Sunday, May 31, 2015

"The Apocalypse of Power Outage"

It's arson. There's no lights, no electricity and no gas. What else is going to start it? Jay Lewis.

Good Afternoon!

Since the first week of May in Delhi, the weather temperature has been juggling in between the range of 40 to 44 degree Celsius, and the worst you can expect in this kind of situation is a goddamn power outage. It is insane to have experience a power outage of more than 4 hours yesterday afternoon when the temperature was almost 43 degree Celsius outside. Imagine the room temperature! My sweat drips all over me like my body is some sort of fountain water. It's such a pity with my hyperhidrosis issue adding up to my woe. There is hardly you can blame anyone to overcome the heat except for the power-cut. 

As if the power outage during the day was not enough, another 2 hours of power outage during the mid-night was the icing on the cake. I tried to sleep but I couldn't find a single spot where the floor was not very warm. The humidity of my room was unbearable. I know God isn't responsible for the summer heat or the power-cut. Even then, I tried praying so He'd change the heart of the person who cut off the power for some reason. Isn't it ridiculous praying to God for power outage? Well, that was my utter desperation SOS message to God hoping He'd perform some kind of miracle even though it is not his jurisdiction.  

What I cannot fathom the fact that Delhi is a metropolitan city and yet it cannot provide electricity 24/7. It's a shame and a dark spot from a neutral point of view as Delhi is also one of the Global cities. For common people like me, the power outage is more than a punishment rather it is like an apocalypse condemnation in hell. The body just snapped succumbing to heat with no relief from the standstill ceiling fan although it is working perfectly. The ceiling fan simply seems like a decoration in the bedroom or the living room when you needed the most. I don't know what is it going to take for the government to realize the misery of common people. 

Most of our politicians won't understand the effect of power-cut and will never unless they spend a day as normal person minus their luxury. I can bet, some them won't even last for 5 minutes. The perks of being politician is neither they go through like an ordinary people nor they really have to care about power outage; after all it is summer season for which they are not responsible for the heat. And coincidentally, most of the power company seemed to carrying out their maintenance work especially during the summer conveniently. Well, I'm not just assuming rather it is fact. Please find the details of Tata Power scheduled outage for maintenance work for the month of May and June at: http://www.ndpl.com/ScheduledOutage.aspx . And for the consumers of BSES, please visit the site: http://www.bsesdelhi.com/bsesdelhi/maintShutdown.do .  

What a lame excuse! Coming up with the lame excuse of "maintenance work" during this warm summer when actually they are unable to carter the demand of power. What were they doing during the winter when the power consumption is relatively low compared to summer? Of course, this is also failure of the administration and it is rather absurd. They seems to have omitted the population of Delhi and the long summer also having a say on the demand and supply of power beside the other factors like, manufacturing industry, transport, tertiary sector, etc. Of course, the demand of power during the summer is high but the administration has monitor and the power distributors have to prepared for this kind of situation. It is not that summer comes only once in a decade in Delhi.  

Energy conservation is one thing but the necessity in warm summer like this outweighs the conservation. And I'm not remotely interested with the blame-game between the administration and the power distributors. All I want is a 24/7 power supply especially during the summer. After all, Delhi is the capital of India and I don't want another dark spot added to the many other infamous incidents Delhi is known for. 

Food for Thought: “We will make electricity so cheap that only the rich will burn candles.” Thomas A. Edison.

Thank you!

Saturday, May 30, 2015

"Epilogue"

“Farewell has a sweet sound of reluctance. Good-bye is short and final, a word with teeth sharp to bite through the string that ties past to the future.” John Steinbeck.

Good Morning!

I have had one of the best moments of my life working with Aon, and it all started with a huge sigh of relief right after I got through the final round of interview on 22nd April, 2014. Then, it was followed by days, months, a year, and finally, yesterday was my last day with Aon. With no regrets and complaints, it has come to an end rather abruptly but not the end of my road. However with my head held high, I made friends whom I will always consider them as family. In Aon, if you don't make friends while you are there, it is your fault rather it is not the organization or the people.

Well, I met many extraordinary people in my time with Aon whom I have learned a lot and will always admire about their amazing professionalism and above all their down to earth personalities. But today, I would like to focus on one person who will always be my role model, Rajiv Rana. The first day I saw him, I thought he is just another employee of Aon doing his job. And when I realized his designation, I really felt embarrassed of my intolerable ignorance. Shit! He is my Delivery Manager who reports to the Managing Director in our line of business. It was not his title that had me change the tone but rather the way he carry himself well with his work and his relation with the entire employees under his wing. That was the day I learned the first thing rather very important lesson about professionalism from him.

His humble upbringing, his positive attitude, friendliness, always starving to learn from whomsoever, wide knowledge in every subjects, and other many qualities, etc., are worth imitating for people like me and you pursuing success. The second thing I learned from him is, giving importance to other more than 'you'. Obviously, I also carry the same doubt like anyone else about giving importance to other more than to myself. But then, anyone with the kind of the above mentioned qualities are the people who acquired the authority to lead and guide. Of course, Rajiv Rana is one of them.

Learning from people is more valuable than the learning from the business tools. After all, people are the one who manage the tools to tick. I thought interaction is rather undervalued even though it is the key to learning. Yet, we keep on knocking the wrong door when we only need an interaction to start the learning process. I had to admit, I've been a fool looking for the answer at the wrong places when it was right in front of me. There are no stupid questions or answers as long as you want to know the truth and acquire knowledge. Every interaction I have had with Rajiv Rana have been always interesting and fruitful. And the third lesson I learnt from him is, try to learn from anyone through the way of interaction.

So far, I'm able to compiled only into three lessons although there are many good qualities I might have skipped in this blog. Nevertheless, my time with Aon is a grand success and was indeed an incredible journey and I'm happy to have met Rajiv Rana(Sir) personally including all my friends. Thanks to everyone! 

Food for  Thought: “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” Ernest Hemingway.

Thank you and enjoy your weekend!

Monday, May 25, 2015

"The Heart and Soul of Queen Bee"

“In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman.” Margaret Thatcher.

Good evening!

