It was not long ago, IE stood as a synonym for Internet browser. The arrival of Mozilla and Opera created some alternatives for those die hard "Anything but Microsoft" users but what they lacked is appeal to the masses. Exactly when IE looked invincible with 90+ market share, Firefox shook the foundation of MS believes. By the time, MS realized that IE is out dated, it was too late. Firefox capitalized the moment with new functions every quarter and steadily took the market from IE, currently standing almost 30%. The response from MS with IE7 was late and not fully meeting the users new appetite for something new. Add-on's and themes are great addition to Firefox and the well connected developer community ensured great additional functions. On seeing increasing interest, Apple responded with Safari, a lightning speed browser, still it lacked appeal and there is no fan following like Firefox to take it forward. It is a big let-off from Apple not doing enough to make the UI simple or different compared traditional browser look. Once Google announced its plan of launching a browser, it is increasingly clear that browser wars have finally begun, each competing with other, adding more features and providing more variety to the users. I actually use all browsers. It may sound little awkward, but for me, each browser is specialized in one way or the other.

First, let me tell my browsing patterns.

- Mostly there are less than 10 websites that I use quite often, Gmail for mail, Facebook for social networking, Google for searching, Linked In for professional networking, Wikipedia to learn something new, And news sites like BBC , CNN and Reuters.

- I hate using mouse, even if use it, I always like to minimize the number of clicks. You may not believe, I prefer run command(Windows +R) to go to folders or applications rather than navigating via mouse.

- I don’t like to type the address that use most often (Auto Complete)

- I hate jumping between search boxes (Google and Wikipedia).

- I don’t like advertisements.

- I like the look and feel of one browser and I want for another.

- And most importantly, I hate if the browser menus occupies more space.

Google’s Chrome comes more closer to meet my demands. First the way tabs are organized, it is easier to navigate or close tab and you can open 100+ tabs in same window and can access any tab with one click (Firefox, IE, Safari requires 2+). Second there are no separate search boxes as they are combined with address bar. Depending up on what you type, you get search results directly in there and can navigate directly(Which is no way possible in any other browser). Third, it displays most accessed websites as icons and you need not use bookmarks menu to do that. Fourth, It is possible to kill only that tab if that tab is not responding, you need not kill the browser. And finally, UI is the most simplistic UI I have ever seen for a browser, keeping the minimum required. They have integrated all possible search engines to date (including Cuil).

But there are cons as well. It still lacks the features that other browsers have like the ability to have add-ons or change the themes and it also lacks community to take it forward. It doesn’t have private access like IE8 and Safari. And many corporations yet to support other browsers than IE. Many enterprise applications are defined only for IE and doesn’t really work for others. How certificates work also dependant on browsers.

I have read so many reviews comparing the browsers and speed. With broadband giving 2+ mbps speed, I doubt if that is really a criteria. So, I use Chrome for my regular site access. I use Firefox to check news(Without ABP, can you really read news, so many ads). I use IE 7 for all corporate browsing(Portals, intranets etc). And I use Safari, if I have tough time with other browsers or when I want a change. But, by wanting to end the MS monopoly, are we giving a rise to Google monopoly, only time can tell, until then user is the winner.

Nuclear Suppliers Group finally agreed on waiver allowing countries to do Nuclear trade with India. I have always been a strong supporter of the deal for many reasons, most obviously because it strengthens India's position as a respectable power and also the recognition of its commitment to nonproliferation. The deal is a Win-Win for both US and India; US strengthened its strategic ties with India as a result of the deal whereas India got access to much needed energy. One could argue whether it is a sell-off, but sensible thinking will tell you that no country in this world can ever live in a isolation. Only true global economies can survive in this difficult world. A deal between two strongest and largest democracies in the world is no big deal at all, as it is such a natural thing to do. US is almost a second home for many Indians and India is almost second home for many US brands.

