed and was scheduled to open at 4pm. The route we travelled was the worst affected by tsunami in 2004. All through the journey we could see lot of rehabilitation work done by various organisations both national and international. Reached pondichery (oops puducherry) at 5 and somehow managed to get a decent room to spend our time. After taking rest for a couple of hours, we walked through pondi's shopping areas. There's not much to shop there (except liquor of course which is damn cheap - no use for us since both of us were teetollers and so are most of our friends ). Visited Mahabalipuram enroute to Chennai during our return journey to chennai. This place is famous for its shore temple, is also one of the UNESCO Heritage site in India. The later part of that evening was spent with praveen anna's family.

Food in Tamilnadu is never a problem. You get good breakfast, lunch and dinner everywhere. Visited the famous Saravana Bhavan chain of hotels in Chennai on friday for dinner. In pondi, had our breakfast at Adyar Anand Bhavan. Tried out the Khara Kozhumbu and button idly at Saravana Bhavan. Not only, i took parcel from Saravana bhavan at railway station while coming back. As the saying goes, " while is Rome do what Romans do", I always look out for local delicacies whenever i travel. A lot of local stuff in out of bound for me since i am vegeterian, yet i try to eat local food as much as possible.

Returned back by West Coast Express. Slept most of the way thru the return journey (which i like the most). Where next ? Heading to delhi later this month, so just wait and watch for the next blog.

KANK IS NOT JUNK !!

After reading so many poor reviews of KANK, finally decided to have a look at it myself. And I think its not as bad as it is made out by the media. May be it lacks the evergreen look of KKHH or elegance and grace of K3G, but KANK is good, in its own way.

I think for the first time Karan Johar has tried something different and a subject thats out of the book and thats why these poor reviews. I think , the problem is not with the movie but with people who cant see Shahrukh or Rani betraying their spouses, because they haven't donned such roles till date. As his favourites Shahrukh and Rani are getting older as years pass by and he cant send them to college again, KJ needs to find new stories for them and here he does pulls out one for them. The story is like any other movie where the lead hero and heroine are in love, the only difference is that they are married.

SRK is a footballer whose career is cut short by a leg injury and whose wife Preity is less caring about their family and more concerned about her fashion magazine or he thinks so. On the other hand, Rani is married to Abhishek, who is not a bad husband, yet they are unhappy. The movie is all about a bonding that arises between Rani and Shahrukh. He meets her for the first time in a park on her wedding day. As an unknown person in her life she shares her unhappiness for a few minutes. And then 4 years later they meet again. This time around their family life is under threat. As they try to save their falling apart marriages, they fall in love with each other. In each other, they find what they couldnt find in their spouses.

KJ sensitively deals with the whole issue of extra marital affair in a new angle. He portrays Shahrukh and Rani as people who are into an affair under circumstances where their marriages have failed. He raises the question of "What if one meets the right person one is looking for after marriage? KJ's magic really shows off in scenes where Shahrukh and Rani are together. Right from scene one where they are together, till the climax the movie reaches a different zone when they are together. Carefully choosen words and expressions make it a delight to watch them together. Though slow at times, he never loses the grip on the story. His timing is perfect in some scenes. Once again he proves that he can handle multicast films with ease. Music, Choreograpahy and Camera work are the other positives of the movie.

On the negative side, i think movie could have been trimmed a bit. And unlike his earlier movies its a bit slow and drags a bit.

Coming to the starcast of the movie, though his magic is fading, Shahrukh is OK in the movie. Perhaps overacts in some scenes, but even then he does justice to his role. Rani is the pick of the lot. Like me, KJ once again shows his soft corner for Rani. She gets the maximum screentime and excels in her role as unhappy married woman who falls in love. Her eyes does the talking in scenes where she doesnt talk. Her smile, well what can i say about that. It makes me forget everything else (Needless to say I am great fan of her) Abhishek is good, and better than Shahrukh. His role is meaty and his performance is A class. Preity has nothing much do in the movie. But whatever her roles offers her she does it with conviction. Hats off to Big B for his performance as "Sexy Sam". He is truelly a SUPERSTAR, even at this age. Kirron Kher, as Shahrukh's mother is also OK.

All in all its worth watching KANK, may be once. If you are in love, just watch it once and u realise what the movie is all about. Unhappy couples keep off this movie, or else this may well be the final nail in the coffin.

