Tuesday, November 23, 2010

A poem & a story!

Hello!

One of my poem and story got published in ThatsKannada & KannadaPrabha.
For your pleasure of reading. Here are the links:
  1. Poem in ThatsKannada
  2. story in KannadaPrabha
Regards,
VidyaShankar

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Poem from the archives...

Suicide Note

Gray sky is pouring down all it has got
How do I, the most ordinary of all, fight all these?
Water level raises and raises
I am left with tiring legs and arms
Yet, I feel I can fight all these
I try to recollect the old battles
But can only recollect bloodshed
Strong steel bars melting in cold night!
Do I have any spirit left?
Water gushes into the nostrils
Sometimes death becomes dearer than life
And seems to be the eternal salvation
Manifested melodies won't inspire me any more
Welcome death welcome
Ensure me no more birth


- VidyaShankar Harapanahalli
(Written in Thursday, October 23, 2003)

Why did Dhoni go for a haircut?


From Vijaya Next, weekly, 12-19-Nov-2011 Edition

Monday, November 1, 2010

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವದ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು!


ಕನ್ನಡವೇ ತಾಯಿ ನುಡಿಯು

ಕನ್ನಡವೇ ತಾಯಿ ನಾಡು

ಕನ್ನಡಿಗ ನಾನೆಂಬ ಅಭಿಮಾನವಿರಲಿ....!


ಕಟ್ಟೆ ಬಳಗದ ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ,

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವದ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು!

ಇಂತಿ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಪ್ರೀತಿಯ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗ,

ವಿದ್ಯಾಶಂಕರ್ ಹರಪನಹಳ್ಳಿ

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Dhoni might get tossed! - Exclusive inside story

Dhoni might get tossed! - Exclusive inside story
-Vidyashankar Harapanahalli


In BCCI board meeting held last evening, board members have expressed deep concern about Dhoni’s skills. After the meeting, BCCI Board members have passed on a strong message to selectors & Indian team coach. Although Dhoni as a captain has been consistently winning matches and series for India, he has been losing tosses very badly. Soon he might be setting a new world record which no board or selectors will be proud of.


Indian media is screaming “Dhoni's losing streak extends to 10”. Issue seems to grow bigger than CWG. As an immediate action, Indian selectors have decided to send a strong message to Indian Captain – “perform or perish!”

It is learnt from a highly reliable. source that Garry Kirsten has been asked to come out with a definite plan along with time-lines to improve the toss record. As the World cup is approaching fast, it comes as no surprise that the board has taken the issue so seriously.

In a sting operation, it was revealed that Gary has decided to send Dhoni to Gambling Den’s of Goa. If it does not help, then probably to Las Vegas or to even casino’s of Monaco.

It is still not ruled out, of having multiple captains, One exclusively for toss. John Buchanan was found jumping with joy in Australian beaches, for finally someone accepting his theory and putting it to practice.

It is learnt that Dhoni is practicing hard with his trusted lieutenant Suresh Raina. This right and left combination is expected to yield good result. In Kochi, Dhoni and Suresh did not leave team’s hotel even for team’s practice session. When contacted they gave the lame excuse of rain.

Dhoni is so desperate and determined to win the toss, so much so that, he not even bothered about result of the match. When contacted Sport Psychiatrics have predicted 'Don't be surprised if Dhoni breaks into Sreeshanth like dance' immediately after winning the toss!


‘Punter’ Pointing has declined the rumor that he was approached by the Indian Board to coach Dhoni on tossing skills. However he confused the newsmen saying that he is open to a coach job after Ashes. It looks so inevitable considering 2-0 loss to India. Warnie, who is yet to exchange SMS with punter on this, was not available for comment.





Disclaimer:
Comic article, all facts are made to create some humor! You know it already isn’t it?

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Cricket, critics and inspiration

Roll over!

A year back or so everyone started saying Sachin’s ROLE in great Indian batting line up is OVER. And also there were suggestion that he should retire. Who can forget the boo he received from spectators in his home ground.

But with 200* in ODI & over 1200 runs in tests he ROLLED OVER his critics!

When you are pushed to wall, roll over your critics with your performance!!!

The Difference!

In 2003 West Indian bowling great Michael Holding criticized Sehwag that comparing him with Sachin is like comparing chalk and cheese. Yeah that true! When Sachin walks to bat there is expectation of century, but with Sehwag it is triple century!

Out grow and outsmart your critics!

-----------------
You have inspirational story to tell? send it to katte boys and get published! - vidyashankar.h@gmail.com

Saturday, October 2, 2010

ಅಪ್ಪ ಬಂದ್ರು!


ಅಪ್ಪ ಬಂದ್ರು!


- ವಿದ್ಯಾಶಂಕರ ಹರಪನಹಳ್ಳಿ,
ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು
೦೨/೧೦/೨೦೧೦



-೧-
ಬಹುದಿನದ ನಂತರ ಊರಿಂದ ಮರಳಿದಾಗ ಮಗನ ಉದ್ಗಾರ
"ಅಪ್ಪ ಬಂದ್ರು!"
ಅದನ್ನು ಸ್ನೇಹಿತರಿಗೆ ಹೇಳುವ ಸಂಭ್ರಮ
"ನಮ್ಮ ಅಪ್ಪ ಬಂದ್ರು!"
ಹುಚ್ಚುಕೋಡಿ! ಎಷ್ಟು ಅಭದ್ರತೆ ಅನುಭವಿಸುತಿತ್ತೊ...!
ಇನ್ನು ವರುಷ ಐದು...
ಹುಡುಕುತ್ತಿತ್ತಂತೆ ಅಪ್ಪನ್ನ ದಿನವೂ ಬೆಳಗ್ಗೆ ಎದ್ದು...
ಊಹ್ಂ ಬಿಟ್ಟು ಬಿಡಬೇಕು ಈ ಕೆಲಸ ಎನ್ನುವೆ ಮನನೊಂದು...
ಸಾಧ್ಯವಿಲ್ಲ ಎನ್ನುವುದು ನನಗೂ ಗೊತ್ತು ನಿಮಗೂ ಗೊತ್ತು

