Wishlist - 10 things I want to do before see off!



Well, this is something that I have always wanted to jot down.
These are THE shortlisted 10 that I want to accomplish before I see the almighty.
In every to accomplish statements you will find a touch of travelling and moving around. This is because I was born with gypsy soul.

The List goes like this:


1. To Live in the world's most fantastic places for 1 month each!
Amazon &
Serengeti .
Man, I can forego  anything for this! 
For all the flora and fauna at these amazing places ANYTHING!!.
In India, I have explored quite a few jungles but the craziness that goes on within the Amazon and Serengeti is priceless.


2. Adventure sports: 
Yes, right now bungee jumping and sky diving are on my agenda. Can't think of scuba yet. I'm aquaphobic you see !


3. Become a lecturer of an off beat subject:
 I always knew I'm a good teacher( forgive my overconfidence)
As for my domain subject, I was a visiting faculty to college  from Nov to Feb. But apart from my domain subject I would like to teach subjects like problem solving, importance of travelling, Who is Rabindranath Tagore, so on..


4. Bunking office:
 Writing this on behalf of many poor souls like me. 
I want to bunk office and go for a bike ride alone. And hope to fulfil it in this coming monsoon(hopefully).


5. Want to be known as artist and not a professional:
I've always wanted this and I think I'm on the right track . It's usually when my physical battery goes off .
I always wish that i should be known as an artist instead of a professional who ran in a rat race and raced to never win it. I have already started with a few portraits, hoping to learn a genre of dance and guitar soon. Even the thought of it is like 'woah! what a feeling' . 
Not only will I stop at that, after running for a  mil in this, I want to see me discussing some cool stuff with other artists too.


6. Witnessing the FIFA World Cup: 
In fact, this one should be No. 1 in this list. Football is not my sort of sport but being a part of the waves of cheering and witnessing the most followed sport in the world live surely gives me goosebumps.


7. A visit to Istabnbul, Funchal and Disney land: Yes, for a few years now these cities have been crossing my mind currently im transported there by merely just a few reads but optimistically someday! One-day exploring them will be on the top of my priority lists.




8. To participate in a triathlon: 
This is because even thinking of it is like challenging myself. Here more than age what matters is mental fortitude.  Swimming, riding and running... come on let's push our limits . 


9. See an active volcano: 
There are 500 active volcanoes around the world. I want to see the one either of these I.e. the ones in Iceland, Italy, Japan, Costa Rica or Hawaii.


10. Want to love not hate .. : 
I'm not the one to hate someone easily but once I do I'm a cold blooded home sapien!
I'd like to not be but i guess it's inherited! Well one day as the rest on my to accomplish list..
I HOPEFULLY WILL OVER COME IT ! 


HOPE IS WHAT MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND U SEE !




Posted on 12:48 PM by Shantanu and filed under | 1 Comments »

Guru



Case 1: 

India is such place where you tend to get motivated or demotivate from very contrasting strange things. For example, our Gods.
Apart from the debate of theism or atheism, let us get it straight to the point where people in our country worships idols, images, photo frames, computer screens with Gods or demigods, pendants etc. and apparently get lot more energy to sail through their fates and ill fates. 
On the other hand, many of the times we see them knocking the doors of tantriks, babas or other spiritually enriched demigods to get rid of deadly diseases or to get hidden treasures or even for a baby,yes it stands true today at this point of time when I'm writing this article and your are reading this. 

This scenario is presented by many movies, books and documentaries. 

But wait ! my question was different. 
Is it really necessary to inherit this? 
Why can't we teach our children values of hard work, sacrifices, self control instead? 
Why can't just we make them brave enough to think logically and choose what they want? 

These questions haunted me during my formative years like a pimple on my face. At home there was a faint possibility that I would ever get an answer. Then , my teachers were my only hope. All of whom I met during my college years i.e. graduation and post graduation, affirmed me that even though these things are inherited it’s up to me to carry the burden or not. 
Children during their toddler and adolescent stages have a very fragile and innocent mind. Those are the only years where you can work on their mindset and make them brave enough to change their apparent fate, to stand for what they feel and to push themselves beyond their limits.

Case 2:

Similarly, in the same region called India, there exists two more religions, Doctors and Engineers. Even before the baby is born, her/his parents have already decided their fate! here it is not to be or not to be ! here it is to be a doctor or an engineer. So, based on parent's current profession this decision is taken. It doesn't stop here. Even those parents, who are not doctors or engineers, also want their unborn baby to be one. Hypocrisy at its best.
A similar kind of malignant spirit used to haunt my family too, And I being me wanted to become a forest officer, yeah! a big blow to the society where I lived.

