Travelling on European trains taught me how to eat!!! For example, having milk and sugar free coffee with snicker bar or cake of some description. So strange harboring on 2 extremes! Either deprive completely or consume till it piles on you. What stops them from adding few particles of sugar to quench craving for sweetness or quick energy and avoid calorie bombs? I could notice such habit because of public display of consuming food on transport and roads.
Indians are great gastronomic enthusiast and we cant deny that there are plenty of people living on street and cooking under the trees. We also find shack and gullas every few metres. But what I have failed to find is people walking with their food in their hands in public places. I have travelled by 3 different category of buses from cheapest to AC coaches but I have not seen even a poor child moving their jaws munching. Certainly no chewing gums. Other day when congress shifted shashi tharoor to ‘cattle class’ transport I felt like objecting the word ‘cattle’ used for average public who take shower and comb their air and add jasmine to their long locks. Their demeanor makes you wonder if it is justified to call them cattle class? They are more civilized than many other global citizens. In india generally consuming food is considered private affairs as private as combing hair (especially if they are long), counting money. There is component of sacredness and respect attached to privacy. Also it is uncivil to consume food and not share with people who are watching. There could be element of ‘nazar lage’ if you consume something that others are not capable of having without sharing with them. Whats amazing is most are carrying tiffins to work but I have so far not seen one person discreetly trying to eat an apple or hot chips on utterly long and boring journey through the city roads. Which also means they eat at right time to their satisfaction before taking to road as second nature. Also roadside gullas have cluster of people consuming in those designated areas without walking away with it.
I must admit though snicker bar with milky sugar free coffee tastes really good! And in Banglur I find hot chips so irresistible it is difficult to wait till you reach home! Becoming civilized is slow process!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Skip, Jump n Spin
I had unexpected chance to visit Ahmedabad again. Visiting home town always brings cool content after refreshing social links of generations given in inheritance but there are few special days when it brings extra cheer. Yes, although I could not play garba much we visited the Vibrant Gujarat celebration for Navaratri (festival of dance for non stop for 2 weeks).
A massive ground was coverd in smooth hessian not allowing a spec of dust to fly and comforting to the feet. Beautifully decorated gates allowed entire city to walk in without stampede. Inside the ground every year there is exhibition based on one concept displaying interesting details of achievements, heritage, projects, places of Gujarat. Some areas had temporary landscape gardens. They even had Maduradam (Holland) style miniature Gujarat with its hills and ropeways etc. There were makeshift temples, replica of ancient carvings of 7 forms of mothers from Vadnagar. All emergency services. Facilitating public services such as fire, police and ambulance. Number of stalls for local handicrafts from genuinely rural Craftsmen needless to add number of mouth watering food joints. Everything is so well organized and chaos and mess free, it is simply enjoyable.
Then comes the main part, the garba. I find the words most fascinating! Who is preparing to worship Goddess and how? And the lyrics describes everyone from Mochi, Kumbhar, Soni, Suthar (shoemaker to Carpenter) and how they use their skills to offer tribute to Ambaji in terms of creative and playful worshipping. Surely, in ancient times these labels were not social statements for high or low place in society but mere introduction of ones profession when yellow pages were non existent. It suggets in ancient times castism or classism was not used to discriminate or appeasement. Next comes special needs people, yes garba goes to celebrate how a deaf and dumb and crippled and handicapped joined in celebrating the festivity and faith. Oh, does that mean equal opportunity was weaved in social inclusiveness ? Then comes the shringar rus… look at how they describe Goddess herself dressing up to hilt to dance and in addition she comes down from her seat and villagers to join in the party times. Wow that’s is very in-vogue Goddess we have!! Thats just 3 garba sampling and there are tons of lyrics to suggest and celebrate many such aspects human existence.
I remember some years back there was monopoly of expensive ticketed club style dandia. Now this state sponsored free picnic for citizens have changed the scene. Young and old, highly skilled and young along with arthritic geriatric civilian all enjoy. As Keyur says ‘where would you find entire population, most modern jeans generation, globally attuned youth yet dressed in most traditional folk costumes and still flaunting themselves?’ Good thing is, to dance in main circle wearing traditional outfits are complusory, however there is plenty of room outside this open yet fenced circle and people walking in casually are welcomed to do garba in their little groups all over the place. To recollect the vibrancy and flare of each costume is going to take another mail shot!! Even the boys are dressed in colours and they spin better than girls. How restrictive for the boys in western world to remain imprisoned in blue and grey without even a day of vaction to colourful ‘me’. I think this colour therapy helps them detox and destress along with physical MOT to check stamina and energy.
The new metro passes through this venue 10 km on both sides. Metro is free and roads and tracks are ready in impressive way. When you see all dressed up families and groups and couples and vehicles of all sorts passing and walking through, you forget whether it is 11 am or pm. There is lot to write about inauguration and closing events as well. All the folk artist of other corners of india are invited to perform sharing the stage at same time about 800 of them as state guest artists. At the time of Aarti Raja and Praja join in together. CM of the state, top industrialists, artists and 10-15,000 civilians all sing together in pleasant dark holding diya in their hands. Hard to find such open air show anywhere else!
Jay jay Somanath, jai ho Gujarat!
At Ahmedabad airport the billboard displays the temp 42’ and pilot announces landing at Bangalore 24’, reverse! May be the heat released by youth using their energy in to the air!
Coming back to Bang is truly exotic experience. Again the whole place covered in banana stem/leaves. Entering my carpark makes me wonder if there in mass collection of honeymooners as each car is decorated with flowers and garlands. Some have 2 banana stem sticking like wipers and some well travelled vehicles had 2 leafy broom sweeping the roads of banglur. Its Dussera, remember?! Drivers spent hours doing puja of their vehicles as if it were a human. I will feel lucky if my heart warms up enough to do such gesture to at least a human. I have been told that to watch stately parade of gold studded elephants of mysore king the top ticket costs 5000 ruppees! Lets see if I get chance next year!
Let me stop before I impair your vision by attacking you with colours!