-೨-
ಪ್ರತಿನಿತ್ಯ ರಾತ್ರಿ ಮನೆಗೆ ಬಂದಾಗ
ಸ್ವಾಗತಿಸುವವು ಚದುರಿದ ಆಟದ ಬೊಂಬೆಗಳು
ಮಲಗಿದ ಮಗು...
ಆಕಾಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಕರುಣಾಮುಖಿ ಚಂದ್ರ...
ಹೊಳೆವ ಕಣ್ಣಿರ ಹನಿ ನಕ್ಷತ್ರ?!
ತಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅರಬೆಂದ ಅಫೀಸ್ ಕೆಲಸಗಳು...
ಮನಸ್ಪೂರ್ತಿಯಾಗಿ ನಗಲು ಬಿಡುವುದಿಲ್ಲ... ಅಳಲು ಬಿಡುವುದಿಲ್ಲ...
ಊಹ್ಂ ಬಿಟ್ಟು ಬಿಡಬೇಕು ಈ ಕೆಲಸ ಎನ್ನುವೆ ಮನನೊಂದು...
ಸಾದ್ಯವಿಲ್ಲ ಎನ್ನುವುದು ನನಗೂ ಗೊತ್ತು ನಿಮಗೂ ಗೊತ್ತು

-೩-
ತಪ್ಪಿತಸ್ಥನೆಂಬ ಭಾವ ಅವರಿಸಿದಾಗ...
ಪರಿಹಾರವೆಂಬಂತೆ ನಿಮ್ಮಂತೆ ನಾನು ಕೊಳ್ಳುವೆ ಆಟದ ಬೊಂಬೆ ಇನ್ನೆರಡು
ಯಾವ ಬೊಂಬೆಯು ತರಿಸುವುದಿಲ್ಲ ಉದ್ಗಾರ... "ಅಪ್ಪ ಬಂದ್ರು!"

Friday, September 10, 2010

conversation with death - part 1

I was being followed! It was strange considering the fact that I am no millionaire or celebrity but just a ordinary man.

First I thought it was a hallucination. Whenever I looked for this strange man he would be around. Always, he was in black robe. His face was expressionless, no emotions whatsoever. He would just keep staring at me. Day and night, anywhere, everywhere he would follow me.

Like any educated person, I decided to consult a psychiatrist. Apart from advice on good life style, lecture on stress, lack of physical exercise/yoga and some sleep pill, I did not get much help.

This continued for some more time. I did consider getting help from astrologer, exorcist and modern yogis, but it was out of character for me to even to give a try.

One night I was alone at home. My family, wife and two kids, had travelled to my in-laws house to attend function. As usual I had to miss due to work and project deadlines.

I came home late & was pretty tired. Changed the dress and hit the bed. Slept like a rock. It was half past two, suddenly woke up for no reason. Then realised I had forgotten to switch off the lights. Got up from bed to turn off the light. He was there in the corner!

As usual dressed in black robe and that expressionless face. It sent a chill down the spine. In other occasions I would have hugged my wife and slept. This time it was different. In bright light he was sitting in the corner! I mustered all my courage, I decided to confront him.

In husky voice, with cold sweat running down the face, I asked him " Who are you? What do you want? Why you are following me?"

Again his face was expressionless. In simple & as-matter-of-the-fact style he replied "I am death. My job is to follow you"
(...to be continued)


- VidyaShankar Harapanahalli

Katte Wisdom

If you are honest, hard working and katte boy to the core, then you are bound to succeed in life. Yeah success in life could be delayed but can never be denied!

Have fun!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

The Legendary Lungi :)‏ (Onam Special)

Too Good!

One of the best essay I read in recent time :) simbly superr!!!

Three salutes to writer!!!

Happy Onam!




Just as the national bird of Kerala is Mosquito, her national dress is 'Lungi'. Pronounced as 'Lu' as in loo and 'ngi ' as in 'mongey', a lungi can be identified by its floral or window-curtain pattern. 'Mundu' is the white variation of lungi and is worn on special occasions like hartal or bandh days, weddings and Onam.


Lungi is simple and 'down to earth' like the mallu wearing it. Lungi is the beginning and the end of evolution in its category. Wearing something on the top half of your body is optional when you are wearing a lungi. Lungi is a strategic dress. It's like a one-size-fits- all bottoms for Keralites. The technique of wearing a lungi/mundu is passed on from generation to generation through word of mouth like the British Constitution. If you think it is an easy task wearing it, just try it once! It requires techniques like breath control and yoga that is a notch higher than sudarshan kriya of AOL. A lungi/mundu when perfectly worn won't come off even in a quake of 8 on the richter scale. A lungi is not attached to the waist using duct tape, staple, rope or velcro. It's a bit of mallu magic whose formula is a closely guarded secret like the Coca Cola chemicals.