The Prime Minister staked everything for this deal. In fact, this is not the first time he did that, last time being early 90's for the economic reforms. Very few foresaw the after effects it would have on India. It was the first time India opened up to the world. The reforms enabled millions of Indians to live a better life, without which I doubt if I would be here writing this blog. He faced same opposition from all quarters who simply couldn't understand the benefits of the reforms. But a visionary leader stands by what he truly believes. This time is no different. All countries unanimously accepted India's position and realized the importance of having India in the group even though it is not a NPT signatory. It shows two things. First, the trust International community has on India. Second, track record of India as a matured and responsible power. Why I say this because, India didn't compromise its strategic interests for the sake of the deal. Every literate knows that India doesn't need to conduct Nuclear tests. Forget India, no responsible or respected nation would like to conduct a test, simply because it has nothing to gain by conducting one. So does it make any sense not to enter into nuclear trade for a test that will never happen?, even if done further isolates the country?, and gains nothing by conducting one?, of course not. Then, you might ask why some people oppose the deal.

I can understand the opposition. Just few months to go for an election and you can definitely forget about any bipartisan support, especially for a thing like Nuclear, how may of rural voters would understand that. I am bit disappointed with the fact that opposition has to always oppose in India, I doubt if that changes any time soon. But, All credit goes to the bureaucrats who made this deal possible. Without actually signing NPT, without actually committing on anything with regards to tests, they conveyed the message fairly and squarely to the countries, that it just can't sign but will do everything for nonproliferation. Opposition say that government cheated the public as it somehow binds us at least consciously. That's where the art of politics I see. Even in Mahabharata, some can say Lord Krishna cheated to win the war. The art of winning war lies on understanding the opponents and making your moves accordingly. At the end of the day, what matters is who won and for what purpose.

Sometimes, you have to play "politics" on the best interest of the nation. This has certainly proved Dr. Manmohan Singh not only as a strong leader, visionary and reformist but also as a politician at his best.

I almost finished the Prince of Persia Rival Swords in my PSP. You can imagine the frustration of not finishing the game for more than 3 months of playing. When I started this game, I kind of liked it for some reason, even  though graphics at times is little dull and slow. I am a big Prince of Persia fan for quite some time. I remember the days when I tried to play Warrior Within in my Comp and it just won't play as my comp lacked the configuration required. So, I was little excited to play this one at my PSP.

I liked some aspects of the game which are unique in Prince of Persia series. Long and interesting story line, young prince with limited but growing abilities, spectacular surroundings, swords and of course the stealth killings.

The game has many facets and is quite interesting at times. There are many fight sequences I liked in the game. The best of them all is with the Twins. Initially, it looks as if they are invincible and even with 6 sand tanks and with Recall ability, you just can't win them. Once you get to know the opponent, Identifying the vulnerability and the agility you show makes you win the sequence pretty easily. The best part is that this fight sequence follows unbelievably a difficult chase sequence riding the horses. I think I repeated it more than 20 times and never felt boring to repeat it. You need to master the riding and need to do it with precision at each stage. I think I finished both sequences more by a luck than anything else. The other aspect is the way you move in the city, mostly on the edges, walls and rooftops which is kind of cool sometimes.

Prince starts with a simple sword which doesn't stand for more than 3 strikes. After some time, he gets his primary weapon, The Dagger which is useful at times, specially in stealth. But, for effective strike you need two weapons. The second weapon you pick normally won't stand long until you know which ones to pick. For sometime, you need to rely on regular swords that you get by attacking any objects or sword stand. Don't use the swords dropped by the normal enemies. But remember that Sand Monsters are special and come with special swords which are long lasting. So when you get a chance to kill any Sand Monsters, take the sword and use the Two weapon combinations, my favorite being TTSSTT.

Only just before you face the Vizer (Ultimate villain), you get the best sword of all. Single strike with this one kills any one except the bosses. You feel powerful holding this sword and simply forget to use any stealth moves as they are just a waste of time when you have the ultimate weapon. I also liked the part of game after you get the sword, walking mostly on darkness and finding your way through puzzled rocks.

