A cup of coffee… is all that I need to keep me awake any time any where.....Oh! well its the perfect magic trick if you are working late, or need to kick off that laziness out from inside, hmm or the fatigue you generally get after driving long hours cover few hundreds of km.
Some times it’s so easy, so simple, so refreshing and the only thing I can have to offer to you. You know... What I mean, no? Yo Baby...!!! ..... :)
trust me this cup of coffee was so refreshing after driving 300(+) kms to Pondicherry and that too seating right in front of a bay of bengal and chatting with my son.... thanks to my wife for clicking this lovely snaps.
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the
People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified.
Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people: "Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
The other day I was talking to my friend about my post Saffron, White, Green asking her did you read this post of mine. she said yes and I come from KV School and it reminded her of PT teacher who used to instill that pride of the nation within us. And the conversation continued further, I too come from KV and did the schooling across india due to my father being in Army (reasons known).
Me: I know how the teachers used to be in KV.
She: yeah and I remember how we used to give them nicknames.
Me: you bet.
Me: there wasn't any teacher who had nickname.
She: yeah and that too short forms like EPND
She: I remember their short names better than their real names now.
Me: lol
She: if some on asks who was ur chemistry teacher in class 9 I surly would say Pressure cooker, because he used to make that noise like shhh shhh all time.
Me: yup... we used to call our chemistry teacher in 10th class as hot cake... (reasons known).
And the conversation continued further...... finally she told me to have a blog for the... "teacher's nickname".
here are few nicknames that keep flashing my (our) mind:
Jelebi– Math teacher – who used to pronounce jelebi while adding a zero to the test papers. He used to ask us do the math on the board and in case a person fails to attempt he used to say – aapko Jelebi melegi.
Begum No - Geography teacher – she used to suffix all her sentences with the word No – Oh! now I wonder if she meant No or Know?
Benazir Bhutto - Physics teacher – she resembled Benazir and she also had the same ishtyle of dressing
EPND – History teacher also class teacher - She had a huge pot-belly and EPND stands for Ever Pregnant Never Delivered – we got acquainted with her in our high school and assumed she was pregnant but her belly had not stopped inflating even after I quit school
EPLE - PT teacher.... jet black complexion and huge belly and EPLE stands for Ever Pregnant Little Elephant
Pressure cooker – PC – Chemistry teacher – he always made a noise sounding shhhh at the end of most of the words - Pressure would sound Preshhhshhar
TP – PT master- PT was made TP or Time pass for the time we spent outdoors
Mr India – Biology teacher - Ohh! He was a skeleton - we used to think like Mr. India he will vanish one day.
Mr Mandya -- teacher for kannada – This needs no reasoning. Both Mr. India and Mr. Mandya were great pals.
IdeaRam/ chaturchacha - Math teacher – he used to start most of his sentence with idea lagao ki…
Miss India – English teacher- we conveniently removed the R form her name and she was really tall and dominating English teacher
Smiley – Social Science teacher - he had a fixative smile on his face – even while scolding us he smiled
Angrez – English teacher – he was too strict – I used to think he carries a whip with him
Sher singh – Princi – you obviously know your limit in front of Sher singh
Gabbar singh – Sanskrit teacher - he used to growl at us for no reason … thank goodness he was transferred from our school.
800 – Hindi teacher– this guy was a tiny chap who drove an 800 to school and who always spoke Shudh Hindi
Gaint robot – PT master – who replaced TP a very tall guy
Walkie – talkie – Hindi teacher – this guy was always crazy about cricket and we used to always see him holding his transistor to his ears.
Amurthanjan – Sanskrit teacher --aaah that smell! Poor thing, I guess, she always had a headache with us.
Droppy – Physics teacher – he used to give us some problems and just take a small nap.
Snowwhite – Computer Science teacher – she was the fairest and youngest of all.
Itching Man - Math teacher in class 9th, while talking all the time he use to itch his hand.
PJ - Social Science teacher all the time will pass PJs (Paining Jokes)
TL - Tech Lady - science teacher in 10th class, will all the time say.. science is all about making rockets (who cares if the rocket weren't launch able)
Test Tubes - Our Chemistry Lab Assistant will always ask hold the test tubes properly/where is your tube, don't play with chemicals.
Mr. Khargosh - Sanskrit teacher had his front two teeth out side his lips.
I sincerely thanks to all my KV teachers across India for refreshing my and my friend's memories. But I also admit that these KV teachers were really good in their respective subjects and any questions asked irrespective of it being stupid or most silliest on the earth, they (few of them) had answered it so well that a good student will never forget it.