Think, i will give it 4 out of 5.

Sunday Special...

The best trips are those which are never planned. It started off as a thought and ended up as a great trip.

Engineering Exams are finally over. And the last man to finish his exams in our gang Dilip, arrived from Bangalore after writing his 1st Year Engg exams. The rest had finished theirs and yours truelly is of course the most free person on earth these days.

Finally after many days, woke up at 7AM (hadnt seen that time of the day since a fortnight i guess) and got ready for the trip. Like me are my friends, though i had told him to reach karkal previous night itself, Dilip was still sleeping in Mangalore. Had to wake him up by calling him and told him to reach Bajagoli at 9.30. Deepak was to join us there too.

Me, Priya, Sandeep and Sudhir started off from Belthangady. Since 2 Ds didnt reach Bajagoli in time had to pick them up from Karkal. Finally, "Super Six" started off after breakfast and shopping food stuffs, our first stop was Hanuman Gundi a.k.a Satannabi Falls. A picturesque falls and a great place to visit during rainy seasons.

Since the start was delayed we hadn't planned to visit Kudremukh but later on changed our plans. Drove straight to K'Mukh, now a ghost city. KIOCL, that Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd has stopped working after the Supreme Court order banning mining activities in the Kudremukh National Park. Our good friend Arun (who was Sandeep's classmate) was our tour guide there. He arranged lunch for at Co's Guest House(thats the first thing we look for, FOOD). From there, we went to a hill to catch the glimpses of the Western Ghats. And finally to Lakya Dam. Amidst this a brief stop over at Arun's house for a tea break.

Needless to say with 2 digital cameras we clicked lots of photos(If i develop all the photos, I am sure i will go bankrupt)

Had a great time till then, but the best was yet to come. Our car (Grand Old Amby) broke down on the way back just a few KM from the dam. Tried everything but the clutch wasnt working fine. While Sandeep went back to Arun's house to get the tool box, we tried to stop a couple of vehicle and tried to fix the problem but it didnt. Then came a twist the tale, 10 men driving 5 bikes appeared from nowhere and asked whether our car needed a push. They were from
B'lore and on their way to Dharmashtala. We obliged, one of the guy drove our car and Deepak replaced him on their bike. Bus aur kya ? Hamara Car aage aage, Paanch bike pichche pichche. They helped us reach home without any hitch. Can't imagine the situation if they hadn't arrived. But as they say, ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL ! Another great trip for me.

"Had fun ?" one of friend asked on return. Well, a picture they say, is better than 1000 words, so, uploaded the photos into my YAHOO PHOTOS. I think the link must have reached you by now, if u havnt recd still do mail me..

A Marriage, A trek and A hunt

No, No its not the name of any new hollywood movie. Its the summary of events of today, July 10th, 2006.

First the marriage - I along with my cousins Sudhir, Nanditha, Ganesh anna & Deepak attended one of our family friend's wedding in Chickmaglur. Caught up with friends from Bangalore there. It was a reunion of 6 of us who had been to Amarnath yatra last year. Also roamed around a bit in the dusty city of Chikmaglur and visited the golf course there. More time was spent of chatting and pulling each others' legs.

And the trek - (though i cant call it a true trek) - After lunch while Ganeshanna left for B'lore, Deepak suggested that we visit Mullayyanagiri. Its the highest peak in Karnataka. Since we had a vehicle we could reach the top of the hill easily. The scenary on the way to the hill was breathtaking. It was chilly and windy at the top there. Not many people come there during rainy seasons. There is a temple at the top of the hill for which we need to climb
around 300 steps. We somehow managed to climb these steps. Speedy winds, rain and fog made our climb a bit more difficult. Since i weight just above 50kg, my cousins were worried that i might just fly away due to heavy winds. By the time we went up and came down we were freezing and wet. Somehow got into the car and reached Chikmaglur.

On our way back visited a park (obviously to give some work to our digital camera) and Cafe Coffee Day (which actually hails from the city, it has its Regd Office here)

Now the Hunt - Well, the actual fun began here. This hunt is not about hunting wild animals. Its hunting of leaf called Marvala Paan in Konkani(Marasev,in Tulu and Mara Kesuv, in Kannada) This leaf is actually used in Konkani Cuisine (I think GSB people eat many leaves which even goats and cattles refuse to eat). Its grows between trees in the coffee estates. We had marked the places where we found these leaves, so as to pluck it on our return journey. The hunters (other three, excluding me - thats bcoz i dont like eating this leaf) Our hunters
did a good job (as evident from pics) and enjoyed the Marvala Panna Dangar at home.