But, it is a slow game in nature and doesn't keep the one engaged for long time in a game. Unbelievably long save points simply frustrates you when you have to repeat slow and easy sequence of puzzles or redo some of the stealth killings at the Sand Portals. And the most annoying out of all is to do a life save chase for the other Prince who becomes a Sand Monster for a period of time. And get used to the fact that Prince might do something else irrespective of what you asked him to do; as the strike combinations are long, stupid and confusing.

Out of all that, I still liked the game and I simply can't finish it. The reason being is that you just can't repeat the game many times when you get killed. This is one thing that is of sharp contrast to God of Wars: Chains of Olympus. I remember finishing God of War in less than a week time as a Hero. Even though game itself is short, it is no way easy and you have to repeat the fight sequences many times over until you master the game or identify some tricks to win the opponent. God of War keeps you involved which somehow POP doesn't manage to do.

Technical glitches are a big turn-offs for any gamer, when you see something that should not happen happened, you feel cheated and simply don't pursue the game again. This is something that happens often when you challenge the bosses and you could see the game cheating you many times when you fight Vizer, the ultimate villain of the game. Some of rocks suddenly reappear out of nowhere during the fight especially when you miss a stealth hit. And also there is nothing interesting in finishing the game. As you know what you liked mostly on the game is over and a useless and uninteresting fight with a villain is not worth your effort and time. Worst of all, there is nothing to unlock when you finish the game except stupid galleries which are anyway worthless.

All in all, the fact that I didn't finish the game and decided to write the review simply shows that it is not up to my expectations which in this case were relatively high. But still, it is a game worth playing for, for the fact that its a Prince of Persia series and it gives you unique game playing experience on your PSP.

It is almost the end of my vacation. Just one more day to go and life goes on as usual. This time I didn't head to any of the places of my wish list, rather i spent most of the time with family and friends who gathered for my brother's marriage. Marriage function typical to any Brahmin marriage traditional and arranged in nature, the function spans for close to 2 weeks out of which 5 are primarily important. Anyone who you belong to any of the family circle is invited. There was a crowd of more than 800 for the reception function and close to 100 for the reminder days of the function. It is indeed a splendid beginning of a new era in my brother's life. Naturally the function kept me busy all the times without a breathing space and before you realize the function was over. You can see a big relief on everyone's face. Managing this many people never going to be easy whether it is a marriage function or not. Except few small hiccups, function was great success.

We reached back to Hyderabad on Wednesday and the last few days since then are different and relaxing. It is difficult for everyone to get adjusted with the new member of the family and their relatives. As usual, I spend most of my time at home sleeping or playing games or watching television. Since today, the feeling of returning to office haunting me with everything surrounding the office work wandering my head and that indeed disturbs me. That's the good and bad thing about the vacation. When you are in one, you try to pretend as if you live in a different life, trying to enjoy the moment without thinking too much about anything else. But when you return from one, reality strikes and it takes a little time to understand and get adjusted to the real life.

Yesterday while doing shopping, I stopped by a restaurant during lunch time and accidentally stepped in the feet of a boy. As I turned to say sorry, I was struck by the gruesome nature of a child labor. The boy was emotion less even though he didn't wear any sandals or shoes. I am not sure if the boy is less than 14, but i can very well say that it is not the place where the boy should be at this age. Powerful eyes and the glowing face somehow convince me that there must be so much talent going waste on daily labor. I got deeply disturbed by the scene and was continuously thinking on how this could be solved if i were ruling the nation, so what follows is a thought of what should be done. My mind soon started asking questions and at the same time tries find answers for the same. But you soon realize that as you find one answer, there are more questions start to pop up. No one denies that it is a difficult job to curb child labor, but there has to be a thought some where, a thought which is different and promising. First i got convinced that child labor can be curbed by a law, The Right to Education for all the children. But we do have a law and it works sometimes and it doesn't most of the times. I would like to approach this problem in two angles. The one providing better and equal education to all, and the other one from the family of the child.

