The real-life avatar..

James Cameroon's Avatar - A massive hit of the year and has mind-boggling collections all over the world. Is it only on the screen or does it happen in real-life?

I will take you through to a strikingly similar, with just the names-changed version of real-life happenings that I saw and see with my own eyes every day.

Place:

Pandora, a moon of the planet Polyphemus, some 4.3 light years away from the earth.

Orissa, a state in the country India, some 3.5*10^-10 light years away from Pyramid of Giza. (Pyramid of Giza chosen for obvious reasons).

Mineral:

Unobtanium, which can save the earth from present energy crisis.

Bauxite, which can flood the earth with more automobiles and aircrafts that cause these energy crisis.

Organisation:

Resources Development Administration, carrying out the Pandora mission.

Vedanta Resources Plc., carrying out the Vedanta Aluminium Project.

Affected:

Na'vis of the Pandora, especially the Omaticayas in particular, whose sacred "Hometree of pure sprits of Eywa" are encroached upon. HomeTree rests upon Pandora's biggest deposit of Unobtanium.

Common people of Orissa on the whole, with Dongaria Kondhs in particular, with their sacred mountain Niyamgiri hills in jeopardy. Niyamgiri has the biggest desposit of Bauxite.

Currently, Vedanta's Alumina-Operations have come to a standstill because of the agitations caused in the Niyamgiri mining area. But, since they already have an 0.28 mtpa aluminium smelter in full operation in Jharsuguda, Orissa, they are importing alumina from Australia. Someone, who is unsure about the way the mining rights case is going to go, won't produce aluminium at $1793 per ton when the market selling price is only $1953 per ton. The ulterior motives and hidden truth of bribes is clearly seen.

The undertaken CSR activities aren't that wonderful enough, to keep the agitators pacified. Now, caught in the wrong foot, the only safety net is the Indian government, which is going to turn the verdict in Vedanta's favor. That is because, if a person who sold Aluminium scraps from an Aluminium PSU - BALCO can woo the government to buy-out the same, with the then political family's support, he can repeat it once again, as the family hasn't changed in any dimension.

The factual analogies are clearly stated. And now comes the time, where we face the harsh reality that, it is not a happy ending in the real-life when compared to the reel-life. The Supreme Court is on the brink of issuing "No Objection" certificate to Vedanta Resources to resume mining in the Niyamgiri hills.

With money anything is possible, especially in India, as people's sentiments are secondary. Those of you, who think, "let the tribal people relocate" and support the argument that "let the tribal people step back to prosper the Industrial Revolution", I just want you to think about a situation and answer honestly. If there is a new metro rail project coming up in your city and the route that has to be laid is such that, your house which was built by your father's hard-earned money or an ancestral home has to be demolished, wouldn't you feel pathetic?? It is all the same.

I know when someone higher up the hierarchy reads this article, my appraisal or even my job is at stake. But, let me tell you, with my experience here in this place, I sometimes feel that uprising of Maoists is very much justified (although I don't support their acts). When they mean that they are poor and deprived, they are. I am very much aware that the money paid by Vedanta has given me the liberty to travel places, read literatures and write my opinions. But, someone has to be on the other side to deliver things to the world. My actions may not bring a change right now, but, my words would do, because I know this message would spread so that people will join me to oppose the non-sense and deliver a diplomatic solution to the affected.

The 4th idoit..

DISCLAIMER: Do not ask me the authenticity of the title. This was suggested by my "friends", who desperately wanted me to write on a person whom they affectionately call "4th idoit". I will direct the Copyrights commission towards "my friends" if they feel that I am violating the norms. All characters in this story resemble very close to reality and any resemblance to people living or dead (let peace be upon them) is purely intentional.

There was this guy, the hero or rather the comedian of the story. His name was/is Sushil Gulati. He was/is the fun-loving guy who spent/spend most of his valuable time doing things which made any value-addition. He was/is smart, intelligent and handsome. He was/is a great guy to hang out with and a real crazy dude for bikes. After one and a half years of work, he was not sure of where he wanted to go. Not because he was confused with no choices, but, with plethora of choices. Anything that stands on the face of the earth interested/interests him and a very friendly guy. People love to talk to him and spend time with him always.