All in all a great day..

Deep, Deep, Deep !!

hey, its not the jingle of Tajmahal tea bag. Its all about 3 people who are closest to me, DEEPAK, SANDEEP & DEEPTHI. I enjoy a lot with them . They are just too good people, lucky to have them as friends. Had a great week last week where all us had great fun at Kuntalpady. Thanks for being my friend Deeps ! :)

Was back at my school Anugraha in Ujire with sudhir today, after 10 long years. Caught up with old teachers.

Remembered King of Ghazal Jagjit Singh's beautiful song
"Yeh daulat bhi lelo, Yeh Shohrat bhi Lelo,
Bhale Chheen lo mujhse meri jawani,
Magar mujhko lauto to bachpan ka Saawan,
Woh Kagaz ki kashti woh baarish ka Paani"

My school :)

Infy AGM coverage in TOI and Businessline

My questions and quotes at Infy's 25th AGM have been reported by TOI and businessline. Here's the link

TOI - http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JQkcvMjAwNi8wNi8xMSNBcjAwNzAw&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom

Businesline - http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/06/11/stories/2006061101660300.htm

Enjoy.......

Infy's Silver Jubilee AGM

Investing in shares, today, has become a easy way of making money or people think that way. Gone are the days when people used to hang on shares for years and decades and pass on the shares to their Gen Next. Companies like Reliance, Larsen & Toubro have had shareholders who never sold their originally alloted shares. The passion of holding on to the shares for such long period is slowly but surely on the decline.

Personally, though I invest in shares to make money, there are a few shares to which I am sentimentally attached. So much so, that I don't sell it at all. And the list in headed by none other than Infosys Technologies Ltd. I must admit that its truly a "Powered by Intellect, Driven by values" company. Its annual report is a must read for everyone who is in the investment fraternity. If any company pioneered the good Corporate Governance in India its
Infosys. If I go on listing the "Firsts" standing to the credit of Infosys, my blog will look like one being sponsored by Infosys.

Attending Annual General Meetings(AGM, in short) of companies gives us an opportunity to meet the top management, interact with them on a one on one basis. During my stint at Bangalore, attended lots of such AGMs. But no other AGM arouses a passion like that of Infosys.

This year's AGM was held on 10th June 2006 at NIMHANS convention centre, Hosur Road, Bangalore, and more importantly it was the 25th AGM of the company. Me and my friend Narasimha Shenoy are regulars at Infy AGMs, this being our 4th AGM together. This time we were fully equipped to "shoot" the Infy's top management. While I was ready with my digital camera to shoot, while NS was ready to shoot some tough questions at the AGM.

I always loved front benches when i was in college, same here, somehow got into the auditorium and got a seat in the third row from the front. As always, the Chairman's address was great. So was CFO Bala's powerpoint presentation of Financial performance of the company,loaded a mix Bollywood n Kannada Songs. As someone rightly said later on, Bala can infact try his luck at The Great Indian Laughter Challenge for his great sense of humour.

Shenoy fired his questions regarding Investment in Mutual Funds by the company and Loan to China subsidiary. I dont remember the answer he got as I was more busy clicking his photos. I decided to ask about NRN's retirement regarding which there was a report in Businessline newspaper. I thought someone before me would ask, but no one did. Got the opportunity at the nick of the time and asked my question. I highlighted the fact that ours was the only company in India which gave an opportunity to physically disabled shareholders a chance to be there at the AGM by providing them a vehicle with pick n drop facility from their doorstep, free of cost. NRN thanked me for highlighting the fact and answered my question regarding his retirment patiently. My quote rightly found its place is next day's Times of India and Businessline newspapers, Yahoooooooooooo...... !

Icing on the cake was our meeting Mr. Vallabh Bhansali of Enam Securities, one of the top most Investment Bankers in India, who complimented both us speaking well.

All in all a great day in life.

The webcast of the AGM is available at http://www.infosys.com/investor/agm2006.asp
Catch me at sometime around 2 hours 29 minutes.