Providing a better and equal education sounds great when we say it, but it is oblivious to think that there can be any equality when there is so much inequality in the society. Better colleges are either expensive or too difficult to get through. I started to think reservation can be the only hope in this case, a reservation not by cast, religion or gender, but for set of children deserving and can't afford it. I will use the word "orphan" to describe a child who doesn't have anyone to take care of his necessities without expecting anything from him in return. There is no shame in accepting the fact that some parents can't afford a child, lest education but still go on to give berth for social or psychological or physical or personal reasons. It is not the parent's right to keep a child when they can't afford the child's necessities, worst expecting anything in return. Such parents not to have any rights as parents and the child be treated as Orphan.

What we need is to have central mechanism where such children can be taken care of, either by government or by social workers. Such a system should be treated as a professional training institute and not as a charity organization. A professional system where they can identify the children who needs most attention and bring them to their new home. There has be a systematic involvement of professional bodies to ensure that highest quality is maintained and the child doesn't experience mental trauma. There should be regular counseling done on parents and children. As a second step is to identify right educational institute of a right child and identify sponsor for a child. There has to be 20% reservation on all residential institutions whether government, aided or private. Costs of the students admitted to be split 50-50 between the government and the institution. Government assist institutions on identifying sponsor to reduce their 50% share. This could be achieved through parent of the fellow students of the institution itself, or through alumni or by means central fund. Performance of a child to be monitored and if there are strong metrics to suggest that a child doesn't perform on par with other students, an institution can request a replacement from the central board.

All these steps required only for children who doesn't have parents, or have the parents who are dependant on them. For other children, such drastic measures will not be required as by means of policy all the education in the country to be made free to charge including the post graduation.

Finally, we managed to get the tickets for the movie The Dark Night at PVR Bangalore. Movie starts pretty well with a bank robbery, though I never understood why the "jokers" just kill each other as soon as they finish the specific assignment, I assume that they scripted in this way to show the cruelty of "The Joker" and the little trust he has on others. First glimpse of Heath Ledger as "The Joker" was grand even compared to the Batman "The Dark Knight". Movie keeps you at the edge of your seat all the times with amazing action sequences. There are many action sequences I liked in the movie and the way show Batman, especially flying on Hong Kong evening skies is truly spectacular, fight sequence that followed is nothing less either. As the Hong Kong business man turns all his gang in to the attorney, Harvey hits the news a true "unmasked hero", an idea the batman longing for ever. It also provides an opportunity for the batman to hand over the responsibilities to the true unmasked hero and focus on his personal life and the love of Rachel. The movie depicts splendidly how human the batman is and the cost he bears on being a super hero. 

What follows until end of the movie is a non-stop action, inexplicable sequence of events where the Joker terrorize the city and destroy the city hopes. The Joker carefully weighs his opponents, identifies their weakness and wages a well planned attack, The Joker challenges the Batman to become an unmasked hero and tries to manipulate Harvey to show his other "true" side. As Batman finally gives in and offers to surrender, Harvey proclaims himself as the Batman and surrenders as poor Bruce, the Batman watches. The chase sequence is the best fight sequence of the movie in which Batman finally topple the truck and the joker, to the delight of crowd watching the movie. At the end of the fight sequence, everyone is at the edge of the seat and what follows is a thunderous clap from everyone. Even here, director clearly depicts the characteristics of the Batman and the Joker. The Joker challenges the Batman to kill him and hopes to claim victory for making Batman to do what he owed not to do. Batman avoids the Joker in a split second and suffers a set back, exactly when Gordon arrests the Joker and becomes the Police Commissioner of the city.

During the interrogation, the Joker reveals that Rachel and Harvey have been abducted and rigged with explosives, and only one of them could be saved. Harvey understands the situation and tries to drink petrol through which he hoped to die sooner than Rachel, but to his dismay Batman saves him not before he is caught fire and losing half of his face. Gordon tries to save Rachel but not successful and Harvey places Gordon responsible for Rachel's death. Using this as an opportunity, the Joker escapes the prison and goes in search of Harvey, his other primary target. He succeeded easily as Harvey filled with hatred turned vulnerable and becomes a prey for Joker's manipulation. Harvey starts to target corrupted officials and the ones responsible for Rachel's death.