A massive ground was coverd in smooth hessian not allowing a spec of dust to fly and comforting to the feet. Beautifully decorated gates allowed entire city to walk in without stampede. Inside the ground every year there is exhibition based on one concept displaying interesting details of achievements, heritage, projects, places of Gujarat. Some areas had temporary landscape gardens. They even had Maduradam (Holland) style miniature Gujarat with its hills and ropeways etc. There were makeshift temples, replica of ancient carvings of 7 forms of mothers from Vadnagar. All emergency services. Facilitating public services such as fire, police and ambulance. Number of stalls for local handicrafts from genuinely rural Craftsmen needless to add number of mouth watering food joints. Everything is so well organized and chaos and mess free, it is simply enjoyable.
Then comes the main part, the garba. I find the words most fascinating! Who is preparing to worship Goddess and how? And the lyrics describes everyone from Mochi, Kumbhar, Soni, Suthar (shoemaker to Carpenter) and how they use their skills to offer tribute to Ambaji in terms of creative and playful worshipping. Surely, in ancient times these labels were not social statements for high or low place in society but mere introduction of ones profession when yellow pages were non existent. It suggets in ancient times castism or classism was not used to discriminate or appeasement. Next comes special needs people, yes garba goes to celebrate how a deaf and dumb and crippled and handicapped joined in celebrating the festivity and faith. Oh, does that mean equal opportunity was weaved in social inclusiveness ? Then comes the shringar rus… look at how they describe Goddess herself dressing up to hilt to dance and in addition she comes down from her seat and villagers to join in the party times. Wow that’s is very in-vogue Goddess we have!! Thats just 3 garba sampling and there are tons of lyrics to suggest and celebrate many such aspects human existence.
I remember some years back there was monopoly of expensive ticketed club style dandia. Now this state sponsored free picnic for citizens have changed the scene. Young and old, highly skilled and young along with arthritic geriatric civilian all enjoy. As Keyur says ‘where would you find entire population, most modern jeans generation, globally attuned youth yet dressed in most traditional folk costumes and still flaunting themselves?’ Good thing is, to dance in main circle wearing traditional outfits are complusory, however there is plenty of room outside this open yet fenced circle and people walking in casually are welcomed to do garba in their little groups all over the place. To recollect the vibrancy and flare of each costume is going to take another mail shot!! Even the boys are dressed in colours and they spin better than girls. How restrictive for the boys in western world to remain imprisoned in blue and grey without even a day of vaction to colourful ‘me’. I think this colour therapy helps them detox and destress along with physical MOT to check stamina and energy.
The new metro passes through this venue 10 km on both sides. Metro is free and roads and tracks are ready in impressive way. When you see all dressed up families and groups and couples and vehicles of all sorts passing and walking through, you forget whether it is 11 am or pm. There is lot to write about inauguration and closing events as well. All the folk artist of other corners of india are invited to perform sharing the stage at same time about 800 of them as state guest artists. At the time of Aarti Raja and Praja join in together. CM of the state, top industrialists, artists and 10-15,000 civilians all sing together in pleasant dark holding diya in their hands. Hard to find such open air show anywhere else!
Jay jay Somanath, jai ho Gujarat!
At Ahmedabad airport the billboard displays the temp 42’ and pilot announces landing at Bangalore 24’, reverse! May be the heat released by youth using their energy in to the air!
Coming back to Bang is truly exotic experience. Again the whole place covered in banana stem/leaves. Entering my carpark makes me wonder if there in mass collection of honeymooners as each car is decorated with flowers and garlands. Some have 2 banana stem sticking like wipers and some well travelled vehicles had 2 leafy broom sweeping the roads of banglur. Its Dussera, remember?! Drivers spent hours doing puja of their vehicles as if it were a human. I will feel lucky if my heart warms up enough to do such gesture to at least a human. I have been told that to watch stately parade of gold studded elephants of mysore king the top ticket costs 5000 ruppees! Lets see if I get chance next year!
Let me stop before I impair your vision by attacking you with colours!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Immersing Art
Otherday, I was watching this roadside artists doing last minute touch up for Durga Puja. I felt these artists deserve more recognition. They do beautiful job and devote themselves to their artistry. They even look as scruffy as posh and celebrated artists! They just completed their deadline for Ganesh Chaturthi. These communities spend their entire time making amazing statues in all different size and shape and postures. But what is even bigger than their art is their willingness to allow their art, their hard work of good six months to be dissolved in water. I wonder what would I do if I was part of their team? I am sure I would cover my creation in water proof mould and request my client to do puja and after symbolic submerge return my sculpture back to me for safe keeping on my top shelf as I loved That unique posture I created! Also is it not so amusing that each piece is unique as compare to standardized plastic moulded Santa we get in Tesco allowing many mouths to earn honorable living and keeping the art form organic and alive?
On the subject of allowing Ganeshji and Durgaji to take a plunge in the water, Indians are increasingly aware of creating environmentally/universally friendly Gods. In our society there is internet group for all occupants and they remind everyone on all these issues too along with other notices!
I am glad this ritual allows yet again another cycle of creating these statues, bringing a year long living for their families again. So in that respect maybe they are not selfless workers and also good businessmen to have settled for consumable items after all!!
On the subject of allowing Ganeshji and Durgaji to take a plunge in the water, Indians are increasingly aware of creating environmentally/universally friendly Gods. In our society there is internet group for all occupants and they remind everyone on all these issues too along with other notices!
I am glad this ritual allows yet again another cycle of creating these statues, bringing a year long living for their families again. So in that respect maybe they are not selfless workers and also good businessmen to have settled for consumable items after all!!
Copyrighting
Haven’t we heard that copying is the ultimate form of flattery? I would call it admiration for someone or something when I copy someone, if I do. Then why are we so obsessing about being copied?
I have seen every other business with the name Venkatesh or Manjunath. There is sizeable followers of Saibaba and most have names Jai Sai Nath. No one person has patented for admiring one God or Role model, simple.
Let me drive past Saibaba Ashram and I have lux villa gated estate called ’10 downing’(I deliberately wont call it ‘colony’). And I wonder why on earth this name? What do they convey? Power? Prestige? Colonial times, English settlement getting off the boat in the IT hub, reminding sweet times during London Holidays? At least they should have verified that 10 downing is not grand and has less bathrooms to add inconvenience to British Prime minister with new born baby. PM struggled to change the curtains and interior and finally moving to 11 downing. I have also seen laariwala by the name Buckingham palace serving roadside food.