A lungi can be worn 'Full Mast' or 'Half Mast' like a national flag. A 'Full Mast' lungi is when you are showing respect to an elderly or the dead. Wearing it at full mast has lots of disadvantages. A major disadvantage is when a dog runs after you.A mallu can play cricket, football or simbly run when the lungi is worn at half mast. A mallu can even climb a coconut tree wearing lungi in half mast. "It's not good manners, especially for ladies from decent families, to look up at a mallu climbing a coconut tree"- Confucius J

Most mallus do the traditional dance kudiyattam. Kudi means drinking alcohol and yattam, spelled as aattam, means random movement of the male body. Note that 'y' is silent. When you are drinking, you drink, there is no 'y'. Any alcohol related "festival" can be enjoyed to the maximum when you are topless with lungi and a towel tied around the head. "Half mast lungi makes it easy to dance and shake legs" says Candelaria Amaranto, a Salsa teacher from Spain after watching 'kudiyaattam' . The 'Lungi Wearing Mallu Union' [LUWMU, pronounced LOVE MU], an NGO which works towards the 'upliftment' of the lungi, strongly disapprove of the GenNext tendency of wearing Bermudas under the lungi. Bermudas under the lungi is a conspiracy by the CIA. It's a disgrace to see a person wearing bermuda with corporate logos under his lungi.

A mallu wears lungi round the year, all weather, all season. A mallu celebrates winter by wearing a colourful lungi with a floral pattern. A lungi/mundu can be worn any time of the day/night. It doubles as blanket at night. It also doubles up as a swing, swimwear, sleepingbag, parachute, facemask while entering/exiting toddy shops, shopping basket and water filter while fishing in ponds and rivers. It also has recreational uses like in 'Lungi/mundu pulling', a pastime in households having more than one male member. Lungi pulling competitions are held outside toddyshops all over Kerala during Onam and Vishu.

When these lungis are decommissioned from service, they become table cloths.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Retold, Recycled and new Raju Jokes




Raju Ban gaya Gentleman!
Raju was selected as style icon of the year! Big party was thrown by his friends to celebrate. Dress code was black tie. Raju to drive home a point, wore a sleek Italian designer black tie for the occasion. When he arrived at party to his amazement others were wearing pants and shirts too!


Soft an Hard of it
Accidentally Raju bumps into hot, young lady in hotel. After collision he poetically apologies saying "you would forgive if your heart is as soft as your bosom!" To which she coolly replied " If your tool is as hard as your elbow I am at room number 209!"


Raju as a IT Project Manger!
Raju Raju!
Yes Baba
How is project?
Its Green Baba!
Telling lies ?
God promise no Baba!
Open your PSR!
Ha Ha Haa!
*PSR = Project Status Report


Romantic Raju!
Raju grew to be 70 year old but his romantic heart was never older than 18years. Thanks to Viagra he enjoyed good life.
Recently heard when he died of overdose of Viagra , they had difficulty in closing the coffin box!

Saturday, July 31, 2010

'Spirit' Of Katte Boyz

'Spirit' Of Katte Boyz

I have played and have been playing several roles in Life: Son, Good student, lover, IT Professional, Caring husband, Flawless Father, Friend, perfect foe to some,
.....but on Friday evening with katte boyz...
I am what I am :)
Three Cheers to Katte Boyz!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Monsoon Thoughts: Drop 14


Drop 14: Raise Above

In rain all birds take shelter but eagle is one that avoids the rain by flying above the clouds.

Problems are common to all but attitude makes the difference!

(Contributed by a friend, sathish kumar venugopal)

Monday, July 19, 2010

Monsoon Thoughts: Drop 13

Drop 13 Incessant Rain

Don't curse the incessant rain because, it prepares you perfectly to appreciate the sunshine.

Similarly constant challenges in the life prepare you to appreciate the little things in life and bring so much of joy!

Sunday, July 11, 2010

ಸಂತೃಪ್ತಿ (ಕತೆ)

ಸಂತೃಪ್ತಿ (ಸಣ್ಣ ಕತೆ)
- ವಿದ್ಯಾಶಂಕರ ಹರಪನಹಳ್ಳಿ


ಒಂದು ಉರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಒಬ್ಬ ಯುವಕನಿದ್ದ ಅವನಿಗೆ ಅಗಾಧವಾದ ಹಸಿವಿನ ರೋಗವಿತ್ತು. ಎಷ್ಟು ತಿಂದರೂ ತೃಪ್ತಿ ಇಲ್ಲ, ತಳವಿಲ್ಲದ ಬಾವಿಯಂತಹ ಹೊಟ್ಟೆ, ಎಷ್ಟು ತಿಂದರೂ ಇಂಗದ ಹಸಿವು! ಮನೆ ಮದ್ದಾಯಿತು, ಅಲೋಪತಿ, ಹೋಮಿಯೋಪತಿ, ನಾಟಿ ಔಷಧಿ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಿಸಿದರು, ಹಲವು ದೇವರಿಗೆ ಹರಕೆ ಹೊತ್ತರು. ಯಾವುದೂ ಫಲ ನೀಡಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಅವನಿಗೆ ಆಹಾರ ಹೊಂದಿಸಿವುದೇ ಒಂದು ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಯಾಯಿತು. ಕೊನೆಗೆ ಅವನ ತಂದೆ ತಾಯಿ, ಅವನ ಬಂಧು-ಬಳಗ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಕೈ ಚೆಲ್ಲಿದರು!

ಈಗಿನ ಕಾಲದವರಂತಲ್ಲ, ಆಗಿನ ಕಾಲದ ಜನ. ಅವನ ಊರಿನವರು ಯುವಕನ ಕುಟುಂಬಕ್ಕೆ ತುಂಬಾ ಸಹಾಯ ಮಾಡಿದರು. ಕೊನೆಕೊನೆಗೆ ಇದು ಊರಿನವರ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಯಾಯಿತು. ಇಡಿ ಊರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಆಹಾರದ ಕೊರತೆ ಕಂಡುಬಂತು. ಊರವರು ಅಸಮಧಾನ ಸೂಚಿಸುವ ಮೊದಲೇ ಅವನ ತಂದೆತಾಯಿ ಅವನನ್ನು ಊರಿಂದ ಹೊರಕಳಿಸುವ ವಿಚಾರ ಮಾಡಿದರು. ಎಲ್ಲೋ ದೂರದ ಆಶಾಭಾವನೆ ಮತ್ತು ಕರುಳಿನ ಸಂಕಟ ಇಷ್ಟು ದಿನ ಅವರನ್ನು ತಡೆಯುತಿತ್ತು. ಆದರೆ ಆಹಾರದ ಕೊರತೆ ಇಡೀ ಊರನ್ನೇ ವ್ಯಾಪಿಸಿದಾಗ ಅವರು ಗಟ್ಟಿ ನಿರ್ಧಾರ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಲೇ ಬೇಕಾಯಿತು.