To hell with the people who thinks women are weak! CBSE class 12th result is out and the result is a testimony to those people who tries very hard to prove muscle power is everything. Believe it or not! Girls have outshine the boys AGAIN in 2015 CBSE Class 12 results! According to the reports from Times of India, the pass percentage of girls was 87.57 as compared to boys', which was 77.77 percent. A humongous 10 percent lead for girls over boys. Well, it is becoming a trend every year where the girls are outshining the boys. I just hope the result statistics find it way to every politicians, every policemen, every lawmaker, and in every nook and corner of our country.

The smile on my face may seems to exhibit a devilish trait with the CBSE class 12th results but it is because I have recently read a news report where child marriages is still very much prevalent in India. It is a pity that some few people in our society are really scared and panicky of what girls can achieve and accomplish better than their equal opposite sex. The society norms is the patriarchal hierarchy and the general beliefs is that it shall be maintain at any cost and any means. But the cost and the means are quiet appalling, and most of it deriving from ancient traditions. And child marriage is one the many means to subdue the empowerment of women in our society.

I came across the term "Akshaya Tritiya" which is a Holy day for the followers of Hindu and Jain religion. It is one of the most important days for the Hindus and revered as an auspicious day. And as result, the day is considered to be auspicious and conducive to start new ventures. In spite of the importance of the day, it is also equally a black day for most underage girls who are forced into child marriage by their parents and relatives on this auspicious day every year. I just cannot imagine the state of the innocence girls who are betrothed to a boy or man whom the girls would've address them as "Bare Bhaiya" (English: Big brother) if not for the child marriage.

The attitude of government towards child marriage is quite appalling and precarious. Inside the House, the politicians will say, we are taking the necessary steps to prevent child marriages. Whereas on election campaigns just don't even think about our politicians speaking about the prevention of child marriages, they won't even also speak about the honor killings and the female infanticide because it might affect their vote-bank and the chance of winning the election. It means, the government indirectly nurturing all these crimes against women. In fact, one of our knucklehead politicians has gone on to say, "rape accused should not be hanged. Men make mistakes." As long as we continue to elect this of kind of politicians, don't even think about India becoming a developed country but rather backtracking us to barbaric civilization.

It means, "We" together have to do everything to stop child marriages and all the crimes against women. Awareness is the key and the importance of women in society is the gateway to progress our nation towards better future. The CBSE class 12th result is just one of the testimonies showing the importance of women in our society. As per the 2011 census, India sex ratio is 940 females per 1000 of males. Now, try recalling the 2012 London Olympics when Saina Nehwal and Mary Kom won two medals making our nation proud despite against all the odds.

Food for thought: “Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.” Virginia Woolf.

Thank you.

"Review on Manchester United performance V/S Hull City, 0-0, 24 May 2015”

United XI: Valdes, Valencia, Smalling, Jones, Rojo, Blind, Mata, Ander Herrera, Di Maria, Young, Rooney. Subs: Januzaj, Lindegaard, van Persie, Fellaini, McNair, Blackett, Wilson.

Hull City XI: Harper, Chester, Dawson, McShane, Elmohamady, Meyler, Huddlestone, Quinn, Brady, N’Doye, Jelavic. Subs: McGregor, Rosenior, Bruce, Hernandez, Sagbo, Aluko, Robertson.

Really! A terrible performance from United again! Obviously, United has already qualified for the Champions league next season by virtue of winning the 4th position in the final table points standing. But Manchester United is neither about just securing a spot in Champions league nor playing as a second fiddle team in Premier league. No doubt, the club has achieved its target for the current season concluded today. In my opinion, Manchester United 2014-15 season is like a big budget Hollywood movie securing a lukewarm success in the box office (Say for example: 175 millions pound box office collection against 150 millions pound movie budget).

The team performance throughout the season suggest the club needs to revamp summer spending efficiently. The club also needs to improve the scouting program because not a single players from the academy have make an instant impact in a game and helping the team win when needed. I believed McNair seems to be the only promising player from the academy who has grabbed the opportunity provided.

And today, the last match of the season, the performance from the players was like a painful stab on your back after supporting throughout the season ups and downs. And literally, it was like watching your favorite team playing like a relegated team with no desire to win at any cost and rather than a team with potential to fight for the title next season. The final scoreline of 0-0 even make it worse, and I thought the fans really deserve a win with style and swagger so the message "Manchester United will be back in the title race next season" can be conveyed to rival teams. While it is pity Hull City was relegated despite their players trying their best to win the match.



Victor Valdes starts in the match for the first time as United goalkeeper with Angel Di Maria and Rooney also in the starting line-up. The first half from United was an utter disappointment backed by the mistimed passes, miscued, unconfident style of play, and nervy defending. Believe it or not! There was no single shot on target as well as any clear chances created until the cross coming from Ashley Young in the 44th minutes which was missed by Herrera. Although Rooney attempt from outside the box in the 3rd minute unfortunately clips the bar. Adding to the misery of United 1st half, Angel Di Maria was injured and replaced by Adnan Januzaj in the 22nd minutes.



I actually thought 'what a howler from Valdes in the 18 minutes.' Thank God! The linemen raised up the flag for Offside position. But what a great save from him in the 19th minutes of Hull City's Elmohamady powerful header. Although Valdes hasn't played first team football for the past 14 months, the brilliant save from him proved he is still a good goalkeeper. Even if David De Gea signs for Real Madrid in the upcoming summer window, Victor Valdes can easily fill up the No.1 goalkeeper spot. Also, in the 74th minutes of the game, he produced another brilliant save which should've been a goal for Hull City. Valdes only needs to improve with his decision in handling cross and corner as he is now playing in Premier league.

Defending is the still a weak spot for United and it was quiet awful throughout the entire 90 minutes of the game. Smalling and Jones partnership in defense doesn't offer much except both of them will force you to bite your fingers nail. Although the match final scoreline is 0-0, they still need to up their style of defending. Valencia is a player who always perform in every match in the meter of 6 out 10 as right-back. His counter-part Marcos Rojo performance from the left-back position was good but not solid good enough. In the midfield area, it seems Blind is not yet ready to play in the role of Michael Carrick although he is still a good midfield player. Although the combination of Mata and Herrera is fine but the defensive skills of Mata is quiet awful and it was evident from his performance today.


Anyway, Mata was replaced by James Wilson in the 72nd minutes. Ashley Young also had a quiet day but his consistency throughout the season is commendable and he was replaced by Fellaini in the 58th minutes. Unfortunately, a direct red card for Fellaini in the 77th minutes was an absolute blow for United when Hull City was pressing hard to score.