As it happens Ahmedabad has great place to buy healthfood Khakhra. Lady who started it called her business ‘Induben khakrawala’. Either God gifted most Indu with Khakhra making art or most khakhra makers happen to have the name Indu. There are now more than one Indu Khakhra outlets. The original Induben has stared printing her own face like ‘most wanted INDU’ on her packaging. Don’t go by the name Indu, check out my pretty face before you buy it. If you have name Indu and want to start khakhra business by your own name why should you require check for copyrighting?
You cant deny other people of using their own names or their Gods to start business. Most Indians will not try to prevent others from doing something, instead they find answer to beat competition by introducing other innovative ways.
I have seen every other business with the name Venkatesh or Manjunath. There is sizeable followers of Saibaba and most have names Jai Sai Nath. No one person has patented for admiring one God or Role model, simple.
Let me drive past Saibaba Ashram and I have lux villa gated estate called ’10 downing’(I deliberately wont call it ‘colony’). And I wonder why on earth this name? What do they convey? Power? Prestige? Colonial times, English settlement getting off the boat in the IT hub, reminding sweet times during London Holidays? At least they should have verified that 10 downing is not grand and has less bathrooms to add inconvenience to British Prime minister with new born baby. PM struggled to change the curtains and interior and finally moving to 11 downing. I have also seen laariwala by the name Buckingham palace serving roadside food.
As it happens Ahmedabad has great place to buy healthfood Khakhra. Lady who started it called her business ‘Induben khakrawala’. Either God gifted most Indu with Khakhra making art or most khakhra makers happen to have the name Indu. There are now more than one Indu Khakhra outlets. The original Induben has stared printing her own face like ‘most wanted INDU’ on her packaging. Don’t go by the name Indu, check out my pretty face before you buy it. If you have name Indu and want to start khakhra business by your own name why should you require check for copyrighting?
You cant deny other people of using their own names or their Gods to start business. Most Indians will not try to prevent others from doing something, instead they find answer to beat competition by introducing other innovative ways.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
de-fine-dinning
I felt really demotivated after that bhakhree incident that I badly needed some booster to put me back in cooking mood! So they had to treat me somewhere!! let me take you to one of the newly opened restaurant. It would be more appropriate to call it food chemistry lab! Its an art, artistry, culinary and science and new techniques rolled in one.
At risk of sounding more like a teacher than a friend I write this…
Its called Caperberry. serves traditional Spanish, French, Italian, Greek ingredients but cooked with most modern technique. Concept of the menu was also different – they prepared Single main ingredient with 3 different techniques for one dish.
First, came complimentary Melon foam shot, super light, frothy and full of fragrance. Made with nitrogen. Lot of their recipes used nitrogen for cooking. This was served with 2 tiny cubes of feta cheese and apple jelly/jelo/tutifruti in a soup spoon.
One of the main dish had 3 preparations of aubergine. Aubergine cappuccino (frothy hot soup), abergine cannelloni (fine sliced and rolled with fetacheese stuffed inside), and baked/roasted slab of cheese stuffed obergine.
One of the dessert dish was made from apple. Spongy cupcake style bite size portion and garnished with apple wafer slice, apple sorbet with concentrated flavor and third with toffee style jelly wedges. All fresh.
Mushroom soup had five exotic variety of fresh mushrooms.
Oh, so you are saying you get all these in Inndeeaaaa???? Aur nahi toh kya?
(Caperberry, considered an aphrodisiac in Hebrew claimed to awaken senses. Its dark green berry with pink flesh and white flowers grow on climbing shrub). When asked chef if I could go inside kitchen and see his tools of cooking in vaccuum, with nitrogen and at ultra low temp and surface cooking, he said no big deal he could prepare the portion on my table if like!!
Now let me try something similar at home next time. My ingredient is good old golden besan. First technique steaming and make tiny portion of dhokla garnished with chilli garlic paste, second technique is boiling, miniscule portion of khaandavi roll drizzed with green chutney and finally the third frying in form of fafda , stack of 3 small squares garnished with diced green chillies.
See, Gujarati fine cuisine looks just as good and is also healthy especially when served on most essential ingredient for fine dinning, a big square white plate to arrange all three bite size portions diagonally.
Enjoy your weekend. Ta.
--------- time pass from menu till food arrives ---------
Deconstruction – Modern reinterpretation of a classic dish using same ingredients but different cooking techniques.
Cryo Cooking – An innovative method of cooking using Liquid Nitrogen. At minus 196°C liquid nitrogen cools the surface of food very quickly creating an interesting texture. At Caperberry we use it for preparing chilled mousses called ‘cryo espuma’ that are frozen on the surface and soft within. They act as palate cleansers and refresh your taste buds.
Sous Vide – Sous vide can be defined as slow cooking under vacuum at a precise temperature. Harold McGee describes it as ‘one of the most important culinary innovations of modern times’. It involves two steps and equipment. The food is packed in a vacuum bag with the help of a vacuum packing machine and then immersed in a water bath heated to the optimal cooking temperature. This prevents the leaching out of juices, retains the tenderness and flavour while cooking the food to perfection.
Espuma – Mousse or sauce incorporated with air using a nitrogen canister or bamix. This makes it light and frothy and helps bring out the flavour.
Caviar – A technique of containing a liquid by itself without any external casing in the form of mini encapsulations resembling caviar. When made to the size of a soup spoon it is also referred to as spherification or skinless ravioli.
At risk of sounding more like a teacher than a friend I write this…
Its called Caperberry. serves traditional Spanish, French, Italian, Greek ingredients but cooked with most modern technique. Concept of the menu was also different – they prepared Single main ingredient with 3 different techniques for one dish.
First, came complimentary Melon foam shot, super light, frothy and full of fragrance. Made with nitrogen. Lot of their recipes used nitrogen for cooking. This was served with 2 tiny cubes of feta cheese and apple jelly/jelo/tutifruti in a soup spoon.
One of the main dish had 3 preparations of aubergine. Aubergine cappuccino (frothy hot soup), abergine cannelloni (fine sliced and rolled with fetacheese stuffed inside), and baked/roasted slab of cheese stuffed obergine.