The Joker announces that whoever left in the city of Gotham is subject to his rule by end of night fall. The city officials start to evacuate the people through ferries. One ferry is filled with prisoners and the other one with civilians. The Joker reveals that both ferries contain hidden explosives and one can trigger an explosion of the other ferry by which the ones in that ferry can survive. As the 30 minute target reaches, batman desperately tries to save the civilians and eventually captures the Joker. To the dismay of the Joker, explosions didn't take place at the end of 30 minutes as no one pressed the button and thus proved the Joker wrong that every one is corrupted. Unable to contemplate the truth, the Joker tries to trigger the explosion himself but batman pushes his down of the building. As the Joker waves a victory smile for making batman to kill him, the batman saves him with a rope and thus stick to his principle. As this happens, Harvey kidnaps Gordon's family and confronts Gordon. Batman reaches the scene and confronts Harvey and in the mishap Harvey dies. The Batman asks the commissioner to honor Harvey and takes responsibility for all his crimes.

The movie ends as the police chase the Dark Knight, Batman.

The movie unquestionably one of the best movies I have ever seen. The other movies that I place at such heights are mostly inspirational ones like, the Shawshank Redemption, the Forest Gump, Amelie, each one being unique and convey a particular message. I don't think this movie is either inspirational or conveying any message, it deserved this place truly because of the ability of the director to keep the crowd engaged in the movie, life time performance of Heath Ledger, the amazing depiction of the Batman, and the combination of all of them, the movie delivers to its promise and goes beyond the hype it generated. No wonder that the movie still has 9.4 IMDB rating after 200,000 votes, has Yahoo A rating, and 9.3 Rotten Tomatoes rating. Movie also broke all the existing records of the box office and looks promising to beat Star Wars in the second place if not Titanic to become the number one.

Friday, one of the most exciting days for many for the most simplest reason, it is the last working day of a week. Time flies away easily on this day and the discussions mostly revolve on the hours left  and the weekend plans. Typical to any young software engineer, my plans for the weekend nothing extra-ordinary, just a movie on a Friday evening, treats on Saturday and games on Sunday.

Since the movie released last week, it created such a hype, last one I remember that created similar hype being Spider Man. I could easily get tickets for Spider man on the first day, even I could manage to get last series of Harry Potter book in the early hours of the release, I can't believe that I couldn't manage to get the tickets for this one, The Dark Knight. Movie is famous for many things, lifetime performance of Heath Ledger, truly spectacular and Oscar-worthy critics say! For those who wonder who the dark knight is, we are talking about latest Batman's movie. While the brand of Batman itself is sufficient to take me to the theater for the first day show, the last performance of Heath Ledger as a Joker and 9.5 IMDB rating made me Dark Knight Frenzy.

So, for the second day in a row, I woke up early in the morning( 7.30! I can't believe it) and reached PVR speed walking in the midst of drizzling . It was absolute cheer when I managed to get the tickets for the evening show, even though they are on the second row from screen. When I called Pooja, I could sense absolute sense of joy. Even though Sadi was little frightened to come for the movie, she couldn't deny, thanks to Shahul and Pooja.

When Pooja, Shahul and Sadi called me for Lunch, I realized that I couldn't go with them as I had lunch appointment with Kiran Bedi (Yup, first women IPS of India). I was little skeptical to join the Lunch with Kiran Bedi, but it was too big a chance to miss. She was here as part of leadership series organized by SAP Labs. Being a Top Talent for the second year consecutively, I was lucky enough to be invited for special lunch with her. Charming is a word that can describe her the best. Her ability to transform the ones around her with her positive energy and her capacity to transcend must be admired. Lunch was pretty decent and even though I couldn’t enjoy much as I spent most of the time either listening or talking to her. It was true honor to shake hands with the lady who transformed many lives and inspired many women. It is just that, I missed carrying an autograph book.