ದೇವರ ದಯೆಯೋ ಅವರ ಪೂರ್ವ ಜನ್ಮದ ಪುಣ್ಯವೋ, ಸಮಯಕ್ಕೆ ಸರಿಯಾಗಿ ಆ ಊರಿಗೆ ಒಬ್ಬ ಸನ್ಯಾಸಿಯ ಅಗಮನವಾಯಿತು. ಅವರ ಸಾಧನೆ ಸಾರ್ಮಥ್ಯದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ, ಅವರಿಗಿರುವ ವಿಶೇಷ ಶಕ್ತಿ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಅನೇಕ ದಂತಕತೆಗಳಿದ್ದವು. ಕೊನೆ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನವೆಂಬಂತೆ ಯುವಕನ ತಂದೆತಾಯಿ ಸನ್ಯಾಸಿಯ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಯುವಕನ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಯನ್ನು ನಿವೇದಿಸಿದರು.

ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಯನ್ನು ಆಲಿಸಿದ ಸನ್ಯಾಸಿ ಸಾವಧಾನದಿಂದ ಹೀಗೆಂದರು: "ಚಿಂತಿಸಬೇಡಿ, ಪರಿಹಾರವಿದೆ! ಈ ಯುವಕ ಇನ್ನು ಜೀವನ ಪೂರ್ತಿ ಒಬ್ಬನೆ ಕುಳಿತು ತಿನ್ನುವ ಹಾಗಿಲ್ಲ. ಪ್ರತಿಸಾರಿ ಊಟಕ್ಕೆ ಕುಳಿತಾಗ ನಾಲ್ಕು ಜನರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಹಂಚಿ ತಿನ್ನಬೇಕು. ಈ ನಿಯಮ ತಪ್ಪಿಸಿದರೆ ಮತ್ತೆ ಅಗಾಧವಾದ ಹಸಿವಿನ ರೋಗಕ್ಕೆ ಬಲಿಯಾಗುವ ಸಾಧ್ಯತೆಯಿದೆ."

ಸನ್ಯಾಸಿ ತೋರಿದ ಪರಿಹಾರದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಅನುಮಾನವಿದ್ದರೂ, ವಿಚಿತ್ರವೆನಿಸಿದರೂ, ಕೊನೆ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನವಾಗಿ ಅವರ ಸಲಹೆಯನ್ನು ಪಾಲಿಸಿದಾಗ ಆಶ್ಚರ್ಯವೆಂಬಂತೆ ಯುವಕನ ಅಗಾಧವಾದ ಹಸಿವಿನ ರೋಗ ಪರಿಹಾರವಾಯಿತು! ಯುವಕ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ತಿಂದರೂ ಸಂತೃಪ್ತಿಯನ್ನು ಅನುಭವಿಸಿದ.

ಊರಿನವರೆಲ್ಲ ಹರ್ಷದಿಂದ ಸನ್ಯಾಸಿಗೆ ಸನ್ಮಾನಿಸಿದರು. ಊರಿನವರಿಗೆಲ್ಲ ಆಶೀರ್ವಾದ ವಚನ ನೀಡುವಾಗ ಹೀಗೆ ಹೇಳಿದರು "ಅತಿ ಶ್ರೀಮಂತಿಕೆಯ ಅಥವಾ ಅತಿ ಹಣದಾಹವಿರುವವರು ಕೂಡ ಈ ಪರಿಹಾರವನ್ನು ಬಳಸಿ ಜೀವನದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂತೃಪ್ತಿ ಹೊಂದಬಹುದು!"

ಆ ಹೊತ್ತಿಗೆ ಕಾರ್ಲ್ ಮಾಕ್ಸ್ ಇನ್ನೂ ಹುಟ್ಟಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ!!!

Saturday, July 10, 2010

My Views on TV medium

Hello Folks,

My views on TV medium are published in Sudha magazine.

Here is the link : Click Here to view online Sudha magazine

Let me know your opinion too :-)

Cheers!
VidyaShankar

Friday, July 2, 2010

some more short stories...

Modern times

Young couple returned afte a long day at work. Decided to eat out. At the end of the dinner, both were thinking, are we working for dinner at restaurant? Or too busy at work to cook? But they didnot discuss it out as they were too tired for discussion!

Life Out Sourced!

Young couple were celebrating their success at work in a 7 star hotel. Despite personal challenges, they got exceptional ratings and appraisals at work. In middle of their celebration dinner, they remembered that they had forgotten to pick up their nine-month-old daughter from creche!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Story In SMS

I tried a new idea of writing a story in SMS. It was challenging due to number of characters limitation. But it was a interesting adventure. Have I succeeded? Don't know. When I sent it as SMS to few friends, I received good response.

Can I sell this idea to mobile operators? Let me know your opinion.

Here are couple of Stories In SMS:

Advice
She said " I am what I am. You are what you are. Let us not cross each others path, for we might fall in love". I did not heed to her advice. Now together we are raising two kids!