One of the dessert dish was made from apple. Spongy cupcake style bite size portion and garnished with apple wafer slice, apple sorbet with concentrated flavor and third with toffee style jelly wedges. All fresh.
Mushroom soup had five exotic variety of fresh mushrooms.
Oh, so you are saying you get all these in Inndeeaaaa???? Aur nahi toh kya?
(Caperberry, considered an aphrodisiac in Hebrew claimed to awaken senses. Its dark green berry with pink flesh and white flowers grow on climbing shrub). When asked chef if I could go inside kitchen and see his tools of cooking in vaccuum, with nitrogen and at ultra low temp and surface cooking, he said no big deal he could prepare the portion on my table if like!!
Now let me try something similar at home next time. My ingredient is good old golden besan. First technique steaming and make tiny portion of dhokla garnished with chilli garlic paste, second technique is boiling, miniscule portion of khaandavi roll drizzed with green chutney and finally the third frying in form of fafda , stack of 3 small squares garnished with diced green chillies.
See, Gujarati fine cuisine looks just as good and is also healthy especially when served on most essential ingredient for fine dinning, a big square white plate to arrange all three bite size portions diagonally.
Enjoy your weekend. Ta.
--------- time pass from menu till food arrives ---------
Deconstruction – Modern reinterpretation of a classic dish using same ingredients but different cooking techniques.
Cryo Cooking – An innovative method of cooking using Liquid Nitrogen. At minus 196°C liquid nitrogen cools the surface of food very quickly creating an interesting texture. At Caperberry we use it for preparing chilled mousses called ‘cryo espuma’ that are frozen on the surface and soft within. They act as palate cleansers and refresh your taste buds.
Sous Vide – Sous vide can be defined as slow cooking under vacuum at a precise temperature. Harold McGee describes it as ‘one of the most important culinary innovations of modern times’. It involves two steps and equipment. The food is packed in a vacuum bag with the help of a vacuum packing machine and then immersed in a water bath heated to the optimal cooking temperature. This prevents the leaching out of juices, retains the tenderness and flavour while cooking the food to perfection.
Espuma – Mousse or sauce incorporated with air using a nitrogen canister or bamix. This makes it light and frothy and helps bring out the flavour.
Caviar – A technique of containing a liquid by itself without any external casing in the form of mini encapsulations resembling caviar. When made to the size of a soup spoon it is also referred to as spherification or skinless ravioli.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Driving Force
Finally, more than a year after getting off the driving seat, I want to go behind the wheels again. After few trips to driving school to prove my ID and address I was invited to go for the test to get ‘L’.
As I enter the school, I see a frame with 3 Gods from 3 religions on the wall mounted in one frame. This frame is very popular in many places especially buses. I don’t think it is political statement, its just that they want passengers to feel safe sufferers on precarious roads. No matter who you believe in we can supply raksha kavach to you all.
I was given few road signs to memorize. Most were similar to any other place except for few with animals: No bullock cart, No tonga wala, No push cart etc . And what I thought was commonsense hand signals are now formally taught here. ‘This is for over taking.’ He goes. Meaning what I ask ‘I am over talking’ or ‘you can overtake me’? Later one. Ok then I will use it all the time, and Keyur will never need that one.
Now theory out of the way, his instructor takes 4 of us to RTO.
Rule number one. Don’t think too much. C’mon move.
Now we have been trained by methodical English driving school that we need to check rearview mirror every few seconds and same for wing mirrors. But here front mirror has been adjusted so that instructor can see from his passenger seat, while learner manages to drive without checking what he leaves behind. Typical mentality! We need to focus only on the road ahead and find space to creep inside the space available in front. To keep an eye on other road users is not our business and is total waste of time! To prove a point, look, rickshaw can never reverse, if he over shoots he has to make U turn to reverse 2 metres back or get off and pull the rickshaw back. Thank God they have not modified car engine to suit ‘ahead only’ mentality. Three point turn, reverse parking and all those minor skills will be learnt later on in real life situation. Regarding rearview mirror, I don’t think he means to be nosey but person who spends every waking minute in car need some live entertainment and mirror allows him to see what people are up to in the rear seat.
Rule number 2. Be aware of strength of your vehicle. As we drive forward, instructor asked to stop the car, called cyclist and hackled him for god knows why. If you have not worked hard enough in life to be able to ride bigger vehicle then it serves you right to be taunted! This land of Gods with so many variety of vehicle in ancient time lived in total harmony. Ambaji from her tiger and bruhaspathi on his elephant respected Ganesh ji on his mouse. Whatever happened to that?
At office, I went in chamber to see officer. He has no moochh and long dhadhi but has ganesh and lukshmi with fresh garland on the wall. (Everyone likes hassle free life with lot of money. Also, I feel that brainy professionals have luxury to hold strong political and religious views as they are confident of their skills and secure in jobs where as people in business see every human interaction as potential profitable business and are more tolerant) ok let me not stray and get back on road to driving….
He decided I don’t need test after all. And grants me L.
As I enter the school, I see a frame with 3 Gods from 3 religions on the wall mounted in one frame. This frame is very popular in many places especially buses. I don’t think it is political statement, its just that they want passengers to feel safe sufferers on precarious roads. No matter who you believe in we can supply raksha kavach to you all.
I was given few road signs to memorize. Most were similar to any other place except for few with animals: No bullock cart, No tonga wala, No push cart etc . And what I thought was commonsense hand signals are now formally taught here. ‘This is for over taking.’ He goes. Meaning what I ask ‘I am over talking’ or ‘you can overtake me’? Later one. Ok then I will use it all the time, and Keyur will never need that one.
Now theory out of the way, his instructor takes 4 of us to RTO.
Rule number one. Don’t think too much. C’mon move.
Now we have been trained by methodical English driving school that we need to check rearview mirror every few seconds and same for wing mirrors. But here front mirror has been adjusted so that instructor can see from his passenger seat, while learner manages to drive without checking what he leaves behind. Typical mentality! We need to focus only on the road ahead and find space to creep inside the space available in front. To keep an eye on other road users is not our business and is total waste of time! To prove a point, look, rickshaw can never reverse, if he over shoots he has to make U turn to reverse 2 metres back or get off and pull the rickshaw back. Thank God they have not modified car engine to suit ‘ahead only’ mentality. Three point turn, reverse parking and all those minor skills will be learnt later on in real life situation. Regarding rearview mirror, I don’t think he means to be nosey but person who spends every waking minute in car need some live entertainment and mirror allows him to see what people are up to in the rear seat.