Adnan Januzaj is the reason why United needs to improve the scouting program. I still don't get it why he is revered as promising and very talented player coming through the academy. No hard feeling but for the entire season, he hasn't produced any mind-blowing individual match winning performance despite the opportunity provided to him. United always give chance to youth and it will never change as it is United tradition. However, the club needs to improve its scouting program so the right youth players can be developed and showcased his talent when the opportunity is provided.

Well, I'm rating the team performance two out of five. As the current season is over today, please visit the site: http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2015 to find our more information of the upcoming Manchester United summer tour to United States of America.

Thank you. Have a good night!

Images courtesy: http://www.manutd.com/

Sunday, May 24, 2015

"Savages"

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi.

Good afternoon!

I was wondering how did the British empire in the 19th century was able to ruled us for more than a century? It creeps my mind despite the fact that India used to be a rich country during those days. But thank God! Mahatma Gandhi was born in India and for helping the nation unite as one against the British rule, and thereby, paving the future of our nation under democracy on 15 August, 1947. After India's independence, in my opinion, more or less the freedom of the entire population is rather prerogative with no accountability. What kind of freedom is it when we've been unable to choose a leader capable of leading our nation in the right path for more than 60 years until recently when we all blindly believed Modi will lead us to "Achhe din anne wale hain (English: Good days are coming)"? The good days should have happen right after the British rule!

What really disgust me the most is the politics starting from grass-root level, i,e, villages, Panchayat, council, etc. In the grass-root level, the politics revolves around only Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Gurantee Act, Rural area development fund, council election, etc. But in the end, all the funds ended up in the pocket of few selected parties instead of the larger population wherein some few good people really deserve the funds after sweating for it. I'm not writing this just because it comes in my mind rather it is fact that this is happening in my village as well as in other villages in Manipur. The so called ignorance and innocence that used to be associated with village is long gone and I would rather termed it "savages" now. We don't need to be the savages rampaging on each other when we can do things in a rightful way.

The problem is not the politicians or the leaders starting from grass-root level rather it is 'we'. There is a saying, you can't help a person who step on a dog shit even though he sees the shit that was lying right in front of his way. Whatever the piece of pie thrown upon at us from the central government, we all ended up fighting like a dog ready to hurt each other for an ounce of the pie. This the reason why we deserved all the brickbats from our own politicians we have elected since India's independence. Although it hurts but we can do nothing because we let our mind function like a frog in a well. There is this politician in Manipur who commented about his fellow opponent who used to be professor in a University like this, "My dear friend, you do not need to always thinks like an educated person because many people doesn't think like the way you do!" The comment make sense but know that it is directed towards us.

Obviously, the truth is that we never think about the future like Mahatma Gandhi did for us. And he'd be really ashamed of us to witness our current situation from up above. The days of Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (English: Food, clothing, and shelter) are long gone. For God sake! We are living in the 21st century and if let our mind revolves around "Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan", the conniving leaders from the grass-root level and the politicians will continue to exploit us. Our father of nation, Mahatma Gandhi, thought about the future of our nation so we can live our life with honor and respect besides food, clothing, and shelter. We need to learn from our history so we do not repeat. Throughout the history for humankind, there has been Adolf Hitler, Osama Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein as well as the other tyrants and murderers. For a time of they were invincible. In the end, they always fall. It is high time for us to think and act in a wider frame unlike the savages.

Food for thought: “It's the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.” Mahatma Gandhi.

Thank you!

Friday, May 22, 2015

"Body/Life Anatomy"

“Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it.” Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Good afternoon!

I heard it once as well as read it about the saying, "live your life as if it is always your last day." Without any doubt, it lives up to every word in the sentence if you try. May be it is because I'm having the best days in my work life as I'm serving my notice period at work which is soon going to end in few days. In fact, one of my friends from the cab told me ‘notice period is exactly like a honeymoon period’ but that's metaphor. There is no doubt that I'm leaving my current job but I'm still part of the company and very much part the workforce till the 1st of June. 

Despite the good times but in a hindsight I'm going to be missing every single thing about this company, Aon Hewitt, who have provided me a roof over my head, a family known as team, managers living up to Aon Leadership model, a cubicle with 360 degrees view of the entire floor, friends from different background, the 20 minutes allotted daily for Social network(Facebook and Twitter), unbound space of opportunity for personal growth and career, a decent salary by the end of the month, and the game 'carom' which I enjoyed the most among the several other recreational activities provided. Sometimes, in a serious tone, I used to wonder whether I'm going for work or play!

The AonHewitt Company I'm working with will become one part of my work life. And I will always be proud to say 'I used to work for AonHewitt'. But my work life is just as a limb, a part of me, just like my hand or feet. Same with our life, we don't say my hand useless or my appendix has no purpose. Whatever that is part of us; I thought it always has its own significance and it is always worth it. I want to emphasize our work life which is rather as important as our mind, a major part of our body. In fact, work life is similar as our muscle giving us the strength to keep moving. Once we can make work life a part of our existence like our hand or fingers, there is nothing we can do to complain about our work life is stressful and monotonous. It is ours to make it fun and enjoyable like the way we use our fingers to type and make WhatsApp’s or Line messaging interesting and enjoying. However if we have make our work an outside entity and do not consider a part of our life, we won't be happy even with all riches of the world can offer.

In science term, our body anatomy consist of brain, hand, feet, muscle, etc. But the way our present world, it is ‘work’ which tops among all the other anatomies because it feed the body. Argumentatively, our brain nevertheless constitutes the hierarchy. However, despite our work life unconsciously or consciously constituting an important role in our life but hardly we look at it like the way we look at ourselves in mirror. I don't know for people who don’t appreciate themselves by looking at the mirror. Obviously, work comes with stress and pressure but it is compensated by reward. Stress and pressure are not complex in nature. Rather it is our body reaction on how receptive we are with stress and pressure, and how we deal with it.

My work life is not over; I'm just changing the course of direction. May be, my new work environment will be conducive or I may even take some time to settle in. The fact is that even a Formula 1 driver just doesn't accelerate his car and join the race to win. To compete in the race; he studies the road map, check the engine, check the oil meter, check the tyre, adjust the rear window, etc., before the race start. The process will take some amount of time to sink in but once the race start, the adrenaline thrill kicks in and the racing is already a part of him but in the end, it is his love for driving and skills that will decide the result of the race. We are hardly different from the Formula 1 driver. It is just a matter of perspective of how we look at our work life. Note that the environment is the outside entity because our work life is very much part of our body or life.