As his life was rollicking ahead, it so happened in his life that he met a good-looking girl called Pooja Tiwari. But, as he clearly explained to his mates that it was pure acquaintance that they meet each other, which his friends did not believe. The very thought that he went out for luncheons made them think that even and finally Sushil has fallen for Pooja.  He tried explaining, but in vain. The acquaintance-turned-friendship relation was a small stint as Pooja had to move on in life. But, out of so many co-incidences, it so happened, that Sushil was equally frustrated with his work-life. To be precise, about his own value-addition. The pinnacle of his frustration was on the day Pooja was leaving the glorious city of Jharsz D.S, Odisha County, RoI. So, as small minds think/thought, it was because of the reason that she is leaving that Sushil is so frustrated. His friends coined him the name "4th idoit" in sync with the movie "3 idiots" being released and the instances that structured his part of life. In the world's eyes, Sushil remains a "4th idoit".

As he was/is a good writer too, they asked him to pen down his thoughts as well. Being a very close friend of Sushil, I tell you that Sushil is innocent and will like to be a 4th idoit. After all, people love to spend time with the 4th idoit and he rocks. And Pooja, if you reading this, do not call Sushil as "4th idoit", as you know the truth. :)

Rob-ile

This has been a long battle between me and the mobile phones that I have used over a period of four and a half years. I would not say I have been lucky, but, I have been horrendously amazed at the turn of events each time my phone was conked or chose its own way.

Chronological order:

1. Nokia 1100 - Oct, 2005.

My first phone cost me Rs.4500. The Made for India model was just launched and was an instant hit. I loved the phone very much. It had a torch and freaking monophonic tones. I used to fight with my mates over the Signature tones. One day in November, all of a sudden it was stolen from my hostel room. The irony being, a BenQ color mobile was kept right next to it, but, the thief loved mine.

2. Nokia 6670 - Dec, 2005.

After my first mobile loss, I wandered without a mobile for a month. It was a very difficult period. Finally, after lots of persuading and fights with my mom, she agreed to get me a Nokia 6600. I went to the shop and found the 6670 model attractive and bought that. It cost me Rs.13000. Never mind. Exactly a month after that, I drowned my new phone in the beaches of Mangalore. As expected the salts corroded the mother board and it was unusable.

3. Nokia 1100 (Second hand) - Jan, 2006.

It cost me Rs.1200. Was handy and useful until the BL-5C burst while charging. A different turn of events this time. The whole phone was shattered into pieces and also my plug-points.

4. Nokia 1108 - Jun, 2007.

This phone cost me Rs. 3000. It was a good one with moon-light display. Setting new records in the Snakes game was the favorite pass-time. One fine day in Jul, 2007 it slipped out of hands from first floor and LCD was damaged and there goes my fourth phone out of order. Anyhow, I was using it for some three months and the phone conked when I gave it for repairing.

5. Sony Ericsson w200i - Sep, 2007.

One lovely phone. It cost me Rs.5300. I thought my phone jinx is over and constrained only to Nokia as this was a super-specialty phone. No problems whatsoever. Had all the functions except for bluetooth which pissed off many of my friends. Was very much contended with it until, a thief broke into my house and robbed me off my personal diary on 16th, June, 2009. There ends my saga of events with the only phone in my hand being Nokia 1202C now.

6. Nokia 1202C - May, 2009

Cost - Rs.1350. Just for the plain fact that this phone offers brilliant battery back, I chose to buy and use it instead of my w200i then. But, out of no option now, I am forced to use this.

Total expense on mobile phones till date - Rs. 28350.00

What more can I ask for..??

Ithu namma Ooru, maamu.. (Its our city, dude..)

Its five years now. Five long years since I have taken the internship with the Nomadic Society of India. And the internship is still going on, on and on and on. I was just a small little fellow in a big city. The city that is known for Idly, Marina, Super Kings and me. The city renamed after the Chennappa Nayaka who ruled it as the history would say it. But, I liked the old name, the ethnic heart-beat name as we are called, all over the world - Madrasi. Madras refers to the illicit yet camouflaged mix of MAD RAScals called by the British for their violent revolt down south. What is there in a name, but, we all love it. The new name is not that bad, but, people still love calling Kolkata as Calcutta; Mumbai as Bombay and Bengalluru as Bangalore. It is stylish, vibrant and pronounceable by all ethnic cultures.