In another few days we would be celebrating our 60th Republic Day (am I correct in my count), there would be flag hosting across the country, National Anthem would be sung in full swing.... across various streets (to be precise, in various schools/colleges, institutions etc) where we as individuals had grown up, saluting the Indian flag... the tricolor flag.
I remember my childhood days, used to wait for this day 26/Jan eagerly.... a complete holiday... no books, no homework no nothing...... Getting up in morning, dress up.... go to school, salute the national flag....sing the national anthem..., participate in some or the other event happening in school. Win prizes.... get excited once got any.... open the prize...start comparing with schoolmates.... hey i got better one than you.... tease him/her with it for next 2 to 3 days rather till next event happening in school.
Being from Army background (my dad was in Army).... I use to see him dressing up in that Army Uniform... uniformly ironed, bright shining stars on his shoulders.....bright shining black shoes.... polished in such a style that a person could see his face. Had accompanied him manytimes during this day to his army base.... all army officers, soldiers....etc dressed up neat and tidy... the Head of the Command... will come... raise open the Indian flag.... all of us would stand up... salute the flag followed by national anthem.
How can I forget the Parade which is shown live on all the TV channels. During the good old day.... DD National channel use to show the live parade starting 9am. I still remember, whole of my family gets glued to the tv for next 3 to 4 hours and it used to be ghar ghar ki kahani.... watching the initial parade of President of India, accompanying the Chief Guest of each Republic Day, then followed by Army, Navey & Air-Force Personnels... saluting the President of India, our National Flag, also presenting something new in every year's parade....
....then comes the must awaited part of the Republic Day Parade.... colorful jhakiyas, presented by school/college childern, teenagers.... who had been practicing the same for past many days (while i am writing this blog... these school/college childerns, teenagers would be rehearsing their scripts/dance.....) Those childhood days were really fun.... I really miss them.... and now, such days are nothing but yet another holiday leading to sleeping till late morning, spending time with friends/family, going out for lunch/dinner and pretending that we are celebrating our Nth Republic Day (don't know the value of n), not at all thinking the importance of Republic Day rather the National Flag, giving more importance to other (so called pending) works.
Look at today....there being so much of terrorism.... every now n then we receive letters, emails, etc for various terrorist activities that may be carried out, security in such events/days is tightened by many folds, each and every thing has to undergo lensed eye...and end result is none less than the very recent, still afresh in our mind and soul.... India's 9/11... Mumbai under attack-26/Nov.
Even after so much of terrorism... we being Indian should and always unite & stand together for our country and its national flag...... Raise your hand to Salute with Pride..... jai hind...!!!
Though it being the very first day of the "New Year 2009", it seems to be as yet another day in my life....
For a while a thought struck my mind... being a new year's first day why do i have this feeling that its still the same day which passes away everyday..... Sun hasn't stopped shining nor has the newspaperwala forgotten to drop the first paper of the year 2009, nor hasn't the milk man hesitated to ring the door bell and give the milk. So Why am I so excited about this day which isn't new in my life, i guess not for anybody else also.
But the difference between today's day and any other day is.... everybody is wishing everybody a happy n prosperous new year..... a joyful new year ahead. So am I doing. Wished my parents, in-laws, friends,.... send lots of sms's to friends/family. And I am not surprised to hear this from family or friends asking so... "howz life on the very first day of the year 2009"... Answer is very simple and sweet.... "Sun is Shining bright...!!!".
And then comes to everybody's tongue is.... "What are you new year resolutions?". And this time instead of keeping quite for a while and listing out all the resolutions applicable to me.... I preferred to say this..... "Dost resolutions are made to be broken...." immediate reply from other side is ... "Absolutely Right buddie". So its always advisable to stick to the life... not to have resolutions.... "Go with the Wind". But then what happened if the wind blows at high speed.... it will be more exciting times in our life... right (i am sure you will agree with me).
Yet another day in my life... Sun is shining bright... So Am I...!!! Lets go with the wind Breaking all the resolutions Start life afresh Uncovering dark secrets of self Turning them to shine as bright as star
trust me this cup of coffee was so refreshing after driving 300(+) kms to Pondicherry and that too seating right in front of a bay of bengal and chatting with my son.... thanks to my wife for clicking this lovely snaps.
In another few days we would be celebrating our 60th Republic Day (am I correct in my count), there would be flag hosting across the country, National Anthem would be sung in full swing.... across various streets (to be precise, in various schools/colleges, institutions etc) where we as individuals had grown up, saluting the Indian flag... the tricolor flag.