Food for thought: “Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action.” William James.

Thank you and enjoy your weekend!

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

"Insomnia"

“The last refuge of the insomniac is a sense of superiority to the sleeping world.” Leonard Cohen.

Good morning!

Scenario 1: It’s already 4:00 AM, and I'm still awake and I'm not ready to sleep because I cannot. I thought there must be something terribly wrong with me. Yet, I’m trying to control my mind and dream as if I'm sleeping in a five star hotel. But it doesn't help me much. My mind and body are at war when it should be in coherent. Physically, I'm very exhausted and all I want is a good night sleep since 00:30 midnight. I’m mentally aware I need the sleep but it seemed my mind is restless and quiet not ready to listen to my body hormones of naturally going into sleep mode. In the end, I ended up sleeping only for few hours in morning and I have to get ready for my work by 10:00 AM. And unfortunately, it has become my daily battle. I have even considered if I need daily coitus to drain out my strength so I can overcome my insomnia.

Scenario 5: But now, I'm very delighted to have overcome my insomnia I have had experience few months ago. My mother used to tell me, get yourself a glass of water or milk and you will sleep. Believe it or not! How I used to wish if my mother sings me a lullaby so I can just sleep like a baby. Thank God! My insomnia cured sooner than later or else I might have requested my mother to sing a lullaby for me… J

Scenario 2: I thought about medication if it will just help me sleep for few hours so I don't exhaust myself at work. I convinced myself to be practical and I went straight to drug store and ask the pharmacist for sleeping pills. He looked at me and asks ‘which one?’ I replied; any pills that will help me sleep. He gave me around 5 to 6 pills however advised not to take the pills with empty stomach. Fun Fact: I bought myself the sleeping pills from Medicine counter without any doctor's prescription! When I have the pills in my hand, I convince myself thinking this is just a medication to overcome my insomnia. First night, I pop in one pill and while I was waiting for the reaction of the pill, I guessed I was already asleep. When I woke up in the morning, I thought this is great and it helps. It goes on for weeks until my sister intervened at the right time. She told me that I speak a lot in my dream and sometime, I even shout as if I was fighting with someone in my dream.

Scenario "Side-Effect": I guessed it was the side effect from the sleeping pills by making me hallucinate even when I'm asleep. I told her about the sleeping pills and she warned me it is not going to help me in the long run. By the way, she already thought I was a junkie which kind of creep me out knowing she has never gone through insomnia. Anyway it is not her fault but mine. And I realized I have to clean up before I'm way down the gutter.  Becoming a drug junkie is just a cup of tea; try once and if you like it, you are in for a roller coaster ride and it is difficult to stop the ride. I didn't even realize I have become so dependent on sleeping pills. I’d say to myself, this is the last one and I am not going to have it again but I'd still have two to three pills in my bag. I knew I was just lying to myself every night.

Scenario “My will or the highway”: It started with insomnia, just a normal insomnia which can happen to anyone. However, I have become my own devil digging my own grave not realizing I am trying to put myself to sleep forever. After all insomnia is just a bad case of guilt's - you know when you lie in bed awake and replay all those things you didn't do right? Because nothing solves insomnia like a nice warm glass of regret, depression and self-loathing. All I did was I was fighting myself with my mind and body when I should have just relax and let it go. The worst thing I did again was numbing my mind and body with sleeping pills which is rather a cowardice act. And I had to stop myself from killing myself but how? It was not that easy however with some few good books, it helps. Avoid the medicine store and order a book from your online library or from the online bookstore. Read the book before going to sleep. And nothing can make you sleepier than a book... :) 

The fact is that our mind need a little bit of refreshment like knowledge and wise counseling from a book rather than our regret, depression and self-loathing before it can help our body sleep. 

Food for thought: “A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading.” William Styron.

Thank you. Have a good day!

Monday, May 18, 2015

"Review on Manchester United performance V/S Arsenal, 1-1, 17 May 2015”

United XI: De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Rojo, Mata, Blind, Herrera, Young, Fellaini, Falcao.

United subs: Valdes, Blackett, McNair, Di Maria, Januzaj, van Persie, Wilson.

Arsenal XI: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ramsey, Ozil, Alexis, Giroud.

Arsenal subs: Szczesny, Gibbs, Gabriel, Flamini, Rosicky, Wilshere, Walcott.

It is definitely an improvement in terms of table position for Manchester United comparing to last season under David Moyes. But the display from the team is rather disheartening as the final scoreline is 1-1. Chris Smalling wore the captain armband for the first time in his United's career in the absence of regular captain Wayne Rooney and deputy Carrick. Despite the good start in the first half and leading by 1-0 with a goal from Herrera in the 29th minutes, the performance from the team in the second half wasn't good enough or unlucky to hold on with the lead. The stand-out player from the match is the consistency and performance of Ashley Young although the sparkling combination of Herrera and Mata is worth mentioning. Fellaini does what he does best, and he was also involved in the build-up leading to the goal scored by Herrera.


What a sad ending to Falcao United career when he was taken off in the 60th minutes for Van Persie! Although he will be fondly remembered by the fans but it just did not penned out the way he would have wanted to be. And I won't blame him for not scoring enough despite his huge wage during his loan stay for a season. It is just that his entry into English football was kind of late and his comeback from the serious knee injury doesn't let him be the fearsome striker he used to be. He would have loved to score judging by the way he started the match but the team style of play was totally not in sync with his movement. Unfortunately, his pace was also slow for a traditional number 9 striker and therefore, the chances of him scoring keeps on diminishing as the match progress on. It was a nice standing ovation from the crowd when he was substituted. At least, the fans will fondly and proudly say Falcao used to play for United.

The main problem with the match is the lack of experience defender and a goal scoring striker. Midfield is alright as of now but it should be OK when Michael Carrick returns although it won't do no harm if United can bring in Vidal or Strootman in the upcoming summer window. The understanding and combination between Mata and Herrera is an advantage for the team. Their understanding was quiet noticeable during the match especially in the first half and the lovely exchanges of one touch football in the 48the minutes of second half was an absolute delight. Fellaini in the starting line-up is like United playing with 12 players because he such a threat to opponent penalty area. When Herrera scored the goal in the first half unmarked with the cross from Young, two players of Arsenal were marking Fellaini instead of one.