My Raavan (Little elaborated here than actual SMS)
(With due respect to Ramayana & Director Maniratnam!)
Raavan kidnaps sita. Rama decides to take revenge by allowing Raavan to keep Sita. Sita starts throwing tantrum & demands a lot of luxury at Ashokavan. Raavan is in financial crisis. Rama is not waging war. Raavan is worried. So he decides to send off Sita. In climax Sita takes polygraph test to know her heart. It reveals that she loves pani puri more than Ram or Raavan.!

- VidyaShankar Harapanahalli

Thought For The Day: Try to be one among them

Thought For The Day: Try to be one among them

It is easy to worship your heros, but difficult to become one among them.

But give a try! try to be one among them!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Some soul searching!

Questions are very powerful tool known to mankind. Socrates used it to create consciousness, to provoke thoughts. After some centuries passed after him, people started acknowledging that questioning is important, especially for young pupils as it ignites their minds and increases quest for knowledge. Questions are important tools for continuous improvement.

So today we are in time, where loads of questions are floating around us. Relevant or irrelevant?! it is not important, but we see lot of questions. We question governments, parents, teachers, irresponsible public, celebrities, sport persons etc. There are forums to ask questions. There are lot TV programs to ask questions. There are separate sections in most of news papers to ask all type of questions; question related to technology, health, personal, Civic issue, international issues etc. But what is conveniently forgotten is questioning ourselves. Why? you might ask, why not!

In that quest, I asked myself few important, irritating, irrelevant questions. You are most welcome to add to this list:
  1. What would I do when I have nothing to do?
  2. Whom do I think of calling when I have no one to call?
  3. Whom do I trust when everyone distrust me?
  4. When I have everything in life what do I miss most?
  5. When I can be anything I wish, why do I am what I am today?
  6. :
  7. :
List can be endless but in end it is important that we spend some time questioning ourselves.

Puzzled!

Dear Reader, Turn that quizzical look towards yourself :-)

Happy Questioning yourself!

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Environment Day Special parable and pigeons


“These pigeons are dirtying the place…” my wife complained and continued “if you don’t do anything to counter them whole building will be spoiled.”

Pigeons have had made new home in vacant area of windows roof and tiles cover the windows roof. Our new lovely home’s outlook was getting spoiled by their droppings and nest building activities.

“Don’t worry… there are new mats available in market that makes it difficult for pigeon to sit on window’s roof. That will drive them away. This weekend I will address it” I assured her. She looked worried.

---*---*---*---

I was standing right in front of the huge pigeon which was almost size of a elephant. Majestically holding her head high, it said “I see that you are planning to drive away my clans from this place. Do you know that we are rightful owners of this place? Here are documents related to that". It showed bunch of documents in the form of feathers written in strange language.
To counter that I also presented my documents of site registration, building plan approval from BBMP and other documents.

We started arguing over the right of the land.

Nothing was conclusive as nobody was ready to give up the rights.
When things were not moving anywhere, environment was just getting heated up with arguments. Suddenly an Angel appeared before us and introduced herself as an Angel of ‘Peaceful coexistence’.


She said “I heard both of your arguments. I suggest you that both of you learn to live peacefully without threatening each other’s existence, for, this earth belongs to all. O Man! You cut down all trees and pigeons are forced to live here. Better you learn to maintain ecological balance and peaceful coexistence. Otherwise God will withdraw all facilities from earth. That would be the end of this beautiful world”

---*---*---*---

I woke up with startle. Was it just a dream? It looked so real. Yes! Issue is real. I must act before it is too late!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Monsoon Thoughts: Drop 12


Drop 12 what rain means?

Rain, when you are in a cozy place with a steaming coffee, is a lovely thing. When are you are on the way to something important, it is a pain. If you are a kid then it is opportunity to float paper boats. If you are in love then it is a romantic thing. For the people living in the low-down area it is a threat. For the farmers depending on crops stage, it is a opportunity or threat.

Nevertheless it rains, only thing we can do is adopt or change our outlook about rain.

Sudha : Comments on TV Serials

Folks,
My comments on TV serials were published in this week's Sudha.
For your pleasure of reading visit following link :
http://sudhaezine.com/pdf/2010/06/10/20100610a_048101.pdf

Thanks and Regards,
VidyaShankar Harapanahalli

Friday, May 21, 2010

Can I grow younger?

I was 18 and in college
I was sent to study and gain knowledge

My motto was "Live happily today", as wise man said
Rarely thought about future ahead
Playing and freaking was always in my head

There was this dream girl of mine
Her looks gave me pleasure of drinking grape wine
I never proposed her fearing she would decline

Watching movies, playing cards with friends
That was life ! happiness had no bounds
I never earned a rupee, but I was fully content

Now, in the hard days of life, I am lost
I cant get those old days at any cost
Cause no person can be rich enough to buy his past

Put me in the time machine, I wont complain
Or please give me a vaccine to become younger again
I really want to, but I cant explain

Dying to become younger, but nowhere to go
I should have been young, why did I grow?
How do I grow backwards, does anyone know?

The days gone by are like dreams so sweet
Can I ever complete tasks I left incomplete?
I wonder, did anyone of you catch my heartbeat?

Friday, May 14, 2010

Monsoon Thoughts: Drop 11


Drop 11 Waiting for the first rain

Summer excites me! It just excites me. Hotter it gets, double my excitement. Boils, sweat, hot and sleepless nights hardly bother me! It just prepares me perfectly for the first rain.

At the end of the summer of the summer, clouds just appear from nowhere, assemble in the sky like angels, in a perfect harmony starting showering all happiness from the heaven. The primal scent of the earth is just fascinating; it lifts my spirit to the greater heights. By dancing in the rain, sometimes just by watching the first rain my soul enters eternal bliss. Many times just anticipation of first rain brings such joy to my heart.