This is a crazy capital. Just like the others, but, a little different in its own way. The city with the second longest beach in the world (Marina), the largest bus terminus in Asia (CMBT), the biggest eatables trading centre in India (Koyambedu Kothalchavadi), the most crowded place in anywhere in the world (T.Nagar), the most organized traffic police (CCTP), and the least affected city in terms of terrorism. Potentials untapped, yet, magnanimously giving space to every other person from the world to share his joy. Life seems so easy here. Might also be because it is my hometown. People say it is difficult to survive as people do not understand Hindi. The only counter-argument is when our language is one of the most primitive ones, even older than Sanskrit, why would we adopt a second fiddle? Yeah, we are international. The common people understand and will help you in English next to Tamil. All direction boards contain English to make it easy for everyone. It just inculcates the habit of going international to any illiterate who steps into.

I miss living in the city. The Marina, Elliot's beach, Chepauk, Mount road, Ritchie street, T.nagar, Anna flyover, Meenambakkam, 100 feet road, ECR, MRTS, Wandalur Zoo, Egmore Museum, Snake park, Satyam Cinemas, Ega theatre, Spencer Plaza, Koyambedu market, Ambattur Estate, PH Road, Aminjikarai, Vyasarpadi, Murugan Idili Shop, CMBT, Pallavan, Anna Tower, Crescent ground, my home in Razack Garden, everything. The best place in the universe just remains a part of my memory.

I write this now as a part of my internship of knowing the world better, sitting in my balcony watching the tall chimneys smoke and assimilating the bitter fact that I would not lead a normal life in the place, closest to my heart. Whenever I am there, I will be what I am, because I know for a fact that I don't need to wear a mask there. CHENNAI ROXXXXXX..

V for Vedanta

Getting into Vedanta Resources was my dream from my first year. Now, I am in the final year and really happy that I have achieved my dream. Let me take you through my road to Vedanta from a few months back.

Everything was okay. Everything was fine. The month was March, 2007. Roses and lilies bloomed in the dawn. The same old chai at jupes with the ever best french toast at Sunny's. Profs growled in the classes. Scooters and "Durgapur Jaabe" buses waggled their way through. Life lacked new action. Old actions did prevail but, out of odds, they didn’t seem that interesting. Cricket season started. NIT, Durgapur rejuvenated with the passion for cricket. Teams lined up with cricket in their hearts and rivalry in their minds. The atmosphere was terrific. Our team was tipped as one of the three teams to win the exciting tournament as I led the team from the front. We thrashed the junior level teams on the way to our semi-finals where we met 'The Warriors'. They were awesomely balanced old rivals who ranked the best after 'The Mckenzies'. Old rivalry rattled our blood. Every ounce of our energy pushed us towards the glorified goal. Our game plan was perfect. The semis started. Right from ball no.1 we were on top. We restricted them to a modest total. But, when it was time to reply, we lost our nerves. We could not hold on to a lovely opportunity. We dropped it, shattered. We lost. None could believe. "Another set of batting collapse. They are perfectly suited for the Indian cricket team". These were the criticisms that we received. Nevertheless, they were true. 

Lesson learnt: Hold on to your nerves. You lose them, you are doomed.

The very same month, there was this Assistant General Secretary Elections. None were particularly interested in the college. I contested the elections and lost it in spite of being tipped as the winner. But, that is the way it works. I could not take it anymore. I faced two devastating failures in a span of two weeks. My dear friends stood by me. "But, where did it all go wrong?" was the question looming over my head. Yeah, I got the answer. It is the way politics work. 

Lesson Learnt: Destiny is scribbled in your forehead. It is all in how you understand the handwriting and do believe them.

As time passed, I plunged into the exam season. Yeah, you are absolutely right. We are in April now. Durgapur slowly started with the summer. Scorching heat built up. Software companies started visiting the campus for recruitment. I did not appear for even one of them as I read my destiny very clearly that it is Vedanta Resources that is calling me. Did you miss something? Yeah, you certainly did. It was Cricket World Cup 2007. Hostels were ablaze with Cricket ruining again. "Thank god, India was out in the first round only" was the exclamation of 99% of the parents throughout the land of diversified cultures. But, we were hardcore cricket fans. Exams do not matter to us. It is all about cricket to us. We watched till Mandira Bedi bid us Babbye. Of course, Mandira did matter a lot to me. For a fortnight, our lifestyle changed. We were teleported to the West Indies and gave a damn for the exams. It was all rosy at that time except for when the results were declared. (Results were declared in May end. So, will tell you about that when I describe May).

Lesson Learnt: No particular lesson learnt as failures only teach you nice hard lessons.