In the defence area, Smalling, day by day is transforming into a reliable centre back for United but his partner Jones is rather falling in the company of Johny Evans. In fact, there were two instances of Jones which could have altered the result in favor of Arsenal. That is why; United must pursue Matt Hummels at any cost in the upcoming summer window. Valencia, effectively managed to keep Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez ineffective during the course of the match. Although his pace is quiet terrifying but his final cross is the weak link to his play. I hope he turns up good with his crossing as his full back position in the team will be up for competition in the new season. I'm not sure why Marcos Rojo was replaced by Tyler Blackett in the 73rd minutes. After all Marcos Rojo was doing his job well. Unfortunately, the replacement produced the own goal by Blackett from the shot of Arsenal's Walcott in 82nd minutes thereby making the scoreline 1-1.



David De Gea again produced a wonderful save in the second half of Arsenal's Giroud close range weak strike. All the talks of David De Gea signing for Real Madrid obviously panic the crowd because he has been performing consistently throughout the season. And if not De Gea match saving saves during the entire season, United winning the fourth position in table for champion's league could have gone either way. I'm still hoping he will sign the new deal and stay with United for many years. It seems De Gea was injured during the match and he was substituted by Victor Valdes playing for the first time for United in the 74th minutes. And sadly, Valdes didn't have a clean sheet debut because of the deflected own goal from Blackett. Anyway, it was not his mistake.



I'm rating the team performance two and half out of five because the match should have been won but a draw is not a desirable result in Old Trafford especially for the fans.

The upcoming and the last match of the season for Manchester United is on 24 May 2015 against Hull City (Away match). The Match will start at 7:30 PM (IST).

Thank you. Have a good night!

Images courtesy: http://www.manutd.com/

Sunday, May 17, 2015

"Scepticism!"

“Scepticism is the first step towards truth.” Denis Diderot.

Good morning!

Does history matter? If so, have we learned something from history? Of course, there is nothing we need to learn from history. After all, history keeps on repeating itself every day. Barbarian civilization, well there is nothing more barbaric than the killings we see every day on TV news and newspaper. The irony about killings is that man has made killing easier than it used to be. The invention of guns, nuclear weapons, drone, missiles, tanks, etc., have collectively replaced the arrows, knives, spears, horses, etc. Unfortunately, the justification of all these killings is shockingly for the achievement of world peace at large.

Now, I'm really confused if I should endorse war, which is actually killings, for peace and progress. It is rather not very easy to decide when evils exist among us in the form of humans. But how do we judge and term those people as evil? Obviously, evil is something we should neither tolerate nor bring it on the table for negotiation. However, the fact is that many innocents are sacrificed like a lamb in order to eliminate one evil. The collateral damage from the recent conflict between Israel and Palestinians (in Gaza strip) has cost thousands of innocent lives including children's. The ongoing conflict between these two countries keeps on happening again and again just because the leaders from both sides won't agree to talk and negotiate in a table for political solution but rather kill each other.

I guessed, history is the reason behind the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine's. I won't get into the details about how the conflict between these two nations started. In short, the present day Israel used to be occupied by the Palestinians under the British Mandate as British Mandatory Palestine. However during the Second World War and after the Holocaust in Europe, the Zionism movement grew stronger and the state of Israel was formed and was declared independence from the British mandate Palestine in the year 1948. Well, it just that the Jews (the Israelites) believed Israel is their promised land as per their Holy book, Torah, whereas on the other hand, Palestinians believed that the present Israel is their birthright land.

But the core of the conflict between Israel and Palestine is rather based on religion beliefs. It is implausible why religions can't make us live as one. Instead, it just became an equation dividing us infinitely which is rather irrational. Evil is not a quality we are born with but it just become a part of us because we groom and feed it with our hatred. Blind faith is just a tool for politicians or the leaders and when it engulfs with politics, damage has been done already. It is not only about Israel and Palestine conflict but in the larger picture, Christians and Jews against Muslims, Muslims against the power of Western countries, Hindus and Muslims, communism against religions, etc.

I strongly feel that faith alone is not the answer. Skepticism which is rather rationalism is the need of the time. We need to be questioning our history every now and then so that we can come to a rational equation and live together as one in harmony. Otherwise we have never learned from our history rather we are always in the brink of repeating it again and again. I just hope my God and your God is not betting on all of us living in the world and see who is the strongest among us from up above... :) Being skeptics is not about questioning our sanity but it is about questioning ourselves and coming in terms with our insanity on beliefs we cannot see or feel yet we'd kill each other.

Food for thought: “Don't believe anything you read on the net. Except this. Well, including this, I suppose.” Douglas Adams.

Thank you. Have a blessed Sunday!

Friday, May 15, 2015

“Domestic Violence”

“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” Nora Ephron.

Good evening!

I've never felt so low in my mind and heart whenever a victim continues to ally with the perpetrator as if it is normal form of married life. It really makes me feel sick and nauseous especially when you know the victim very well. You want to sucker-punch the perpetrator and knocked him down to generate sense in his early-man head. Obviously, punching won't help but at least I'll be in peace with myself thinking I have done the right thing. But the problem is the victim who'd rather save the skin of the perpetrator than to fight back and move forward. I guessed the victim scenario is what we gain from an imperfect culture of Patriarchy when the surname and honor is everything at the cost of his wife bearing the brunt of her egoistic husband.

And I don't get it why our society frowned upon when addressing an issue of domestic violence. There is a friend of mine and she got married to a guy from different community. The parents of the girl approved the guy for the sake of their daughter happiness. Sadly, on the other hand, the guy didn't even inform his parents about his plan to marry just because he fears his mother might disapproved. But if he is really in love with my friend, he'd give a shot and request his mother approval. I’m not sure if his intention of marrying my friend was related to love and start a family together. Somehow, they got married and everything seems to be alright.

Now that they are married couple, the guy suddenly remembers all his culture and tradition. God! Hypocrisy at highest level! He thinks he owns his wife and no one can stop him. And he expects his wife to do everything he says, speak his language and live like a Television soap serial housewife or else suffer the wrath of his cowardice actions.

