A day to Remember

"The next station is Vishwavidyalaya. Doors will open on the left. Please mind the gap" the recorded voice announced. She said the same thing every day, with every Metro, but today it sounded different, I thought.

My friend S invited me to her college Annual Day. It was the 83rd Annual Day of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC). Dr.E.Sreedharan, Managing Director, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation was the Chief Guest while Mr.Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Film maker and an eminent alumnus of the college was the Guest of Honour.



The event started sharp at 10:00 A.M.

After the welcome address and the presentation of the College Annual Report, Sreedharan sir took stage. And blew us over.

The Delhi Metro is his brainchild and he is the man who is solely responsible for changing the way this bustling city travels. It caters to 8 lakh passengers everyday, has one of the lowest fares in the world (second lowest, Kolkata Metro fares are the lowest), and is the first in the world to introduce the coin system to promote one trip travels. It uses the most advanced and expensive technology available, and yet manages to make an operating profit.



He spoke to us at length about the Delhi Metro, and the reasons behind its success. There are four principles that govern the working of all DMRC officials, he said. These are:

1. Punctuality
2. Integrity
3. Professional Competence and
4. Social Responsibility and Accountability

He stressed on the importance of time, honesty and sincerity, and the role they played in the success of a project. A motivating and inspiring speaker, through those examples, he had taught us lessons for life. Thank you sir. : )

Towards the end of Sreedharan sir's speech, Rakeysh sir joined us, looking smart in a black shirt and jeans. He then took stage, and apologized for the delay, as his flight had got delayed because of the fog, and jokingly requested Sreedharan sir to make a Metro between Mumbai and New Delhi. The crowd loved him! He also said that the college was still the same, just as he had left it.

He also added that he respected Sreedharan sir a lot, and to him, he dedicated two lines from a poem by the great poet Dushyant Kumar.

"Kaun kehta hai aasmaan pe chhed nahin ho sakta
Ek paththar toh tabeeyat se uchchalo yaaron"

And with that beautiful quote, he wrapped up his short and crisp speech, and wished us luck.

As the event got over, I ran ahead to get their autographs. Sreedharan sir disappeared before I could get to him, not wasting a moment. I somehow made my way through the crowd, to Rakeysh sir and this time I was lucky! He took the chit of paper, looked at me, and signed his name on it! Ah! I felt so blessed!


It felt divine to have met the creators of two masterpieces. One, the man with a vision, the man who created the wonder train, a great gift that all Delhiites are proud of, and a visit to the city is considered incomplete without a ride on it. Another, the man who made the cult classic, that Rang De Basanti that connected with the youth, the way no other film had, that masterpiece that woke up the citizen in each of us, and made us more Indian than ever before.

Thank you God and thank you S! : )

A Moment In History...The Big O...Jai Ho!!!

The team of Slumdog Millionaire after the ceremony

The director Danny Boyle with his Oscar

Ian Tapp, Resul Pookutty and Richard Pryke after winning the Oscar for the Best Sound Mixing

Rahman Sir after having won the Oscar

Rahman Sir performing

Wow! A clean sweep at the Oscars! 8 awards! And a great moment for India! Two great Indians have scripted history! Heartiest congratulations to RESUL POOKUTTY (Best Sound Mixing) and the maestro, the Mozart of Madras, the magician, God... A.R.RAHMAN sir (Best Original Score and Best Original Song "Jai Ho")! It is a great moment for India and you have done us proud! Congratulations!

"All my life I had the choice between hate and love. I choose love and here I am."

This is what sir said after accepting the awards, and what beautiful words! Thank you. : )

I feel so blessed to have been able to witness this moment in History, a moment every Indian had been waiting for. The good wishes of all the people of this beautiful land are with you and today we are even more proud to call ourselves Indian!

Jai Ho! Jai Hind!

The week that was

Another busy week slowly comes to an end. I have been unable to figure out what has kept me busy all this while...I have literally been busy doing nothing at all! The last two days have been a little easy, strikes strike again and we sure don't mind!