Fun Na

This one word sums up the whole movie, Yash Raj Films' "Fanaa". Being released with much fanfare, this movie is Kajol's comeback movie, co-staring her is Aamir Khan and the movie is being directed by Kunal Kohli.

Movie starts of well, especially if u are a Kajol fan. She plays a bling girl. She's vivacious and her screen presence it too good to be matched by any actress of genre. Aaamir is a tour guide who falls in love with her. The problem with the movie is it has a great starcast with a poor story. The director tries to mix romance n patriotism and sadly fails in both. The plot is so hilarious, that even a B-grade film has a better story in them. Dont want to share the story on my blog (Not b'coz of copyright problem but because i want people to be fooled by watching the
movie, just like me today)

Let me come to the few good things in the movie. The music and Cinematography. Sadly it ends there.

Aamir and Kajol are not the only two who are wasted in this movie. It has Lara Dutta, Shiney Ahuja, Kirron Kher who dont have more than 15 minutes of role put together. Tabu plays a cameo to perfection. Rishi Kapoor is a treat to watch. Aamir is a class apart, though his role is not well sketched he has done a good job. Kajol is good in her come back movie but doesnt have much to do. But their talent has not been fully utilised.

I think its high time that Adi takes up direction once again. We deserve more movies like DDLJ and Mohabbatein . As for Kunal Kohli, he use to sit and criticise every other director in Chalo Cinema. I thought Hum Tum was a great movie, and thought he had improved in his directorial skill, this comes as a shock. I think he better sit at home rather than directing these LATPUT movie.

A movie with such high expectation is not even worth its salt...

The never ending journey.

It seems stock markets have forgotten what downtrend is. When it reached 9K i was so excited that i wrote a blog. Now, i think it was a bit too premature on my part to put down my feelings. If i start writing blog on Sensex at every 1000 points upward movement, then i need to find more time and more words from dictionary to explain the never ending upward movement of the markets. Keep going up.. No blog on this till it reaches 15K

Sandeep, a photogenic face

When you are one of the smartest guys in the gang (Smart matlab, dekhne me smart), and why not get yourself caricarutised, I asked sandeep at Forum Mall on his visit to B'lore (incidentally that was his birthday) during October last year. It was then, we met ace caricature artist, Prakash Shetty, (formerly with "The Week", and now a freelance artist), there who drew a caricature of Sandeep. Here's the man with a cartoon of himself. Thanks PS, u did a great job.

Life at KP

Its what we call fondly call Kuntalpadi. This time i was there for teru. A new laptop and 2 digital cameras made all the difference this time. From morning to late night, me and my gang was all busy with exploring the laptop and digital camera. Needless to say, there was lots of Ismailing and clicking all the way.

Karkal Teru

One of the most eagerly awaited events for me is the the Car Festival at Karkal. Its the time to have fun with cousins. This time quite a few were absent, but that did not take the fun away from the festivities.

Okli on the day following the Hod Teru, was a never forgetting experience, with heavy rains lashing the streets of the town as the God's procession started from the temple in the evening. In short, full gammat. Nicer of the photos clicked are

My first blood donation.....

I donated blood today. Its the first time i am donating blood. You dont feel the pain at all, just a little bit of weakness. I think everyone of us should voluntarily donate blood.

Seeing my personality, he first checked my weight and then told me to eat something. After we returned , the person at the blood donation centre asked me where i was working etc.., just to take my eyes from the injection. That reminded of my childhood, when doctor used keep talking to us before giving injection. The blood pouch is kept at a place where i cant see ( thats because some people faint seeing their own blood)

Anyway, the other good things about blood donation apart from that it saves someone's life is:

1. Can go home early for a couple of days sighting weakness. (My boss doesn't my blog even after repeated requests, so no worries)
2. Eat and drink (juice ofcourse) before and after donation.


Seriously, i am really feeling great this day...

Sania Mania...............

The lastest pin up gal of Indian sports was in Bangalore for the Bangalore Open. And how could i miss an opportunity to see her ? Me along with two of my colleagues Ganesh and Ramesh where there at the KSLTA tennis stadium on VALENTINE DAY to see her. (I hope that the word in Capital Letters stresses why we choose that day) and then there was Dilip Shenoy (in pic) to accompany us. Dilip was there at 3pm, the first person to reach the stadium (even before the players) was treated with puffs and tea by the ticket vendor, we were told.