The reason I'm writing it here is a message to the prick for abusing and hitting his wife. And I really hope he is reading the message because he is listed in my friend list on Facebook, and I’m hoping the title “Domestic Violence” would catch his attention. I’m sorry to put up this threat but I have to send him this message, “Get your hand off your wife or else expect a handcuff soon from the police.” If not, note that I know how to use my hand for punching. Your wife is not going to hold on to you forever. Right now, she thinks she can straighten you with love and care. But I bet, and in the end, she will realize you are just a lost cause though you are already to me.

To my friend, I'm sorry if you see this blog and I don't mean to bring any harm upon you. You do know that I care for you like my own sister. I know your strength but please do not drain it out for a lost cause. If your husband ever uses his hand to hit you again after seeing my blog, I guess I have made my point and that’s your way out. You always know that I would never bring harm upon you. I’ve never intended to come in between you and your husband but I thought ‘enough is enough.’ And I just don't want to be your friend as a silent spectator and feel hapless. You'd done the same thing for me if I get into any kind of trouble.

Food for thought: You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation.” Brigham Young.

Thank you.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Better late than never!

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” Thomas A. Edison.

Good Afternoon!

I bought the novel titled "The Girl Who Played with Fire" by Stieg Larsson two years ago. I left the novel untouched after reading only the first chapter as I considered the story-line as not interesting. Few weeks ago, I was arranging some of the novels I have with me and I found the above mentioned title. Whoa! I'm very fortunate that I did not misplace the novel over the past two years. As I haven't read it completely except for the first chapter, I thought I'll give it a try to read and complete it. After all, I paid for it and now it definitely requires my reading or else I owe myself the price of the book... :)  

After reading the second chapter of the novel, it kept me engrossed every day on my way to office in coach till the end of last chapter. Now I have to endorse it as a gem among the best suspense-thriller genre. I'm very fortunate to have bought the book and read the book after two years ago... :) That’s my bad! The main character in the book, Lisbeth Salander, is one of the most intriguing characters, and she is one of my favorite anti-protagonists in fiction book. Now that I've completed the book, I learned few things that hit me really hard though ironically.

No matter even if the first chapter of a book or a novel might bore me but judging or concluding a novel or any kinds of book before reading it completely makes me no better than an ignorant prick. The fact is that our intuition cannot be right all the time and after all we are far from perfection. But if we can widen our mind and feed our intuition with knowledge, it is always worth it. We also have this tendency to quit when the going gets tough and I'm not an exception. As long as the going is easy, it doesn't matter but a slight pinch on the back is a good damn reason to quit with all kinds of creative explanation to justify one's decision.

Imagine if Thomas Edison had quit after his first failed experiment of electric bulb, who knows we'd still be living in darkness. But he kept on going forward even after thousand times of failed experiments and candidly said, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” In the end, he emerged as the triumphant and invented the electric bulb above our head. We can never predict the outcome until we have reached the finishing point. And to reward ourselves with the best possible outcome, moving forward is the only key to unlock the pool of experience and opportunity. 

About the novel, what I really like is the main character, Lisbeth Salander. I never felt for once neither her character is over the top nor very superficial. Yet, she is one hell of genius, a hacker, a self-taught mathematician although socially inept. There has been a lot of debate about woman empowerment and equality between man and woman, etc. The simple truth is that modern societies feel insecure about the ability of women because when they make a decision, it is always based on her mind and heart, equilibrium of both the factors. Neither I support feminism nor the anti-feminism, but the equality of both gender matters.  And what I learned from the novel is that man use fear and intimidation as tools wherein few women stood up and fights back.

The author of the book, Stieg Larsson, also highlighted the present-day human trafficking or slavery though he used it as backdrop of the story. In fact, human trafficking is considered to be one of the fastest growing activities of international criminal organizations which are rather very alarming. The recent news report of bride selling in Bihar is no exception to human trafficking when girls especially from poor families are sold like cattle. And it is not only in Bihar but also the other states like, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, etc., known for human trafficking as reported in major newspaper, The Times of India. If this is how we treat woman in our society, we are not that behind the ISIS, a barbaric terrorist organization known for brutality.

Food for thought: “Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages.” Thomas A. Edison.

Thank you.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

"Mentor"

“Those who educate children well are more to be honored than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well.” Aristotle.

Good afternoon!

You are traveling to new place completely alien to you, and the first thing you do is getting a map. The map became some sort of your teacher or mentor helping you in exploring the new place. And I'm very fortunate to have been mentored by many good teachers when I was growing up as a high school student. The one moment which will always remain special to me is when I learned how to read and write in Manipuri, originally the Bengali scripts. Frankly, I never had that interest to learn Manipuri when I started my fourth standard knowing it will become an optional subject in ninth standard. As if Manipuri language was not supposed to be included in the curriculum.

Then, the inevitable thing happened when I least expected the most. Madam Manisana, who is known for her reputation as strict disciplinarian in and outside the school was appointed to be my class teacher in fourth standard. If I have to write one sentence about her personality as a teacher, she is like one of those typical British-bred teachers. Knowing that she is my class teacher, and in addition, she is also going to be teaching us the Manipuri language subject which is coincidentally her expertise. Then and there, fear reign all over me. I'm not very sure but I thought if she already kind of aware I'd be least interested in her Manipuri language class.

However, the way it turns out for me, I will always remain grateful to her because she crossed all kinds of boundary to make sure I learned how to read and write in Manipuri. And a year later, I was able to read Newspaper in Manipuri edition fluently. All credits to my Madam Manisana, my mentor, and my guidance. Although learning how to read and write in Manipuri is no big achievement but the essence of learning will last forever and no one can snatch it away from me. The truth is that she helped me to embrace my fear of her so I can focus and push myself.

This day, I am reading the book "The Undisputed Truth" which is the official autobiography of Mike Tyson. From the book, I came to know about Mike Tyson troublesome childhood and jostling around with the bigger guys when he was only seven years old. Before he even turns 12, he was already in and out of Juvenile center for stealing and possession of stolen property. Then he met this guy, Bobby Stewart, who was one of the counselors in center. For the book, I believed he either embraces boxing to seek more attention or it is just that boxing happen to unearth his talent. But the question is; how did he manage to become the world's youngest heavyweight champion at the age of 18? Obviously, there are many answers like, the trainer, his sparring partner, the punching back, the regular workout, the diet, etc. However, it was his mentor, Cus D'Amato, who helped him in becoming the youngest heavyweight champion.