The week started on a high note...quite literally! Last Friday, attended a College fest, went only on the last day that too because my friend J emotionally blackmailed me tu-nahin-aa-rahi-toh-main-bhi-nahin-jaa-rahi types! The Band of Boys were to perform, and they did a great job of it! More than the performance, it was just the thing of being with friends. They belted out some of their hit songs, along with other hit Bollywood numbers. It was really worth it...thanks J! : )

Over the weekend, we went to meet a little angel, a 11 day old baby! And what a darling she was! I was roaming around the entire house carrying her, and that was the first time I was holding such a small baby! Her little fingers, those two teeth, those tender nails, really God is great! According to their belief, there is a custom called shehed chatana (giving honey). In this, the mother of the child can choose any one person, and that person gives shehed to the baby. It is believed that the baby will grow up to be like that person. And guess who was chosen? Yours truly! :D I asked her "Didi are you sure?". She said she was. I told her clearly "Do it at your own risk!". And I gave the baby shehed and she licked it off fully! Another crazy creature created!

A surprise visit by S was the highlight of the week. We were just talking on the phone.

S- Yaar! I want to meet you! Long time!
T- Haan yaar! Seriously! Udd ke aaja! (Fly and come)
S- Abhi milna hai mujhe. (I want to meet you right now)
T- Helicopter bhijwaoon? (Should I send the helicopter?)
S- Naah! I don't need that. Just open the door, your doorbell isn't working!
T- *speechless*

And there she was, standing outside! An excellent surprise S! Well planned! : ) I had a great time!

Also, I am planning to start a new series The 'I Recommend' series, about different things I like and would want to recommend. The first post under this is on its way. Hopefully, you'll like it. : )

My sister's wedding has been postponed to May 20, just for me. The date sheet isn't out yet, and I really hope my exams finish by then. Please God! : )

The little brown pup is not too friendly and is extremely scared of anyone human. We have tried many times to befriend him but in vain. He just keeps running away! : (

This was all I could

manage to get of him

Overall quite an eventful week draws slowly to an end. : )

Just a tag!

I was tagged by Sashu. So, here goes...

Edited: There seems to be a little confusion as regards the first question. I interpreted the question "What does your username mean?" as what my Gmail username means, and not my own name. My Gmail id is the name of a movie (which flopped ;) but my name remains Tara, and is infact my own name. If I had to answer the question differently, I'd say my name means a Star...Tara is a star! Lol! Anyway, sorry for the trouble. : )

• What does your user name mean?

It is the name of a movie. The movie flopped but the name just caught my fancy. : )

• Elaborate on your user photo.

It's the photo of a little puppy I wish I'd had! : )

• How many comments do you have?

Comments on what?

• What's your current relationship status?

Oh c'mon...by now everyone knows it! Don't get me started again!

• What exactly are you wearing right now?

A smile. : )

• What is your current problem?

My problems are nothing compared to what some people are going through.

• What do you love the most?

Myself.

• What makes you most happy?

There are so many things that make me happy. The wag of a tail. The chirping of birds. A baby's little fingers. Squirrels munching on nuts. A bud waiting to blossom. Looking at a clear night sky, talking to the stars. And yes, comments too! So now, go make me happy! :D

• Are you musically inclined?

If that would mean singing...not quite. And to think, at one point of time I was in the school choir! It's a different thing that I gracefully quit before they could fire me! If it is listening to music, at the cost of sounding very cliched, I can't live without music. That I wake up to music and sleep to music should suffice. : )

• What would you do if you woke up one morning and found out you were on cocaine?

That would never happen. Doing drugs is gross, equivalent to committing suicide...it's just a slow death.

• If you could go back in time and change something, what would it be?

I believe that everything in life happens for a reason. So, I wouldn't want to change anything. : )

• If you MUST be an animal for ONE day, what would you be?

A squirrel...bubbly, chirpy and contented with little. : )

• Ever had a near-death experience?

No. *touch wood*

• Name an obvious quality you have.

Trustworthy. Lazy!

• What's the name of the song that's stuck in your head right now?