Rule number 2. Be aware of strength of your vehicle. As we drive forward, instructor asked to stop the car, called cyclist and hackled him for god knows why. If you have not worked hard enough in life to be able to ride bigger vehicle then it serves you right to be taunted! This land of Gods with so many variety of vehicle in ancient time lived in total harmony. Ambaji from her tiger and bruhaspathi on his elephant respected Ganesh ji on his mouse. Whatever happened to that?
At office, I went in chamber to see officer. He has no moochh and long dhadhi but has ganesh and lukshmi with fresh garland on the wall. (Everyone likes hassle free life with lot of money. Also, I feel that brainy professionals have luxury to hold strong political and religious views as they are confident of their skills and secure in jobs where as people in business see every human interaction as potential profitable business and are more tolerant) ok let me not stray and get back on road to driving….
He decided I don’t need test after all. And grants me L.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Cockpit ritual
After long time I went back to my office. My manager asked another colleague to mentor me. Now what does he do? He ignores I am around first he goes to three different cubicles where images of lord shiva, ganesh and saibaba are kept on the desk of his colleagues and does nummun! That’s obvious, I can imagine that much. Then he dials couple of numbers while informing me that first call of the day he makes to either his mum or wife. That’s great lady luck, I say to myself. Then he opens his caller list of 40 people and runs his finger through looking for anyone with name lukshmi. Then he found client by the name parmeshwara, next comes jai ganesha, venkatesha. In south he has no shortage of names of gods as first name. He then tells me he got appointment to see someone on same day! Wow success! I don’t know what drives him with so much optimism that he will not be thrown out of door or slamed on the phone! Is it praying on his desk? Is he committed to get positive response from somewhere in a day so he does not let down blessings of his mother and wife? Or his style of calling people by the names of god before he calls anybody else. He greets his colleague maria and praises her for keeping bible on her desk… I wonder what would work for me? Faith? Principle? Commitment to family? fasting? rituals? Help me god to choose that works for me!! He managed to reach his target for the month in one weekend, whatever the reason!
No kidding
Best visuals I like on TV are adverts. It is true we are one of the most kids friendly society but in media ‘kids sell’ everything. Starting from tractor, number of insurance companies, ready soup sachets, washing powders, milk flavoring, banks, toothpastes, cars, soaps anything we can think of the storyline is written around kids and most are interesting ones.
Another growing area is cartoon stories from scriptures. Quality of cartoons are very good and stories naturally interesting. By the time they cover stories available from ancient india, there wont be too much of new creative storyline required for at least a decade!! Not just cartoons even serials are dominated by kids oriented stories with baby meera, babay zhansi, baby krsna, balika badhu, babyish bandini, standup comedians … kids are everywhere.
In our block all the kids are out in the evening with their mums and age wise or not they all are playing in various groups, some in strollers and some with their mums and grandmas. Even dance instructor comes and coach bollywood dances in open air sand pit to pre school kids. Koi bole nahi ke ‘pappu cant dance saalaa’. Evenings are full of live human music in common pedestrian zone with random talks and games. Post dusk, they all go inside. And after dinner some are out again with their partners for a walk. Some gujarati neighbours are taking others through steps of garba in preparation for navaratri. In the morning most you see again outside gates awaiting school buses.
Kids rule morning or evening! Considering most have 1 kids each still…
Another growing area is cartoon stories from scriptures. Quality of cartoons are very good and stories naturally interesting. By the time they cover stories available from ancient india, there wont be too much of new creative storyline required for at least a decade!! Not just cartoons even serials are dominated by kids oriented stories with baby meera, babay zhansi, baby krsna, balika badhu, babyish bandini, standup comedians … kids are everywhere.
In our block all the kids are out in the evening with their mums and age wise or not they all are playing in various groups, some in strollers and some with their mums and grandmas. Even dance instructor comes and coach bollywood dances in open air sand pit to pre school kids. Koi bole nahi ke ‘pappu cant dance saalaa’. Evenings are full of live human music in common pedestrian zone with random talks and games. Post dusk, they all go inside. And after dinner some are out again with their partners for a walk. Some gujarati neighbours are taking others through steps of garba in preparation for navaratri. In the morning most you see again outside gates awaiting school buses.
Kids rule morning or evening! Considering most have 1 kids each still…
Monday, September 7, 2009
Checkpoint
Let me remember once again opening my front door in Greenlands Close. Coming back from regular shopping to an empty house and no one to open the door while juggling the grocery bags, car keys, car boot and the keys to the door. Nobody around to use their reflexes to attempt at least one for you!!
Getting used to arriving home is slightly different experience here especially if you have vehicles. As you approach at least 2 security guards open the main gates. This is true for most multistory apartment blocks. Everytime coming back to my apartment is like VIP entry to my own society. Talking on the phone to them, they have to end our every sentence with gg. gg. twice g. But thats not all, security guy is one of the most resourceful person around. People in marketing when fail to extract details from secretaries or receptionists, bank on security guy to release mobile phone contacts of everyone from CEO to servants of the company. Sometimes give them even a 100 rps note and they have in entry book all the details. Need electrician, plumber, newspaper delivery guy, milkman, carpenter, dhobi , call security and he will send someone in few minutes. Their presence has some security responsibility too, they check all the servants coming and walking out of premises like airport style security check. Even leftover food given to servant has to tagged with note written to security staff to allow them to take khichadi outside the gate.
So there is no downside? Recently, I made some bhakhree and steamed methi-muthia for a patient and left it in bag to be picked up by Keyur to deliver to concerned party. When we approached to collect the parcel, security guy came up to me and said ‘madam, thoda mistake ho gayaa. Woh guard ko pataa nahi kis ka hai, do roti galati se khaya.’ Actually I saw only 2 pieces rattling at the lower half of the containers. He made such a helpless face I could not say anything other than uttering to myself ‘ taari bhulee thaay’ what else? There goes my half a days work doing all those bhakhree on slow heat excercising my biceps!! I was not sure whether to laugh or cry or get angry. Though I left it without comment I said to myself...