There were times when summer gets prolonged for years. Many people around me would start losing hope after a few weeks or so, some strong willed fellows after a month or two. But my excitement would never cease. I tried hard to convey all of them that ‘it will rain, it is a natural phenomenon, and it should rain’. Sometimes whole environment turns to be pathetic. My voice will be alone. People around me start suspecting my mental health and sanity. Forget the people even I myself, start wondering about my sanity. Deep inside my heart someone keeps telling me ‘Never lose hope, It will rain’. I just surrender to him, is there any other choice? The answer is a simple no.

After the first rain, people start calculating meticulously about the forth coming rain & the prosperity it is going to bring. All those calculations hardly catch my attention. Everyone starts praising me for not losing hope; some express their guilt for suspecting me. I just give them a simple smile and start wondering about forth coming summer and the excitement it is going to bring!

“All struggles in life are nothing but prolonged summer…!”
....
....
P.S: this was written on 14/July/2001. Good old days :-)

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Thought for the day

Thought for the day

When babies cry in their cradle mother tries to find out what makes them cry rather than wondering why baby is crying or getting upset that baby is crying.

There is important management lesson for budding leaders, when any of your team member is unhappy, cribbing, not motivated or not productive, find out what makes them so? Rather than worrying about end result.

Get to the root cause and treat it, than treating a symptom!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Monsoon Thoughts: Drop 10



Drop 10 Patience

Rain could be delayed but can never be denied.

Never lose hope in life I say!

Monsoon Thoughts: Drop 9


Drop 9 Blessings

“God should learn from rain. God should bless all” I complained “...it rain for rich it rains for poor. It rains for all. It never differentiates...”

He replied “Rain itself is God’s blessing!”

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Monsoon Thoughts: Day 8


Day 8 Start Fresh

Yesterday it rained heavily, atmosphere cooled down, there was pleasant cool breeze mixed with primal scent of earth. But today sun is out and it's hot again!

So don’t rest on your laurels of past, yes there are important, but it is even more important that you start fresh today!

Monsoon Thoughts: Day 7



Day 7 Surroundings

During hot summer when it rains in neighboring areas your area also benefits from it as you get cool breeze, groundwater levels increase and water reservoir increase

So make sure your team, friends, family and people around you, are successful and happy for your own benefit!

Friday, April 23, 2010

Monsoon Thoughts: Day 6



Day 6 Uncertainty

Just before rain, environment gets hot and humid. Sometimes it will be unbearable, but it is required and necessary step to rain.

Elephantine clouds assemble. The cloudy sky darkens, the air pressure dropping. Sky darkens; Tension builds up, can't wait for the rain to start. Feel short of breath! Gusts of wind, lightening followed by huge thunder. Windows rattle! First rain drops. More rain. Yes Oh Yes! Relief at last. After rain, everything so green; hills, parks, side walks turn to green. Birds singing everywhere. Gratitude abounds.

In your life, in most uncertain and testing time, keep yourself positive and reward yourself with great results!


Thursday, April 22, 2010

Monsoon Thoughts : Day 5

Day 5 paper boats

Paper Boats
Day by day I float my paper boats one by one down the running stream.
In big black letters I write my name on them and the name of the village where I live.
I hope that someone in some strange land will find them and know who I am.
-- By Rabindranath Tagore

Somewhere, somehow, someone may benefit from your goodwill and good work. May this thought keep you afloat in the sea of hope and against storm of criticism, pessimism and in the time of adversity.
-*-*-*-

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Monsoon Thoughts : Day 4


Day 4 Rainbow & Partnership

Rainbows are formed when rain and sun are out at same time and are together. Both are individually are not capable of creating a rainbow. Partnership is such a beautiful thing that it can produce rainbows. Synergy of a team can produce wonderful results.

Partnership is not limited to office work, it can happen right at home, among friends, between husband and wife, father and son…

This monsoon, May you have many meaningful partnerships and see many rainbow like results.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Monsoon Thoughts : Day 3


Day 3 Cycles

In hot sun water evaporates, clouds are formed. Cool breeze brings them down. There is no miss in cycle. Still every time it rains it is beautiful. In all cyclic, apparently redundant activities there should be some meaning.

God bless me with perseverance.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Monsoon Thoughts : Day 2



Day 2 Proof

I wanted to hear you, there was a thunder
I wanted to see you there was a lightening
I wanted to feel you there was a cool breeze
I wanted to touch you there was rain!

Ah! People ask for proof. God bless them all!

P.S: I hear children singing

I hear Thunder, I hear Thunder,
Oh don’t you? Oh, don’t you?

Friday, April 16, 2010

Monsoon Thoughts


Monsoon Thoughts

Day 1 Wish


I can’t start the rain
I can’t stop the rain
All I can do is, Enjoy!
Rain or sunshine…

Don’t worry about things you can’t control or change. Learn to see things as they are. Accept people as they are. First and foremost accept yourself as you are. This monsoon discover, rediscover your originality. May monsoon rains wash away all the worries and bring loads of happiness in you and around you!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Rahul Dravid's IPL Diary

Rahul Dravid's IPL Diary
April 26 2010
Mumbai 12:14 AM

Last night was a big day! We played IPL final with Mumbai Indians. I should write down some thoughts in diary to relieve my self from the agony and shame.

We started well with Jack Kallis and Manish opening. We lost Manish in 4th over. As ball was swinging and there was bit of moisture in the surface, Anil and Jenny decided to send me at No. 3.

13.5 Zaheer was the bowler, ball pitched middle and off, moving away, I played cover drive, to my horror I edged it. Ball went through slips. Four runs. In front of Jack I felt ashamed. I met him in middle, looked at him apologetically. He patted me and said my front foot should have been 3 cms closer to ball.