Piya Haji Ali from Fiza. Definitely Rahman sir at his best, an all time favourite.

• Name someone with the same birthday as you.

My athai (aunt), my favourite athai! : )

• Do you have a secret crush on someone?

No secret is it really? Siddharth Narayan (of RDB) all the way! :D

• Do you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink?

Yes. You need to throw something?

• Have you ever been in a fight?

Is that a question really? Yes, of course!

• Have you ever sung in front of a large audience?

When I was in the school choir, yes. Otherwise, just in front of my parents. Even two people who can bear my singing, is quite large according to me! :P

• What's the first thing you notice about the OPPOSITE sex?

A lot of things actually. But usually, I know it may sound quite strange, but the hair and the voice is what I notice first.

• What's your biggest mistake?

Too many...have lost count now!

• Say something totally random about you.

I love talking to inanimate objects! They listen so patiently you know! : )

• Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity?

When I was in 3rd standard, my classmates used to call me Madhuri Dixit! Still haven't figured out why?

• Are you comfortable with your height?

Am not too happy...quite vertically challenged! But, as they say 'To appear thin, you must hang around with very fat people', most of my friends aren't that tall, so I feel taller among them! 165 cms is not something you can be proud of! 5' 6" sounds a lot better than 5' 5"!!

• What is the most romantic thing someone has ever done for you?

Nothing that can be termed as romantic.

• What are your favourite smells?

I am a smell freak, like the weirdest of smells. Smell of Petrol. Kerosene (love its blue colour too!). Phenol. Naphthalene balls. Antiseptic liquid. Coffee. Chocolate. Jasmine. Wet earth. Sandalwood. Nail paint. Nail paint remover. Everything.

• What's something that really annoys you?

People who are inconsiderate to animals really annoy me, that's the worst behaviour possible! How can you be cruel to such sweet creatures, such innocent beings that cannot even defend themselves! Sad. Also, MCPs are a big turn off.

• What's something you really like?

Refer to Q.8

• Do you give random hugs and kisses?

Not really.

• What's the latest you have ever stayed up?

About 30 hours during the exams, cannot stay without sleep.

• Have you ever been rushed to the emergency room?

No...don't wish to be! *touch wood*

So tag finally done! Thanks Sashu, had great fun! Now, it's homework time and I tag:

Sakshi
Nikkita
Gayathri

When I met God

After a heavy breakfast of pongal and chutney and three rounds of coffee, it's time to leave. Aunty offers kungumam (kumkum) to amma and me, and we bid goodbye. The three of us - amma, uncle (amma's director friend) and I walk towards his car. The driver dressed in crisp white opens the door for him. Uncle sits in the front while we both make ourselves comfortable at the back.

"Crescent Avenue poganum pa, Madras Talkies" (We need to go to Crescent Avenue to Madras Talkies) he tells the driver who nods. A familiarity in his nod.

The name sounds sweetly familiar, I think. Madras Talkies.

The drive is quite long, and a very silent one too, for me. Amma and uncle relive their beautiful memories, nostalgia engulfs both as they reminisce about the different plays they staged and the goof-ups made. My contribution to the entire conversation was limited to coughing and sneezing thrice. That was Chennai's gift to me - a running nose.

I watch the proceedings outside. A lady arguing with the auto driver over the fare. A girl selling fresh jasmine flowers. Rows of big showrooms selling silk sarees. The malls. The narrow flyovers. The school girls on their scooties, their hair oiled and neatly plaited and a rose firmly in place. We are waiting at a traffic signal. The man on the bike recognises uncle and grins a very star-struck smile. Uncle smiles back too, and we move on.

I don't know what I am experiencing. It is a mix of various emotions - excitement, happiness, apprehension, nervousness, glee, anxiety, feeling blessed - all of them run across my mind like a trailer to the final film. And to think, I was about to live the most important moments of my life in some time. I rehearsed my answers, lip synced them almost. I try to perfect my smile, not too much teeth, I tell myself.