I returned to my desk with full of positive energy eagerly looking forward to few hours left, little I expected that that will get busted up pretty soon. All my friends were almost screaming about bomb blasts that ripped the city. Series of blasts in a short span of time, mostly aiming to create panic among public. Few of the blast sites are at Koramangala, the place I live and the Forum Mall, the place where we were about to watch the movie this evening. It was quite unbelievable and shocking to listen to the news. Low intensity blasts triggered at non peak hours to cause little loss to human life, but maximum damage to moral and the pride of Bangalore city and indeed, they succeeded. All the malls, offices, schools, cinema theaters were immediately shut down.

It means one thing to me for sure, I can’t watch the movie tonight and my weekend spoiled. If I had not got the evening show tickets, we were actually planning to bunk office and watch afternoon show at Forum which would have been devastating even to think of. I reached home at 7 and just staying inside even though movement outside is quite normal as no further threats expected, but you never know. In this world, when there is so much hatred for human life, no one is safer where ever you are, but life goes on. Now, I should carry on with my life, for that I need to hit the bed first! Good Night!

What a crazy day it was!

Day started with we getting up early for morning tea, something which I don't remember doing it for years. We got ready for morning exercises and started jogging with slow pace and reached a small ground in the middle of the valley. The valley was so beautiful with, the great peaks of Himalayas reflecting the golden rays falling on the melting snow, tourists peeping out of the balcony and looking at us with great amazement, villagers walking uphill to reach the higher mountains, and of course, gushing waters of the river. You feel energized as if you found a new meaning for the existence of life. The best part of the exercise was participation and the way the PT sir(Subhash) made us do it, especially the ones which he learnt from the Yoga classes with Rishis, the best one being the laughter exercise in which you simply laugh, laugh at others and laugh at everything as if you would die laughing.

Once we finished our morning breakfasts, bit of chit-chats, wishes to the group going to higher camp, we assembled for the Introductory session where there was a small bit of gyan(lecture) from YHAI officials on the program, what to do and what not. I was amazed at the great diversity in the group, young to old, north to south, east to west, city freaks to villagers...Even though group was diverse, one could sense strong sense of bonding between all, may be, it was meant that we were going as a group. Once the intro sessions over, we got ready to get "acclimatized", at least that's what they called, but for many that was nothing but a normal walk, I don't even remember sweating in between, all thanks to Meeta who made sure with her slow pace that we reached our destination with ease. Not all of us were young or fit, or have experience in trekking. First time trekker like me could take lot of inspiration on seeing others and the determination that they show on every step of the trek. There is a tradition that everyone carries a water bottle with him but don't use it until reaching the target point, where we pour the water from all the bottles and mix some flavors and drink again. There we played a game which was kind of weird, where one had to act like another while giving his intro as your own. It was full of fun to see guys giving intros as girls or mothers and pointing out the sons in the group. Then we started descending that's where it proved little difficult for me. Whenever I climbed down a rock, I could sense strong pain in my left knee. I immediately remembered childhood injury which I suffered in my left knee while playing cricket. I always knew that a injury left untreated might show up some day and that was the last place where I wanted to get that, but I had to continue to make sure that I maintain rhythm which is very important while trekking.

Reaching the camp was of great satisfaction, I wondered whether I would be able to take up the trek at all as pain in my knee grew stronger. After finishing lunch, we (Me, Bulbul, Markie, Rimjim) decided to go to Manikaran to take bath in the hot water springs. This time we went in to the pool near Shiva Temple which I thought was pretty decent. We didn't see anyone inside the pool and but immediately realized after touching the water that it was too hot for anyone to get in. Seeing the pipe pouring cold water in the middle of the pool convinced me to get in. Naturally, I jumped into the pool while everyone screaming at me not to. Initial one or two minutes were really difficult and I could feel my feet and legs were almost burning, but it was good relief to get hot water treatment for my left knee. I could only manage to stay in for some more minutes, by this time, I could easily convince more guys to get in. I came out of the pool and realized that my body had gone so reddish like a chicken roasted in a barbecue. After the bath, we went to the temple and subsequently started shopping after a cup of tea. I wanted to buy Kullu Shawl and we all entered in to a shop, but convinced Rimjim to buy one for him, it was quite funny to see Rimjim bargaining for the shawl.