Kya? maaf kiya jaay? chalo thik hai bhuk lagi to khaya but bhakhree ko roti bulaataa hai? aishwarya rai ko rakhi sawant bulaataa hai? khbi maaf nahi kiya?!
By the way, finally got the car today. Did not want to venture out on busy roads without license and last minute how to get reliable driver? Call security and the most decent driver turns up for the job in 15 minutes. What a joy! though felt totally out of place sitting in rear seat. I have to learn to perceive my own self differently all over again. I just realized, It sounds better when I refer to myself as ‘hum’ instead of ‘mein’ from the rear seat.
Getting used to arriving home is slightly different experience here especially if you have vehicles. As you approach at least 2 security guards open the main gates. This is true for most multistory apartment blocks. Everytime coming back to my apartment is like VIP entry to my own society. Talking on the phone to them, they have to end our every sentence with gg. gg. twice g. But thats not all, security guy is one of the most resourceful person around. People in marketing when fail to extract details from secretaries or receptionists, bank on security guy to release mobile phone contacts of everyone from CEO to servants of the company. Sometimes give them even a 100 rps note and they have in entry book all the details. Need electrician, plumber, newspaper delivery guy, milkman, carpenter, dhobi , call security and he will send someone in few minutes. Their presence has some security responsibility too, they check all the servants coming and walking out of premises like airport style security check. Even leftover food given to servant has to tagged with note written to security staff to allow them to take khichadi outside the gate.
So there is no downside? Recently, I made some bhakhree and steamed methi-muthia for a patient and left it in bag to be picked up by Keyur to deliver to concerned party. When we approached to collect the parcel, security guy came up to me and said ‘madam, thoda mistake ho gayaa. Woh guard ko pataa nahi kis ka hai, do roti galati se khaya.’ Actually I saw only 2 pieces rattling at the lower half of the containers. He made such a helpless face I could not say anything other than uttering to myself ‘ taari bhulee thaay’ what else? There goes my half a days work doing all those bhakhree on slow heat excercising my biceps!! I was not sure whether to laugh or cry or get angry. Though I left it without comment I said to myself...
Kya? maaf kiya jaay? chalo thik hai bhuk lagi to khaya but bhakhree ko roti bulaataa hai? aishwarya rai ko rakhi sawant bulaataa hai? khbi maaf nahi kiya?!
By the way, finally got the car today. Did not want to venture out on busy roads without license and last minute how to get reliable driver? Call security and the most decent driver turns up for the job in 15 minutes. What a joy! though felt totally out of place sitting in rear seat. I have to learn to perceive my own self differently all over again. I just realized, It sounds better when I refer to myself as ‘hum’ instead of ‘mein’ from the rear seat.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
states of art
I was just wondering, like Americans, if we give pet names to all our states and put it on car plates, how would that be?
I don’t have wide experience in depth of all our states but …
Gujarat can be called a ‘dairy state’ from my little experience. Not only NDDB National Dairy Development Board is pride and joy but I have seen their office ( Gujarat dairy board) in Bangalur prime area. It is not just for namesake as Amul yogurt is equivalent of biopot onken, Amul ghee is nice and crumbly and ofcourse milk. Anyone familiar with Geer forest and their kathiawari ‘dudh-makkhun-malai-chhas’ would not be surprised, to understand this sorathee culture there are plenty folklores, same way south Gujarat’s green belt is rich ‘dairy white’. Although I tried other brands like britania, nilgiris, nestle and they all are good but nothing lubricates my taste buds as Amul.
I have already written so much on Bangalur my adopted homeland that its no news that I would call Karnataka a ‘flower state’. Some of the most exotic flowers you would find here. Flori culture is blooming industry here. Nurseries are everywhere too. Statues of idols are adorned with BigMac size gajras not one but dozen around the statue, most taxi drivers and rickshawala having this sweat and heat smell remover in their vehicles and last but not least so many aam-aurat perfume themselves by fresh flowers everyday. It must be given befitting name to suggest beauty, fragrance and colours of the flowers.
Although Kerala promotes themselves as ’ land of Gods’, I could call it ‘garam masala state’ or ‘spice state’ with land so rich and fertile from where we get cardamom to black pepper. Rajasthan could be called ‘state of riots of color’ or ‘rajvee state’ (already righly called raja’s sthaan) . And what about maha rashtra? I really like mumbaikers patriotism but to call a state ‘great nation’ is over kill isn’t it? Sorry bala sahib, don’t mean to upset you and I have many very dear Marathi friends. And like orange county we could also call our provinces kesar county geernar, hafuz county ratnagiri, sugar county Kolhapur and so on.
I like even native American names with nature names such as turtle creek, and silver mountain and whateva.. but we are very versatile in that respect not just nature we can source names from nakshatra, rashee, rishi, upnishad, scriptures, mythology, animals (land of lion ), spices, festivity (garba county gujarat), languages, we can surpass them in any field.
Now I need sponsors to send me across one by one to each state so I can give pet names to each of our distinct state after travelling!! Talking about states on Talent show on the day of carnival in our apartment 2 tiny kids came to front and one kid mentioned name of the state and other one gave name of the capital. In fact they were so small I could not comprehend their words. Oops!! I did not mean to reveal that I did not know all the capitals!!
What would you call your state?
Lights out & Fans off please
I am sure most of you are still enjoying last few days of holidays. I had my holiday to Ahmedabad, four days stint! I realise it has better roads for a start, rickshawalas are also better than bangalore. Minimum rate is half of bangalore and here rickshawala never returns money back here, in addition to charging 1.5 times the meter.
