Moi

That's me @ Peter Cat, Park Street, Kolkata

Cute Teddy

I didn't click this one. My wife did, and found the teddy adorable.......

Grasshopper

I'm Back

I am back on blogger .

I have been away, had taken a break from the internet and technology for a while, but couldn't seem to be able to survive without. So i am back, and back for good.

I assure u, that u will see more of me now.....

Travelling around Kolkata - Scoop

And this what I had @ Scoop, Princep Ghat - As You Like It!

Travelling around Kolkata - Millennium Park

Been quite some time since my last post. I am sorry, but I have been really very, very busy with my office responsibilities. The pressure is on.

Last Sunday, Sayan shot this picture of Sourav at the Millennium Park, Kolkata. I liked it and decided to post it here.

Would appreciate your comments.

THANK YOU

I would like to convey my heartfelt thanks to all those who took time out from their daily schedules to peep into my blog. To be very honest, I haven't been very regular with my posts. Neither have I stuck to any one theme nor topic. I choose to put in whatever appeals to me at that moment. Whereas I would like to apologize for my inconsistent posting, I much appreciate the visits by all who chose to. THANK YOU!

I would be delighted if all of you who visit this blog, take some time out and scribble your comments, which will not only help shape the direction of this blog, but also provide an invaluable boost and inspire my postings.

Looking forward to a warm response.

Indian Cricket - The Selectors Suck

It’s official now. The BCCI Selectors of the Indian Cricket Team have all lost it. The panel which was dubbed “a bunch of jokers” in the yesteryears, have truly lived up to their name and reputation by axing Sourav Ganguly from the forthcoming one-day triangular series in Australia featuring Australia, India and Sri Lanka. To top it all they have still kept out Rahul Dravid who appeared to be all set, back in form and ready to take on the challenge in the lively pitches of Australia.

Not only is this decision to keep out the duo shocking, it is absolutely demoralizing for the millions of fans, who look up to these players for inspiration and motivation. Between the two of them they have the rich experience of over 600 ODIs. And both of them are in fine form now. In fact, just have a look at Sourav’s performance since his comeback. He has played 32 matches and scored 1240 runs at an average of 44+. Mr. Chairman of Selectors, who was the Man of the Series in the last completed series? Mr. Chairman of Selectors, who scored the second highest runs in the last calendar year in the world?

The disgusting Secretary of BCCI thinks Sourav isn’t fit for the team because of his running between the wickets and fielding. Mr. Secretary, if Sourav’s running between the wickets and fielding is poor, please show the fans and lovers of Cricket in India, another one poor runner and fielder who has amassed 11,221 runs in 308 matches at an average of over 40. Sourav has improved his running between the wickets and fielding with every passing year and is currently on a high in terms of form and motivation and this is the worst decision that could have been taken, and that is exactly what the Chairman of the “bunch of jokers” ordered.

And someone from the selection panel please explain to me why VVS Laxman doesn’t deserve to be in the ODI team? Laxman is probably one of the most successful batsmen against Australia. He could have easily replaced totally out of form and injured Yuvraj Singh. And why is Murali Kartik out? He is one of the most respected spinners in the Indian colours.

Horrible decision. This is not cricket.

Somehow, the double standards keep continuing. On one hand it is Ganguly’s alleged poor running and fielding and on the other hand, the BCCI wants a young team. Right, you have a young team. But a cardinal rule and probably the most logical rule in cricket selection is that you keep faith in your most experienced guys who are fit enough to see you through difficult tours against tough opposition. All experimentation is reserved for the minnows, where surprisingly the BCCI doesn’t ever seem to experiment.

Injustice has been meted out to the two greatest cricketers of India, and people all over the country would protest, I am sure. I would also like to let the advertisers know that this may harm your interests as interest in cricket may reach such an abyss that your earning will start taking big dives. Take note, one and all, and attempt to redress the situation at the earliest.

Hyderabad continued

The Charminar

Qutb Shahi Tombs
Qutb Shahi Tombs
Taramati Mosque, Golconda Fort

Outb Shahi Tomb, Tomb of Md. Quli Qutb Shah

Bruni

Images of Bruni, the pet dog

Railway Tracks

Tried to capture lines.............

Village Pictures

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!!!!!!

Play me a game - CHESS

Some time back I was hit by an idea - to play the rest of the world in a game of chess. Quite a daunting challenge, but when taken lightly enough, it is fun. The forum I chose to host the game is Orkut – a social networking site. I have been interacting with my friends through this site and have also been a member of various communities but was disheartened by the lack of momentum in such groups. I am a member of a group on Chess which has more than 28000 members, yet the momentum is so very slow that it never seemed that anything was happening there.

And my love for the game saw me host a game of chess.

The rules are basic. I’m playing with White pieces while the Rest of the World is busy defending the Black King. The first move that is made for the Black pieces is the accepted move, and anyone (except me) can make that move. No takebacks allowed. And all players are requested to abstain from computer analysis. Once a move is made, others can continue to voice their moves/better moves, missed opportunities and provide analysis for the same. In short, others who missed out on making the move can continue to participate in the game to make it even more interesting.

The game has already started. Some moves have been made.

White: Ranjan
Black: Rest of the World
Site: Orkut

1. e4 e6 (Kunal)
2. d4 d5 (Kunal)
3. Nd2 a6 (Mohinder)
4. Ngf3 c5 (Ram)
5. e x d5

And the current position is shown in the picture below.

The whole idea is fun. So join along and get your brains working. To join in the game, please visit
Orkut

Also I would like to know whether you would like a separate and totally committed blog for this game and for any subsequent games or may I continue here itself. Please let me know what you think.

Hyderabad Trip

Some pictures from Hyderabad

Pigeon

One of the pigeons at the Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad

Portrait

Trying my hand at portraiture

The Flight of Pigeons

Shot at the Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad

Pictures from Hyderabad

Sunset on Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad

Would love to know which one you like better......

Terror Strikes Uttar Pradesh

Back from Hyderabad

I was planning to post a blog entry as soon as I got back from my trip to Hyderabad. I wanted to write about our journey and also prepare an itinerary for travelers and others interested in visiting the city.

However, the theme changed. The terror blasts in Uttar Pradesh changed the course, content and mood. It is yet another heinous and dastardly act of terrorism, through which nothing will be gained. Killing, injuring and maiming countless innocent people is no solution to any political or any religious end. When will people realize it?

The three blasts occurred around noon in and around court premises. The terrorist attack on the Parliament is still fresh in our minds. This time the attack is on the judiciary. If I may hazard a guess – who’s next? The President? There seems to be a system – a pattern in the attack. The terrorists are focusing on the three pillars of democracy in India. They have hurt two till date.

At this juncture, the security forces must tighten their defences in and around the Presidency. And a heavy hand must come down on all terrorists captured. They must all be taught the hard lesson that the unity, the sovereignty and the social and democratic mosaic of India cannot be perturbed.

I have always spoken against capital punishment, always sided against such punishment. Today, I feel that such capital punishment is a necessity for terrorists. Bring them to the court rooms they attacked, prosecute and hang them.

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