I had put on the perfect smile, and I look up only to find the magazine seller looking amused, having witnessed all my antics.

The car comes to a halt, "Vandhaachu saar" (We have reached sir) the driver announces as he gets off to open the door for uncle. "Vandhaachu" uncle repeats, as he looks at me, smiles. I smile too.

My heart now beats faster than ever. I can hear it. My hands feel cold, tremble.

There in front of me stands the huge building. "Madras Talkies. 15, Crescent Avenue" the board reads and I read it again and again and yet again. "Those alphabets look so familiar" I murmur and amma gives me a content smile.

We walk through the well manicured gardens, towards the main building. The flowers, the grass, the wind all seem to be smiling, acknowledging our presence. As uncle walks in, the lady at the reception stands up. "Good morning sir. Sir is waiting for you" she greets in her sweet voice. I look at her, she smiles. I smile back.

We walk down the lobby, carefully on the shining marble floor, towards the lift. The lift man stands up and salutes "Vanakkam saar". Uncle slightly tilts his head in acknowledgement.

The second floor.

Uncle leads us through the floor, a long lobby. Posters line the walls, placed in chronological order. I walk, gaping, wide eyed, looking at each mastepiece adorning the wall. We reach the end of the lobby and there is the office. The office. Uncle asks us to sit on the sofa outside while he goes inside the room. The nameplate on the door, black alphabets embossed in gold. The moment stands still. I hold on to the wall, I feel shaky. My eyes swell up and I grin the brightest grin, showing all my teeth.

I walk towards the door. My fingers admire the beauty of the name, as the gold seems to be melting in my hands.

I sit on the beige coloured sofa. Amma is busy flipping through some Tamil magazines. I sit there patiently, as Shah Rukh stares at me from the opposite wall. I send up a prayer, thanking him for this opportunity.

Uncle comes out and says "Vaa" (Come) and both of us walk towards the door. That door with the nameplate.

The moment is here. The moment. I have been waiting for this to happen for years. That moment is about to unfold itself. Bliss.

We enter the room. My heart feels much at peace now. A heavenly atmosphere, like Gods lived there.

He welcomes us with a smile. "Good morning young lady" he says as he stretches his right hand towards me. I like it. I shake hands with him. He almost senses the trembling and gives me a more reassuring, long smile. I touch divinity, a purity that rarely exists, an honesty that is precious. In those eyes, resides a clean simple soul, such clarity, such brightness that it blinds you.

"You are..." he looks at me questioningly. I remain dumb, unable to speak, my throat is dry. I am still floating in the crystal waters of divinity. Amma completes the sentence.

"Nice name" he says as I continue to soak in his aura. Those rehearsed answers, that perfected smile, now forgotten.

"Have we met before?" he asks, almost certain in his tone. We have. I know we have. I wanted to say, but couldn't. He just smiled.

I walked up to him and touched his feet. An electric shock passed through me. That moment has arrived. That moment I felt so small, so blessed, so loved, so beautiful. I touched God in his purest form. Bliss. Nirvana.

The moment stood still...

Somewhere in the distance, I could hear the title track of Dil Se. Rahman sir's soulful voice added more magic to the moment.

That moment of my life.










I realized the earphone was still plugged into my ears...Dil se re...Dil se re... I woke up and checked the time.

04:39

I smiled. And went back to sleep.

They say, early morning dreams come true. Don't they?

PS - This post marks my 50th post on this blog. I had planned another post to mark this occasion, but that seems to be taking longer than planned. This one is completely unplanned, unedited and unwritten on paper. The other post should be releasing soon. :D

The last few days have been...let me say...too much happened too soon. Now, things seem to settling down, touch wood. But God has his own ways of putting things in place, and I know he is very good at his job. Also, he knows exactly how to cheer one up. In the morning, we discovered a brown and white bundle of joy, a cute little puppy, may be around 6 weeks old! Awww...he is so adorable! : )

I would also like to thank you for the support, the appreciation and the suggestions and I hope you will continue your valuable patronage. Too formal na! Anyway, a big thank you! ; )