Coming back from piyar I was given supply of roasted mango gootalis of kesar-keri by my Aai. Isn't it great before cows and goats of Ahmedabad gets taste of it, I nibble it. Isn't it a wonder fruit where nothing goes to waste!? Country where you are greeted on every cross roads by hungry mouths, food waste is considered sin. I am already getting dizzy describing how worn faded cloths and left over food has to be recycled in most appropriate manner. If given to humans you choose from nanny who looks after kids to cleaners whose job is to clean toilets only, and everyone in between, your sense of discretion has to be at sharpest to pass the item to most deserving person for condition of garment or food. when its absolutely not suitable for humans, animals are brought in picture. Other than chhilakas, there is not much for composting i guess. Your own family may not go to garbage bucket to check whats thrown but 'baai' certainly scrutinizes what you throw and rates you whether you are good homemaker or not?!! Even when i throw crust from either side of the loaf and one dry bread I see disgust on face of my helper. She makes it clear time and again that she would be happy to take perishing veggies from fridge or leftovers. I am sure all the 'baai' s when they gather in basement they discuss whose madam allows curd to go green neglecting in the fridge. Timely disposal is very dynamic process. Beauty is that at the end of this visurgen every reciever feels touch better off.
If leftover food has to be treated respectfully considering their after life or second birth whatever you call it, money is real Goddess. For a start I dont find copper pennies on the road but its obvious on the road what value of money drives (or stops) on the road. Come to major traffic junction and there is total silence on otherwise noisy Indian roads where people honk to say 'hi', 'I am coming', 'move out of the way', 'i m stronger', 'i m important' or simply to check their beeps are functioning!! It is at times so quiet that you feel conscious talking on your cellphone because you are heard clearly by not just your fello travellers but other road users too. Almost as if there is government rule they all shut their engines. what a relief from humming sound. People are mindful of consumption of their resources not just purely money aspect. Although I dont think they talk about being aware of environmental issues, its just second nature and no need to drum their ways.
It is visible method to distribute milk in pouches since the dawn of dairy science. But now u get drinking water in pouches and in all the super market they stock hard plasic bottles for oil and ghee but also plastic refill pouches. Smart home makers never buy those hard plastic containers caring for their pockets. Like charity begins at home, respecting your resrouces also begins at home in trurn helping society as by product. Following the principle of liquidity there are no air pockets in boxes carrying this stuff hence more in every sq. ft for transport and less patrol, ok ok let bbc2 come up with exact data from their research on that...
These are just few obvious differences in fast moving consumer goods but if you visit real down town you find shops without any names and hard to figure out what business they do as you see random machineries lying on footpaths and 'kaarigur' sorting the electic cables and wires and dismantling the motors and machineries. Shall we make them aware of their contribution to environment? shall we feel emarrssed about less pretty road side sight seeing or feel happy that they are putting even rusted nails carefully for appropriate afterlife. I am sure its prettier than those landfill sites!!
And what about those pastiwala? Even affluent families are not seen throwing paper int he bin in public places. people haggle to get every last ruppee out of this kabadi guy. For a start there no news agents where every evening plenty of staionary goes back. fraction of paperwaste is also used for food packing for roasted peanuts and fruits and sooti dhagaa that si perfectly biodegradable after use. some school for physically challenged schools make bags for such use with their SEN kids.
Keyur is gradually getting busier by each day. He also has something to say at the end of the day. one little girl insists to be treated by him only. And greets 'doctor uncle, I saw your picture in news paper'. (reminds me of how we as kids used to approach teacher and acknowledge in class ' tecaher I saw you yesterday!! what a delight to see someone you meet everyday but meet once more unexpectedly as bonus'). 'Doctor uncle' ko bhi abhi thoda chuska chadegaa from becoming Mr.Butch to Uncle Doctor. He had one visit to stadium talking to Footballers and 2 talks in IT parks. It was just wonderful to experience the professional approach, tight security of the industry where data protection is paramount, not to mention the wealth of brain power packed in one room to attend the presentation. I wish he writes blog but he is just too busy relishing his new routine. His blackberry is updated real time when patients move from one ward to other or any other updates. No wonder we provide IT to rest of the world. What they call 'Patient choice' in NHS is seen here in ultimate style. Till last minute patients come with quieries and disappear without notice for second opinion or change of heart about treatments . Same way they come to you directly looking for their best buy/ skills available around the town. No need to wait for your GP.
I somehow end up attracting pre-school kids, wonder if it says on my forhead my intellactual age!! We are having ganesh chaturthi and gudipadva celebration/carnival in the apartment block. My first art assignment was to draw 2 giant donkeys for pin the tail game for kids!! We had 3 hours programme to festivity for young and old and couples alike. Took part in 3 legged race, Balloon race for couples and nearly won but not quite!!
Thats all today
Coming back from piyar I was given supply of roasted mango gootalis of kesar-keri by my Aai. Isn't it great before cows and goats of Ahmedabad gets taste of it, I nibble it. Isn't it a wonder fruit where nothing goes to waste!? Country where you are greeted on every cross roads by hungry mouths, food waste is considered sin. I am already getting dizzy describing how worn faded cloths and left over food has to be recycled in most appropriate manner. If given to humans you choose from nanny who looks after kids to cleaners whose job is to clean toilets only, and everyone in between, your sense of discretion has to be at sharpest to pass the item to most deserving person for condition of garment or food. when its absolutely not suitable for humans, animals are brought in picture. Other than chhilakas, there is not much for composting i guess. Your own family may not go to garbage bucket to check whats thrown but 'baai' certainly scrutinizes what you throw and rates you whether you are good homemaker or not?!! Even when i throw crust from either side of the loaf and one dry bread I see disgust on face of my helper. She makes it clear time and again that she would be happy to take perishing veggies from fridge or leftovers. I am sure all the 'baai' s when they gather in basement they discuss whose madam allows curd to go green neglecting in the fridge. Timely disposal is very dynamic process. Beauty is that at the end of this visurgen every reciever feels touch better off.
If leftover food has to be treated respectfully considering their after life or second birth whatever you call it, money is real Goddess. For a start I dont find copper pennies on the road but its obvious on the road what value of money drives (or stops) on the road. Come to major traffic junction and there is total silence on otherwise noisy Indian roads where people honk to say 'hi', 'I am coming', 'move out of the way', 'i m stronger', 'i m important' or simply to check their beeps are functioning!! It is at times so quiet that you feel conscious talking on your cellphone because you are heard clearly by not just your fello travellers but other road users too. Almost as if there is government rule they all shut their engines. what a relief from humming sound. People are mindful of consumption of their resources not just purely money aspect. Although I dont think they talk about being aware of environmental issues, its just second nature and no need to drum their ways.