Again, my teachers were my saviours. They played important roles in my upbringing along with my parents. Today, I have 3 post graduate degrees in life sciences, wild life and forestry along with one in management. Although I don’t practice forestry, wild life and ornithology i do a lot of bird watching on a regular basis.
I have published two research papers with well known publications on rare birds. I cannot measure this or quantify this in terms of money , But the satisfaction I get of what and when I do it is intangible. 

Conclusion: 

For every pupil in India, a teacher is a blessing. I could have never imagined today without them.
India has a tradition Gurudakshina(a type of fee for his/her service to you). a few years ago, during a school get-together, one of our students asked our teacher what did she want or would like us to give her as a Gurudakshina. 
She humbly said, "Be a teacher to someone". As far as, we have such teachers India is unstoppable and life will be full hope, positivism  and optimism. 

Today, I'm trying to follow her example. I do not get a lot of time from my corporate job to spare with students, but I make sure to spend 3 weeks of December and January with them. I usually teach them something which they do not find in their books, like some niche skills.
It's been 2.5 years, I'm following this practice and I hope to continue this for a better India, for a better future. 
It’s a virtuous circle. 

Jai Hind.

  

  
Posted on 5:17 PM by Shantanu and filed under | 0 Comments »

What We Can All Learn from Matthew McConaughey

Hi.. Found this article by Gurbaksh Chahal in my LinkedIn network. Truly Awesome and inspiring..  

On March 2nd, 2014 Matthew McConnaughey won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Motion Picture: Dallas Buyers Club.
What I most liked about the Oscars was actually his speech. It was powerful and resonated with me.
In his acceptance speech, he mentioned: There are three things that I need each day. One, I need something to look up to, another to look forward to, and another is someone to chase.
Something to Look Up to
He mentioned God as a person he looks up to. God has shown him that it’s a scientific fact that gratitude reciprocates. So, whatever you believe in – a higher power, the law of attraction or just karma, if you have someone greater to look up to – they become your guiding force toward success. As well as, humble you during your good and bad days. Symbolically, they also provide the hope we need to continue and fight for what we believe in.
Look forward to
He mentioned his family. I’m a big believer that authenticity is hard to find. But, when you do find it, hold on to it. As someone once said, “Fame is vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wing, but only character endures.” When it comes to family and if you're lucky – you can't get any more authentic than that. They allow us to become the best possible version of ourselves and remind us what’s worth fighting for. They are also our biggest fans during our ups and supporters during our down moments. And, God had his reasons for picking them – so don’t disappoint him.
Someone to Chase
He mentioned he was always chasing the 10-year-older version of himself - even today. I find that quite humbling. Because, it shows us that the biggest role models we can actually have is ourselves. As we get older, we get wiser, we learn from our mistakes and we prosper as human beings. Never read the headlines, be your own headline. Perfection is hard to chase, but if you're chasing the future you – you’ll know the power you have is actually limitless.
These are three great rules and principles to live by each morning. And, if we are determined to live by them – there isn’t a single thing we can’t do, including winning an Oscar.

Posted on 11:38 AM by Shantanu and filed under | 0 Comments »

Oye Nikki..Nikki oyee..!!

There are some unfathomable souls who gets to meet some unfathomable souls and bonded with nothing but the true energies. Nikita is one such soul. There was no such logical reason that anyone, including me, can convince Niki and Me are friends. But then, there is something called destiny or whatever invisible energies of "Kaynat" which brought us in this loop. Blogger, its name.

Scene 1: 2009 - 10 :  Total rush of adrenaline had engulfed and i was writing like crazy on blogger. Then one day, one comment pinged on my blog.. And since then, its on n on n on n on..@@@...!!! I so much remember that time Niki..when we all bloggers used to have so much fun, commenting on each others posts. May it be Sonal, Dipti, Splurja, swati.. All our posts were so random and heart touching. In midst of this randomness there was certainly some special connections with Niki..its above anything, without expectations, so holy and pure warmth. 

Scene 2: 2010-2012 :  By this time, me n Niki had started chatting over a phone, it was like crazy.. how can we be so good friends without even seeing each other. We shared almost all our ups, downs, blues, pinks everything. how can I forget to mention..She had one angel in her life!! It was her truly a struggling period. Her posts were so intense in these days that sometime I used to get worried for her. I proudly salute spirit and patience she kept during this period. I was a silent witness in her life, just looking at her and praying for her love and well being. Meanwhile, I also got married in November 2012 but we were still the buddies. I wanted her to come for my wedding but it was not easy for a girl and I understand that. 