The way his mentor Cus D'Amato instilled the philosophy of a champion inside Mike Tyson is simply amazing and riveting. I took two screenshots from the book, and I thought it will be worth sharing here on my blog. See the screenshots below:



Nowadays, we hardly find genuine mentorship in every aspect of our daily life. Yet we still have the teachers in schools and universities whom we often forget their contribution to society. In fact, they are like the “MAP” of our future. And I hope the above screenshots is inspiring as I consider it to be.

Food for thought: “I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well.” Alexander the Great.

Thank you. 

Sunday, May 10, 2015

"For my Mother"

"All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." Abraham Lincoln.

Happy Mother's day!

Mother! You were my cocoon when I just become a possibility of life. In your womb, you shelter me, comfort me, nourish me, love me, so I can see the light of the world. And it happened on 6 April 1989, precisely 26 years ago. The first time you held me in your arms, I may not remember but for sure I knew I was safe. I may not remember the first time I crawled but I'm sure you'd be the proudest mother in the world then. And I may not recollect the moment I walked for the first time but I'm sure you'd be very happy to know that your son is growing up. When you dropped me off for my first day in kindergarten, I'm sure you'd be the most worried woman in the world that day.

Although I grew up to be rather a stubborn kid yet you tolerated all my childishness because you knew I will grow up one day when I'm passed over my adolescence. At times, I've ignored you for my friends but you were my best friend I want to go for shopping. When we shopped, my father would point out the dresses and the shoe I should wear, and yet you managed to buy the things I laid my eyes upon. My happiness was your main priority over my father logical and rational standard of shopping. As a teenage boy, I know I have let you down many times especially after you washed my clothes because you'd either find tobacco litters or the stain of pan masala. Yet, you'd suppressed your disappointment, and you would advised me like I was blind man needing the help of another person to cross a road. You knew that my immaturity level that blinded me throughout my adolescence will gradually go away.

I've given you a whole lot of sleepless night because I couldn't be so careless more than anyone else. At times, I used to think why you have to so worried about me. But I didn't know it is your non-negotiable rights as mother to be worrying about your children. Anyway, I will try everyday to make sure I'm OK in your heart and mind. And your faith in me is the everlasting fuel that keeps me going to be a better human being. There is not a single day that can take away the importance and essence of Mother's day, not even the annual Christmas or the Diwali celebration. Today is your day, and I love you. Thank you for being my mother.

Before I wrote this blog, I asked my two younger brothers to write one paragraph each for you. My youngest brother told me there is no particular moment that stood above all the other to say you are the best mother. He told me, it will unfair to point out one incident of your kindness and love towards him is the best because you give us your best everyday. Lawrence also echoed the same thought and they were right about it. And I'm very happy because of you, they are very mature and loving brothers of mine. Our love for you written in this blog is not to be locked forever in our hearts but this is for you like the carving on rock which will remain forever.

Food for thought: "God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers." Rudyard Kipling.

Thank you.

"Review on Manchester United performance V/S Crystal Palace, 2-1 , 09 May 2015”

United XI: De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Smalling (McNair 84), Shaw (Evans 40), Blind, Herrera, Mata, Fellaini, Young, Rooney (Falcao 45).

Subs: Valdes, Pereira, Januzaj, Wilson.

Crystal Palace XI: Speroni, Ward, Dann, Delaney, Souare, Jedinak (Lee Chung-yong 84 mins), Ledley (Puncheon 45), McArthur, Zaha (Chamakh 85'), Bolasie, Murray.

Subs: Hennessey, Kelly, Puncheon, Mutch, Lee, Chamakh, Campbell.

After three defeats in row, United's back to winning way but rather in a very unimpressive manner against resilient Crystal Palace. The first half display from United was not spectacular rather calculative in possession. Roneey played upfront as the lone striker for United until he was substituted in the second half by Falcao. It seems Rooney has some minor injury with his thigh and he was very uncomfortable before the end of first half.

It has been a revelation season for Ashley Young and he have since proven capable of leading United's attack in the absence of winger Angel Di Maria. Young was booed by the Palace fans during the entire match but he was unfazed by it. And he contributed enough for the penalty awarded in 18th minutes converted by Mata (1-0). The penalty may be controversial but it appears to be a right call from the referee point of view. Obviously, the decision was against Palace team but this is football where any decisions from the referee can go against the team or for the team.


The threat of Palace's duo Zaha and Bolaise was evident although United managed to neutralized in the first half. However, Luke Shaw was very unlucky to be injured once again and replaced in the 40th minutes by Johny Evans. Except for the penalty converted by Mata otherwise the first half play from United was uneventful. The second half of United was at the mercy of Crystal Palace  relentless attacks. United midfield players were overrun by Palace players. The experience of Michael Carrick was sorely missed in the second half.

Daley Blind is rather a good left back rather than a holding midfielder. His position in the second half was pretty awful because he was playing the ball behind the two center-backs for most of the second half. And it was very easy for Palace players to overrun the other midfield players, i.e., Herrera and Mata. I thought if Blind was more solid as a natural holding midfield then I don't think Palace would have create that many chances in the early second half. In fact, United was imbalance in defense as well as in attack in the second half. And Palace rightfully equalized the score 1-1 through a deflected free kick from Puncheon in the 58th minutes.

If not for Ashley Young trickery and pace, the second goal headed by Fellaini in the 78th minutes was far from making the scoreline 2-1 in favor of United. I felt sorry for Palace's full back Ward as he was receiving end of Young pace and trickery in the second half. And Fellaini was the man of the moment when United needed the win badly for Champion's league spot. Ashley Young and Fellaini deserved the every praises and the adulation from the traveling United fans because they didn't disappoint with their performance at all during the match.


David De Gea, I'm not sure how he managed to saves in the 71st minutes of Palace's Murray point blank shot on the goal with his palm. He is a top top goalkeeper and I won't be surprised if he signed the new deal of 200,000 pounds a week because he deserved it. Without De Gea, United would have lost nearly half of the matches they won throughout the season, and it is plain simple fact. De Gea is already emulating the greatness of United's goalkeeping greats Peter Schmeichel and Edwin Van Der Sar. All he need to do is stay for a longer period to win trophies like them.