It is visible method to distribute milk in pouches since the dawn of dairy science. But now u get drinking water in pouches and in all the super market they stock hard plasic bottles for oil and ghee but also plastic refill pouches. Smart home makers never buy those hard plastic containers caring for their pockets. Like charity begins at home, respecting your resrouces also begins at home in trurn helping society as by product. Following the principle of liquidity there are no air pockets in boxes carrying this stuff hence more in every sq. ft for transport and less patrol, ok ok let bbc2 come up with exact data from their research on that...
These are just few obvious differences in fast moving consumer goods but if you visit real down town you find shops without any names and hard to figure out what business they do as you see random machineries lying on footpaths and 'kaarigur' sorting the electic cables and wires and dismantling the motors and machineries. Shall we make them aware of their contribution to environment? shall we feel emarrssed about less pretty road side sight seeing or feel happy that they are putting even rusted nails carefully for appropriate afterlife. I am sure its prettier than those landfill sites!!
And what about those pastiwala? Even affluent families are not seen throwing paper int he bin in public places. people haggle to get every last ruppee out of this kabadi guy. For a start there no news agents where every evening plenty of staionary goes back. fraction of paperwaste is also used for food packing for roasted peanuts and fruits and sooti dhagaa that si perfectly biodegradable after use. some school for physically challenged schools make bags for such use with their SEN kids.
Keyur is gradually getting busier by each day. He also has something to say at the end of the day. one little girl insists to be treated by him only. And greets 'doctor uncle, I saw your picture in news paper'. (reminds me of how we as kids used to approach teacher and acknowledge in class ' tecaher I saw you yesterday!! what a delight to see someone you meet everyday but meet once more unexpectedly as bonus'). 'Doctor uncle' ko bhi abhi thoda chuska chadegaa from becoming Mr.Butch to Uncle Doctor. He had one visit to stadium talking to Footballers and 2 talks in IT parks. It was just wonderful to experience the professional approach, tight security of the industry where data protection is paramount, not to mention the wealth of brain power packed in one room to attend the presentation. I wish he writes blog but he is just too busy relishing his new routine. His blackberry is updated real time when patients move from one ward to other or any other updates. No wonder we provide IT to rest of the world. What they call 'Patient choice' in NHS is seen here in ultimate style. Till last minute patients come with quieries and disappear without notice for second opinion or change of heart about treatments . Same way they come to you directly looking for their best buy/ skills available around the town. No need to wait for your GP.
I somehow end up attracting pre-school kids, wonder if it says on my forhead my intellactual age!! We are having ganesh chaturthi and gudipadva celebration/carnival in the apartment block. My first art assignment was to draw 2 giant donkeys for pin the tail game for kids!! We had 3 hours programme to festivity for young and old and couples alike. Took part in 3 legged race, Balloon race for couples and nearly won but not quite!!
Thats all today
Bang on Art
Hi everyone! It has been long since I Walked And talked to myself. Vacation times for us mothers are the busiest and exciting but filled with erratic routine. How are you all? We have not felt being drifted away from everything that was familiar a year ago after reconnecting with some well wisher friends from Manchester. Feels good. There are other good reasons to feel good too. Check out this site below and open 9 aug, timesof india bangalore edition and page 5 from top bar. You may see someone familiar. I know I am a week late in writing this.
What else? Well, pushed by an art_lover friend I stumbled in to an art gallary. Art scene in Bangalore is very active. There are regular exhibitions. And one thing is sure that I cant grab a frame from these galalries as I grab sarees from stores. I am not a big spender on jewellary (so good for Keyur) but even that would look smaller compare to some of the artworks. Let quickly describe 3 different styles we saw… One artist prefers to use torn national geographics and its juxtapositioning to create art from even mythical stories yet most contemporary , at times comic look on canvas. Otherone creates on canvas but with cutout cans, again concept are firmly based on ancient heritage. Some others were based on playing with textures of various kind. There are many such galleries to visit on regular basis but for now first and one visit has put me in a mood to pick up a paint brush again.
Searching for the ‘stuff’, I ended up on PET markets of bangalore. Chickpet, sultanpet, mamalpaet… each with range of products in one category. Most facinating was stationary market and the difference in prices and range of paper products. If I ever thought Chester has unique 2 tier market then this one is multi-tier place. Some garments are hanging from theird floor tatty looking balcony as display to show the stuff available in twist-tiny gullies where looking up towards to overly shining blue sky and croocked steps taking you up there is like an expedition.
Back to art and its performing art. Saw a play called ‘six degrees of seperation’ at local play-house called rangsankara. Talk about the play later… Wow, look at the audience and their style. I would love to identify myself with them most in handloom, khadi, silk variety with modern edge to it. They all appear to be class apart, elit members of society it seemed , the kind you wont find in typical bollywoody entertainment. Play was in English and performed by all Indian stage artists. Back drop was american as it is original american play brought and reproduced by Indian drama company. but roles of black africans and blond europians were played by us without looking like them, powerful script worked. It was satirical in parts and enjoyable. It is bit like ‘catch me if u can’. Most touching reading I found is the lady in central character ends up finding that conman has more in common with her than her own kids!! Now my life in one way entering higher gear by addition of television in the house after arrival of Keyur, need to sort out the vehicle now. On other hand in lower gear as I am busy more around the house.
Independence day and Janmashtmi celebrated back to back.’ Festiviti toh koi humse sikhe!!’ We Indian never tire ourselves from celebration of some kind. Few days back ‘saw’ celebration of var lukshmivratha. Bangalore was covered with flowers and some ladies decorated with flowers worth rps 4000 at home!! In bangalore fruits, flowers ans vegetables are sold side by side in equal proprtion. I was invited by at one place and I too enjoyed the variety they prepare on that day only my host stayed hungry before puja and prasad!! Indepenendce day was wonderful. There is new found patriotism and awareness in youth and society for their Indianness. Malls, restaurants everywhere tricolour or while and bharee sarees we saw.
Rangsankra, wait I am coming back for high end performing art in between let me go to ‘Kaminey’ but full house back to back shows so will have to wait for few days I guess. Next time on frugal India…Wishing you all best for school year ahead.
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