We three reached at 5.30pm straight from our office. (needless to say leaving pending work behind) Sania's match had not yet begun. We were lucky to get the front seats. Since we reached there from office, we could not bring huge Sania posters. Who was the opponent ? I dont know. Nor was I interested in scores. We were there just to WATCH HER, play ofcourse.

Coming to the match, she hit the ball really hard. She's a bit too erratic which along poor serves are her handicap, which fails her against good opponents. Actually we were lucky, she lost in singles the very next day. Frankly, All 4 of us were not interested in her playing style as much as watching her. She did lot of nakhras like throwing rackets.

Coming to the true point, she is damn beautiful. Perhaps more beautiful than she looks on screen. A great day and A Valentine Day worth remembering !!!!

THE 10K......

Well done BSE. I never thought I would see 10K so soon. If things happen is such fast time then i think i need to make a posting every month on Sensex scaling a new high.

The greatest thing this time was that i was actually on the trading terminal to watch that magical figure myself. Thanks to my office which posted me to Goa Branch as a stop gap arrangement. But the saddest thing was i was all alone in the office to see such a landmark event.

I must admit it seems that working in Stock Market related job is the next big thing after IT related job these days. Keep going ahead BSE, I love u.......

Bangalore or Bengaluru ?

Its the latest passtime in Bangalore. To get into an discussion on the change of name of the city from Bangalore to Bengaluru.

Well, I feel its a good step. One, the name symbolizes the way we call our city. And it would be great if everyone calls it by the same name. The problem with us Indians is that we havent yet given up the british legacy. They could not twist their tongues and spell Indian cities, so went on changing the names to suit their needs. And we even after independence didnt think of changing back the name of their cities. Until, Bal Thackrey woke up a good 50 years after independence, to restore Mumbai its name. As soon as he did this, everyone woke up, and changed the names of other cities too.

Now coming to the latest controversy, the name Bangalore has become a brand in itself. Its inspired the word "Bangalored" in the US, meaning your job has been outsourced. What will happen to that brand name ?

We, as native indians should support the move wholehearetdly and stop thinking about what will outsiders think about this move.

And, get ready for more changes in the names of city.

Good Bye, Jaggu Dada !

The most waited event in Indian Cricket is over. No, No its not the India's Tour of Pakistan, but the elections to the BCCI. After a tale containing more twists than a bollywood potboiler, the results are finally out. And finally its bid adieu to the Long Man standing of Indian cricket, Jagmohan Dalmiya.

Once invincible, a man from Bengal has no friends. His erswhile friend like I S Bindra have turned foes. Just like the other man from Bengal (Ganguly), JD will be cooling his heals at home. Dont write him off yet.

What reminds me of him, is the World Cup 1996. Probably he was the greatest administrator our cricket board had ever seen. He made optimum utilization of the cricket craze in India. For the game of cricket, which was always dominated by White like Aussies n English, he made the whole world sit up and watch India. Gone where the days when Ashes was the most prestigious series, he made India Vs Pakistan the most watched series.

Money is what cricket is all about. He made this "game of fools" toast of the nation, with sponsors queing to take rights to be associated with the World Cup and advertisers ready to pay huge amount to cover every inch of cricket ground. But after the height came the downfall. Favouritism, Corruption charges followed and now the outster.

Perphaps he was a non-political boss who indulged in too much politics, which ultimately resulted in his downfall. Anyway, thank JD for taking India into the centrestage of world criket

While Saurav's fate will be decided in a month, Jaggu dada might have to wait for a year to know his future.

Keep watching this space...........

Why dont Stock Exchanges have a Lunch Break ?

I often wonder while every office has a lunch break, stock exchange doesnt ? Why on earth should it work without lunch break, leaving dealers who sit on terminals hungry till 3.30pm. It would be ideal if exchanges take a break from 1pm to 1.30 or 1.30 to 2PM. SEBI, NSE, BSE kya bolte aap ?

Sensex at 9K!!

Its been a great day today ! Sensex has touched a new high of 9K. It was a dream to see that magical figure on the screen. Hope to see 5 digit mark on the Sensex soon.

So what's great about this run. Its proven many people wrong. In these days of low bank deposit rates, Equity is an investment which can beat inflation with its returns. Thanks to young indians, more and more money is flowing to the Stock Markets.

Hey, I am an interested party to this 9K thing, as I work in a stock broking concern.

Happy investing !!