The defense of United is nearly clicking but then an established star defender is a must signing in the upcoming summer window to instill confidence in defending. Smalling is reliable with his current form but Jones and Evans are somehow still making the fans bite their finger nails. Valencia, though consistent with his pace but he is inconsistent as an original full back and that's is his weakness. In midfield area. Herrera is doing well but he needs the good support from a holding midfielder like Carrick otherwise he cannot play his game to full potential. It is tactical advantage for United as Carrick can open up spaces for creative midfield players like Herrera and Mata.

Louis Van Gaal as manager is the best prospect for United to challenge the title next season since the sacking of David Moyes. All he needs is a couple of good signings in the upcoming summer window and injury free first team squad. For the match against Crystal Palace, I will rate the performance of the team 3 out of 5. And the deserving man of the match is certainly Ashley Young despite the good performance of Fellaini and De Gea.


Images courtesy: http://www.manutd.com/

The upcoming match for Manchester United is on 17 May 2015 (Sunday) against Arsenal at Old Trafford. And the Match will start at 8:30 PM (IST).

Thank you.

Thursday, May 07, 2015

"The Iron-Woman"

“Any woman who understands the problems of running a home will be nearer to understanding the problems of running a country.” - Margaret Thatcher.

Good Afternoon!

This is going to be my 50th blog and I thought I should make it special by dedicating it to Irom Sharmila, the Iron Lady of Manipur agitating against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, imposed in Manipur. She started the battle against the Draconian Act in 2 December, 2000, when the 10 innocent's civilians were lined up while they were waiting for bus at bus stop and mercilessly executed by Army. After that unfortunate incident, she started her indefinite Hunger strike unless the government revokes the Armed Forces Special Power Act imposed in Manipur. Unfortunately and till date, the government won't listen to the voice of Irom Sharmila.

We are the generation of 21st century Manipuri and yet still chained by the Draconian Act. It is matter of fact which needs our undivided attention. We are not born to live under the cloud of fear and suspicion. The army believes revoking the Act can compromise their duty to maintain peace. I do not have any personal grudges against the Army stationed in Manipur other than respect. But what I fear is the power they are armed with in which they are not accountable to civilian court. Quoting one of the parameters of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, "Army officers have legal immunity for their actions. There can be no prosecution, suit or any other legal proceeding against anyone acting under that law. Nor is the government's judgment on why an area is found to be disturbed subject to judicial review."

This doesn't make sense because I cannot fathom the fact that a person carrying a gun whose actions on duty is not accountable to law. The Act itself is a violation of Human rights. The truth about Manipur is that reports of encounter killing (notably known as UGs shot dead) in local newspaper are almost like the daily dose of Kardashians family in entertainment section. And so far I have never come across any Army officers or police officers implicated for custodial deaths and fake encounters. In my view, Irom Sharmila movement is not about stopping the Indian Army or the Police from safeguarding the nation interest and its citizens. Rather she is fighting against the Act that violates our basic human rights as well as individual’s freedom.

The attention garnered by Irom Sharmila in highlighting the issue nevertheless would bring back the lives of many innocents killed in fake encounters and custodial deaths. But her fight for revoking the Act can save many precious innocent lives from atrocious death. Justice will fair only if the Act is revoked from our constitution completely. And it will also be a fair justice for all the parents who have lost their children whereas the killers are still out there protected by the Act. The obvious attitude of central government towards North East states of India is no better the British Raj rather treating the region like Polydactyly. I just hope we all start cultivating a mind beyond geographical and colors.

Food for thought: I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved. B. R. Ambedkar.

Thank you.

Monday, May 04, 2015

"The Road Not Taken"

Good Afternoon!

I'm getting an epiphany of the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. The poem keeps on playing in my mind since the last Friday when I have decided a change of course with my career. The clock keeps on ticking and I'm trying my best to reason myself with practicality that I'm not going down rather I'm trying to build a new bridge. What if I taking the road not taken? Anyway, the poem gives me the strength to go for it. In a lighter note, the positive thing about "the road not taken" of mine is that this is my last summer here in New Delhi and I'm not going to miss it. Now, I like the saying 'it is good to start a new journey with a smile on your face'....:)

I have always and still in love with whatever I have been doing for the past one year. And believe it or not, I have learn quiet a bit from the people whom I see everyday. It is not going to be easy with the new road because I have to plant my foot before I can get it started. Above all, I'm going start seeing new people. I thought I was clear with the road I have chosen a year ago but after all life is like a maze. In maze, you seems to have figure out the road but it is always not the right one until you have tried all the possibilities. But at the end, you'll always figure out the right one. Likewise, I hope I taking the right path. Without any doubt, I'm not afraid even if it going to be difficult and I'm ready to face any kind of obstacles like every one.

Speaking about maze, it is an interesting topic. I'm sure we all are aware of rats use in laboratory in order to study their brains? And rats are particularly gifted in finding out the right path in maze. Especially, rats has been used in experimental mazes to study spatial learning and their memory. The study has discovered general principles about learning that can be applied to many species including humans. For me, the uniqueness of the study with rat and maze is that a rat start the maze from the perspective of reality in order to find out the right route whereas human we usually starts from the end of the maze narrowing down towards the starting point. Of course, a rat will not run simply in a maze unless it is a hungry rat with a food reward at the end. It is very interesting concept when our life is also like a maze where there many twists and turns in order to achieve what we are after. However, the maze of our life is not like an experimental maze rather we are like a rat inside a complicated classic maze.

The countdown has already started for me, and it is unlike the countdown of New Year eve celebration. Without any fanfares but rather with just a leap of faith, it is going to be a step worth remembering because it is still a new journey or say a new classic maze. There's an old Chinese saying: “as long as you’re planning a journey, you own the journey. The minute you embark on that journey, the journey owns you.” I believed the old Chinese say and the poem that I really like "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost compliments each other. You can read the poem below:



I'm pretty sure the poem make sense to everyone. The most valuable thing in life is love, and I'm going to be missing the love I felt everyday on my journey from my nodal point to office. God! I have been too rigid and practical. Guess what! I can't even tell the most beautiful girl in the world, "You are the most beautiful girl in the world." I have been traveling with her in the same coach to office for nearly around 5-6 months now. And sometimes, she sat next to me but I turned myself into a stone cold face as if I don't feel anything for her. But it is just that I rather admire her everyday from a distance. By now, I'm sure my silence would have been misunderstood a lot.
Food for thought:
"Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." Lao Tzu.
  
Thank you. Have a lovely evening!