14.3 Malinga to Jack. Pitched on off stump and moving away. Jack played perfect cover drive, straight from coaching book, it was beautifully executed. Yeah straight to fielder, No runs, but what a shot! What a class! Appreciated him in the strategic time out, he politely smiled. What a class! What a man! In cover drive first there is God then Jack Kallis. What a class act!

18.4 Zaheer was bowling his fourth and last over. We need more runs. Ball pitched on middle and leg and straightened. I knew it and had lot time to play my shot. Played leg glance. Mistimed it, ball hit back of the bat and run through slip corridor. Four Runs. Oh God whats happening! Today must be very bad for me! I was not able face Jack when I met him in the middle of the pitch. Weakly smiled at him, he sympathetically smiled and said with South African accent “Sometime it happens”. But I could see disbelief in his eyes. I thought I must be completely out of form L

After the match, I asked Jenny for net at 6:00 AM. He was little hesitant. After second request he agreed. Still I could see Jenny was little puzzled. Jack readily agreed to bowl in nets.

After couple of net sessions I should be alright. Still I feel very bad when I think of 13.5 and 18.4.
Its getting late I should go to bed now as I have to get up early tomorrow.

I hear few guys partying and celebrating. I think it should be Mallya Junior, Robin and Virat.

Yeah we won IPL III edition. But still memory of 13.5 and 18.4 make me very uncomfortable. I should get some sleep before net.

Tonight I will not sleep with bat, I am angry!

Finals Score Card:
Royal Challengers Bangalore

----------------------------- Runs Balls Fours Sixes

Jack Kallis Not out ---> 85 52 12 3

Manish Pandey B Zaheer ---> 27 14 4 1

Rahul Dravid Not out ---> 115 54 16 5

Extras (lb 8, w 6) 14
Total (1 wickets; 20 overs) 241

Mumbai Indians
-----------------------------Runs Balls Fours Sixes
ST Jayasuriya lbw b Steyn ---> 2 2 0 0
SR Tendulkar* b Vinay Kumar ---> 55 25 4 3
AP Tare† c Pandey b Kallis ---> 9 10 2 0
SS Tiwary b Kumble ---> 25 21 3 0
AT Rayudu c †Boucher b Vinay Kumar ---> 3 4 0 0
DJ Bravo lbw b Vinay Kumar ---> 1 2 0 0
R Sathish c Dravid b Steyn ---> 24 22 3 0
KA Pollard c Kohli b Steyn ---> 21 19 1 1
Harbhajan Singh c Kallis b Kumar ---> 4 6 0 0
Z Khan not out ---> 23 9 3 1
Extras (lb 10, w 4) 14
Total (9 wickets; 20 overs) 181




Disclaimer: Author of this bit is a big fan of Rahul Dravid and Jack Kallis. Support RCB in IPL seasons

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Well Thought!

Ram, the successful PM in reputed MNC has a good reputation of handling and managing stake holders. I had opportunity to work with him closely and was impressed by the way he handled tough or negative stake holders.

Whenever some unreasonable demands were raised or silly comments were made. Ram would calmly reply “Sure Gentlemen! That’s well thought. I will evaluate and come back to you” then he would decline or reject there requests more methodically by meeting them privately at their office.

I was amazed by his coolness. Once I asked him “Ram, you almost always use that expression ‘well thought’ for really silly and unreasonable questions/demands. Any special reason behind that phrase?”

Ram smiled at me and said “Oh! That’s little secret between me & my mentor, well in ‘well thought’ means ‘frog in the well’… “

After that I got that expression into my system.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Disclaimer : Author is PMP certified and honorable member of PMI. Does not endorse any ideas or views that contradict PMI code of professional conduct and ethics

Saturday, March 20, 2010

ಬಹುಶಃ ಮಹಾಭಾರತ ಸುಳ್ಳಿರಬೇಕು!

ಬಹುಶಃ ಮಹಾಭಾರತ ಸುಳ್ಳಿರಬೇಕು!
-೧-
ಹೆಂಡತಿ ಹಳಬಳಾಗಿದ್ದಾಳೆ
ಮಗ ದೊಡ್ದವನಗಿದ್ದಾನೆ
ಮುದ್ದು ಮಾಡಿದರೆ ಕೆನ್ನೆ ವರಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವಷ್ಟು
ತೋಳುಗಳೆಲ್ಲ ಬಣ ಬಣ...
ಎತ್ತಿ ಮುದ್ದಾಡಲು ಪುಟ್ಟದೊಂದು ಮಗು ಬೇಕಿದೆ
ಹಳೆ ಕಷ್ಟಗಳ ಮರೆಯಲು ಹೊಸ ನಿರೀಕ್ಷೆಯ ದೀಪ ಬೆಳಗಲು
ತೋಳು ತುಂಬುವಂತ... ಮತ್ತೆ ನನ್ನ ಎದೆ ಬಡಿತವ ಕೇಳುವಂತ
ಮತ್ತೆ ಸಜ್ಜನಿಕೆಯ ಮಾನವಂತನಗಿಸಲು
ಹೊಸ ಸಾದ್ಯತೆಯ ಮಗುವಿನ ನಿರೀಕ್ಷೆ ಹುಟ್ಟಿದೆ
ಪುಟ್ಟ ಕಂದನ ಕನಸು ಹುಟ್ಟಿದೆ
-೨-
ನೂರೊಂದು ಮಕ್ಕಳ ಮುದ್ದಿಸಿ ಬೆಳೆಸಿದ
ಧೃತರಾಷ್ಟ್ರನ ಮನಸ್ಸಲ್ಲಿ ಅಷ್ಟೊಂದು ಕಲ್ಮಶವೇ ?
ಬಹುಶಃ ಮಹಾಭಾರತ ಸುಳ್ಳಿರಬೇಕು!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Ugadhi Badminton Tournment Update

Making strategies with expert



Champions in thick of action!