Scene 3: 2013 aaya n fir 2014:  As they say, one day you get the "Fal" (fruits) of all the patience you keep for long. How Niki can be an exception!! I was soo happy when she gave me a good that she is getting married to her angel. And then no looking back. When I saw her in saree, fainting was the only option that was left for me, she was looking so gorgeous. Its so so good to her happy and with the man she always wanted to be with. 

Coincidently, today is her angel's birthday ( I don't his name till now), I wish both of them all the luck and a happy married life. 

Nikki, ek patiala meri taraf se oyee.. 

P.S: Nikki I took 4 days to write this as I was totally out of blogging. Thanks to for being an inspiration. n formatting mistakes mat dekh.. u know mee. 

Have fun. majja karo.

Rest on whatsapp n FB. 

Love u loaaddssss.. take care. 

Love,
Shanuu.. 

Movie Continues.....
Posted on 4:59 PM by Shantanu and filed under | 4 Comments »

Life Lessons and a Beer


Got this somewhere on the web...

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 Beers.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed..

'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.. The sand is everything else---the small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.

Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.' The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.

 

Posted on 12:33 PM by Shantanu and filed under | 0 Comments »

Reason, Season, or Lifetime

Found this on web. Thought to share.


Reason, Season, or Lifetime--By: Brian A. "Drew" Chalker
What are you??? Are you a Reason a Season or a Lifetime?Pay attention to what you read. After you read this, you will know the reason it was sent to you! People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person.When someone is in your life for a REASON. . . 
It is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are! They are there for the reason you need them to be. 
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered. And now it is time to move on.
Then people come into your life for a SEASON. Because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Posted on 11:33 AM by Shantanu and filed under | 0 Comments »

The day I was Born..!!




Well.. since the time I read Tanvi birthday post, I was planning to post something like her.. But I don't think it will finish in 29 points.! Actually it was on 4th March but I was too engrossed with my best friend, Kaustubh who had came all the travelling 300km to Pune to celebrate my big day.. It was a big content when you are with your best people around you. 

So, coming to point. Here's who I am. 

- I truly believe that I am a surviver, since the day I was born. 
- When I was 15 days old I survived a  major leg surgery. As per the index the survival chance of babies undergoing this surgery was 0.5% 27 years ago. And I was in that 0.5%.

- So, now I use footwear 10No. for left leg and 11 No. for the right one. Unique ahhh..!! It used to be my complex, but later I turned it into my uniqueness when I started treking at the age of 20.

 - Doctor had adviced to avoid that but "never say die" is me. Now I'm rock climbling trainer from JN institue of moutaineering. Kool ahh.. conquer your fears n all the theory.

- Till now I have travelled across all the jungles in India.

- I was using my bicycle till the age of 25., I feel surprised now.

- Steve Waugh used to be my biggest inspiration in my teens and I statred believing in the Law of Attraction, The Secret when I met him and worked with him for a week. I went crazy for two months, after effects. refer my one of previous posts on Steve. He do regularly reply my mails. *Satisfaction..*

- I didn't recognise Jimmy Carter, Ex-President of the USA when he was beside me on Jimmy Carter Work Project in June 2007 at Lonavala. Later laughed and striked a conversation.

- I did almost all kinds of jobs, from sweeping in chai tapri to heading an HR dept. of an MNC. Sweeping, not because I of economic problem. But I wanted to experience the problems those boys face, *early age crazy thoughts..*

- I worked for a week as a load carrier for Rs30/- a day in Bara Bazar Kolkata in one grain godown for the one I love and suffered bloody scars for 6 months. *Power of love haha..*

- I believe in "work hard..party harder.."

- I rarely lose my friends; I have retained almost most of my friends. Kedar is my oldest friend and we are together since the age 4.

- I can get along with almost any person on the earth. I rarely hate anyone, but when I hate its too genuine.

- I love India too much and once Im finished with India exploring I am all set to explore the world.

- Dip / Bebo / Swati / Splurja are my best buddies and I want to invite them on my wedding. *Hope never dies.*

- I found Tbg is like me..*crazy*

- My mom is too cute and Love her like anything.

- My younger bro doesn't booze without me and he looks my elder. He's 6.5. *winks*

- Movies, Im a total movie freak. Dip n mine movie likes are almost similar.

- Believes in doing crazy stuff.

- Dance.. Loves to dance like crazy. Once I danced for 8 hrs..and got 5 flame shot, complementary. *stamina huuhh..*

- Girls, all are friends. Never thought bad.! Scared of marriage. *blues..*

Finally... The party pic.. with bro.



It was crazy.. Two nights had full fun. Ya, Missed my best friend Avi.. She flied to Singapore.

Till now the life is so much contended. No regrets.

Love.

Shan.


Posted on 6:33 PM by Shantanu and filed under | 9 Comments »