Back home. It was summer vacations and the time to party. Yeah, it is the month of May. Chennai was also excruciatingly hot with the magnitude same as that of Durgapur, but, with one consolation. Food is really excellent out there and family always by your side. It feels excellent was also on cards with the dates for Vocational training nearing. I was aiming at the planets which were very far away, but, later realized that they belonged to a different set of universe. The companies that I applied were not really interested in having me as their intern. Nevertheless, luck betrayed me. I was about to have got it in two companies, but, again the luck Gods were against me. I did not lose heart. Tried through my resources and finally settled with a firm near my locality. I started my training in a subject for which I had the least interest (because that was what I got). But, I made up my mind that this is the subject that offered me a shelter, so, I will put my full efforts into it. In vain, the subject did not interest me at all. By the last week of May, I completed my training. The day I completed my training, I was relieved. My plans for Vedanta were shaken by some intermediate disturbances, but, I did tackle them properly and secured a decent training regime and completed it successfully. But, that was not the end. The very same evening, my very close friend called me up and the news that he gave shocked me and threw me right out of the universe. I received a suppli (arrear) in one of the exams that I had given during that cricketing season. Again, I was shattered. I was obviously down, but, I got used to failures after failures. My friend did offer me words of comfort, but, I lost my dream. I was doomed forever. Because of my cricket lunatics, I was driven into the world of unknown. What next? The answer was just an asymptote to me.

Lesson Learnt: However hard you try to make some things happen, it always is the destiny's wish which cannot be overpowered. Do your duty, never expect the fruit.

The month of June never seemed good even. My brain was tired. My preparations for my dream company approached a dead end with a brisk halt. I felt so low, hollow. Nothing was left in me to work for. I was a bag of bagasse with flesh and bones. A zombie, who wakes up every day, does his normal stuffs and sleeps into the slumber of unknown. I did not have anything to offer to this world. But, I am just a minuscule in this entire universe. Why does it have to bother about me? To add to my pain was the fact that the reopening date of my college was postponed. Life was at the peak of its pain which meant that the conduction of the suppli (arrear) exams would be delayed further and the possibility of getting a good job is out of bounds. I laughed outside, cried inside. Every moment killing me and asking me the existence of my life.

Lesson Learnt: All you can do is to smile back, when adversities laugh at you.

As I had mentioned, the reopening dates were slated for 23rd July. That was hell a lot of time. According to my calculations I would get a job (irrespective of what job it is) only in the latter half of August. Now, I planned to move the case to the concerned professor. Tell him the truth that I wrote the paper exactly for pass mark and I did not deserve a suppli. I reached college a week earlier. Met my prof and explained him my position. He did not accept. He asked me to prepare for my suppli exam. But, to leave no stones unturned I applied for re-checking. He and my H.O.D called me and asked me to leave hopes for the suppli to be cleared and prepare well for the exam. Last week of July, L&T visited my campus for recruitment. I was ready for it. Their eligibility criteria were such that, that it suited me perfectly. I cleared the written. I was invited to give the interview at Kolkata. I went to Kolkata a day before, with perfect preparations and my interview was on 29th July at 9.00 a.m. I reached on time and my interview was too good. They offered me the posting also, but, later I did not find my name short-listed. I was dejected. All my friends back in Durgapur were expecting a good news, but, later they were also shocked to hear that I did not get through. I said to myself that I had this anti-midas touch. Whatever I touched turned into failures. When I was about to board the train back to Durgapur, I casually browsed through the newspaper stand and bought my usual magazine which ironically had its cover story on Mr. Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta Resources. It was a nicely timed comedy and even the press had to tease me through my failure. When I reached Durgapur, my friends were always there for me and offered me a cozy environment to forget what happened. They told me that the best is still in store for me. It was not a failure. I was cheated this time. The job was in my hand, but, someone just snatched it away from me.

Lesson Learnt: No lesson learnt. My hatred grew long and hard. My belief in destiny took a U-turn.

This is the month. August turned my life upside down. 1st of August, I went to meet my prof about my preparation for the suppli, so that he could help me with some topics which I did not understand. I approached his room. I asked him my doubts and he shot back at me back on why I am asking him the sixth semester portions. I told him that the suppli date is 10th August and he needs to help me out in certain topics. But, he answered back by telling the good news of my life. He cleared my suppli in re-checking and I straight away knew that I deserved to be cleared. I am eligible to appear for my dream company. Now, no one can stop me. The very same day I resumed my preparations from where I had left at that brisk halt. I prepared for the day. It was slated for August 6th. I was mentally prepared. My confidence level reached new heights. The day came and what happened next was history.

Lesson Learnt: Believe in your destiny.

Everything will be ok in the end. If it is not ok, it is not the end.