Well Played But hard luck.. Runner Ups in action...




Final in progres...



Final in progress


Lovely sight of the pitch






Monday, March 15, 2010

ವಿನಯ್ ಭಾರತಕ್ಕೆ ಬರುವನು!

ಕೇಶವನು ಓಲೆಯ ಬರೆದಿಹನು
ವಿನಯ್ ಭಾರತಕ್ಕೆ ಬರುವನು
ಜರ್ಮನಿಯಿಂದ, ಈ ಭಾನುವಾರದಂದು

ಕೇಳಲಿಕ್ಕಿವೆ ವಿನಯನ ಕೆಲವು ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಗಳ
ಭಾರತವ ಎಷ್ಟು ಮಿಸ್ ಮಾಡಿದೆ
ಜರ್ಮನಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಎಷ್ಟು ಮಿಸ್ ಗಳ ಕಿಸ್ ಮಾಡಿದೆ
ಕಟ್ಟೆಹುಡುಗರ ಎಷ್ಟು ನೆನೆದೆ
ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಕುಡಿದು ಎಷ್ಟು ಕೆನೆದೆ!
....
....
ಮಗು ಹಗಲೆಲ್ಲ ಎಷ್ಟೇ ಹಾಡಿ, ಆಟವಾಡಿ ಕುಣಿದರೂ
ಇರುಳಲ್ಲಿ ಸೇರುವುದು ಅಮ್ಮನ ಮಡಿಲು
ಜಗವೆಲ್ಲ ಸುತ್ತಿ ಕುಡಿದು, ಕುಣಿದು ಎಷ್ಟೇ ಮೆರೆದರು
ಬರಲೇ ಬೇಕು ಭಾರತಕ್ಕೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಊರ ನೆನೆದು

(೨೦೦೯ ಮಾರ್ಚಲ್ಲಿ ಬರೆದಿದ್ದು)

Sunday, February 14, 2010

BSC Championship 2010

Hi!

I am happy to share that we successfully conducted all night tournament in our layout, on the occasion of Shivarathri. I won the doubles championship along with my partner Mr. PhaniKrishna.

Here is photographic report of the tournament:
http://bhavaninagar56.blogspot.com/2010/02/bhavaninagar-sport-club-2010-badminton.html

Thanks and Regards,

VidyaShankar

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Office Humor

It was a long weekend ahead.

Everybody in the office was going through motions mechanically, secretly rejoicing approaching long weekend. It was after long gap that national holiday had come.

Project Manager was planning to take his family out. He wanted it to be stress free. No calls from customer or from boss. He really looked forward for the break after a long gap.

Just to make sure everything is going fine and on track, he was talking to everyone and finding out status. Status was almost alright, almost! He had to talk to one last guy, who was on critical path. His work was important piece in ensuring completeness of work and delivery.

Developer always wore his attitude on his sleeves. Manager carefully started the conversation “Well…How are things going?”

“Well, I guess!” was prompt reply from developer.

“Will you be able to complete the task by 3 PM?” asked manager think of testing, release to production and adding his own buffer to it, professionally!

Developer shot up, wanting to go for coffee break and said “I will complete the task by the end of the day”.

Little annoyed by that answer, manager asked, “At what time your day will end?”

Developer was even more prompt in his reply “Whenever I complete this task!”

-----*-----*-----*------
Dear reader,

What happened next? Is the question bothering you?

Both manager and developer spent their happy weekend in office.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Are you a game for writing contest?

Hi Fellas,

Here is challenge to your writing skills. Contest from Karadi Tales.

http://www.karaditales.com/contest.aspx

Details:

A story is waiting to be completed… It’s waiting for you!Here is an opportunity to become a published author with Karadi Tales! All you have to do is finish what we’ve started!

Here’s how it works. A renowned author has written the first half of a story for us… but we don’t know how it ends! Read the story and tell us what you think should happen next. Complete the story within 800 words and send it to us. Please note, the minimum number of words to qualify as a valid entry is 700.

The entries will be judged by an eminent panel of your favourite writers.

The three best entries will be published as an audiobook by Karadi Tales. And that’s not all! We also have a celebrated Indian icon waiting in the wings to lend voice to your story in the audio track!

So what are you waiting for? Get cracking and email in your entries to us at contest@karaditales.com.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Live a dog's life.



A child and a puppy, gods amazing creation
To them, no worries, life is always a celebration!

Little do they know challenges lie ahead
Its survival of fittest, for weak there is no bread

As seasons fly by, puppy becomes a dog
Child becomes a man, that’s an analog

Character of a dog does not change as per breed
Characterless man develops anger, hate and greed

Dog serves his master with affection and loyalty
Senseless man develops only hate and cruelty

Mercy of god, dog dies a sooner death
Sinner man never does realize his sins till the last breath

As compared to dog, what did the man achieve?
Never did any good, but always did deceive

Be it dog or a man, death is pertinent
After all he has done, did death bring anyone content?

I say, living life like a dog is more worthwhile
Cause, nothing is gained and nothing is lost when one travels the last mile.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Good afternoon…


Good afternoon…

After a stupendous lunch served with love
Afternoon nap followed…
Awakened by a buzz in the backyard,
Excitement filled up to the brim of my heart,
Would join the buddies in golden sunshine
Playing games with no names and rules
No winner, No loser! All filled with giggles!!
That was an afternoon just filled with a joy….
What an afternoon! Oh Boy!!
So soon it would be dusk
In company of stars and moon,
Merrily planning next afternoon
With no care or a worry…
Living in the world of no hurry
:
:
Now a grown up man
Sitting in an air-conditioned office
Glancing across the window for sunshine
I yearn for those days…
Oh God! Give me some sunshine
- VidyaShankar Harapanahalli