Afterwards, we got down at Kasol and did some more shopping. If you have known me for a while, you might have realized that I get immensely satisfied with little pleasures of life and for me life is an adventure which one should enjoy and not constrain, that's why I simply do it just because I love doing it, without even thinking what would happen next. Now you can imagine what would I do on seeing and reaching a beautiful river, naturally, I got in and took a bath, which many say as crazy considering the fact that it was freezing river water, possibly sub-zero, and I might put the whole trek at risk. But, for me, all this was too much to think at that time, immense pleasure on doing something which you love is incomparable, not something which you can explain rationally.

On reaching the camp, we again started playing with balance scale, this time even Bunnie and Spidie also got involved. Me and Markie balanced almost equally, but when Markie and Rimjim tried the same, Markie was almost flying in the air at one end of the scale while Rimjim hit the ground at the other end. Announcement of the dinner made us to realize that Sun set very late in that part of the world at that time. After finishing the Dinner, we were all chit chatting in the camp while Rimjim trying to find performers for that day's campfire (or camp with no fire). The biggest mistake I made was to take the Mouth-organ out of my bag and started playing and as usual Markie and Bulbul making fun of me which Rimjim couldn't understand, eventually he registered me for the performance for that night. Little they realized that I hardly know even how to hold a Mouth-organ. For Markie and Bulbul, it was a feast which they can't afford to miss. I desperately tried to convince Rimjim, but my cries hit only deaf ears as he thought I was so humble and shy hiding the talent, what on earth would convince him, I could not understand. My bad luck didn't end there, that day marked the last day of SP-18 (which supposedly my original batch), the batch with full of youngsters, screaming and yelling, one could sense lot and lots of enthusiasm with the group. Once my name called, I tried to hide, as if I cease to exist, but the great screaming SP-18 made sure that I couldn't hide anywhere on Earth. Continued screaming of "Kishore", "Kishore", "Kishore", moved even me, who otherwise is so decisive in not doing something, decided to go to the stage for performance. I started with the disclaimer, and try to blow air while Vimal who sang along with me with her majestic voice and easily distracted the crowd. It took a while for me to accept what had happened. Laying down in the bed, I realized that I was ready to accept embarrassment simply because I had nothing to lose and there was no pride at stake. On realizing this factor, you are not acting as you are but as you are and you don't feel sad or sorry, rather it makes you feel proud, with that, I went into sleep, a deep sleep, which was not disturbed even by the black spiders guys screaming about.

The location of the base camp makes anyone to feel as if they have traveled to a different world altogether. For the ones, who use to hear, the loud noise made by cars and buses, the sound of gushing water gave a different experience. We enrolled ourselves and got into a tent which i thought is pretty decent that i one could manage there. Soon, there were some more guys getting into the tent. The ones who attracted my attention initially were Banni (Badrish), Deadly (Mano), Picachoo (Mayur), Spidey (Sagar) and Uncle (Makarant, Sagar's father). Including we three (me, Bulbul, Markie), we became perfect 9, that stayed as a group almost in every camp then onwards. After initial round of introductions, we decided to head for bathing at hot water springs located at Manikaran. We came out of the camp, waiting for the bus, we just sat in the cliff carved next to the river and watching the white waters gushing and flowing fiercely. I wondered whether it is the power of the river that crushes the great mountain rocks in its path and in the process turns the river into white with the remains of the rock. Within minutes, i forgot who i was, what i was doing, what problems i face, and was just enjoying the nature, as if reborn as a child who doesn't have any worries.

Once back at the camp, we realized it was so late in the night but there is no dark. Dinner was getting served and it was the first time i was having some of the North Indian dishes they served. Initially i thought food was ok, but the Rotis made me feel so sick, i just ate only one (or less). Then there was a campfire, it should be renamed as camp without fire, as there was no fire arranged, but a small gathering place and some electric bulbs depicting the fire. Camp fire is used a place of gathering of all batches, have some fun, distribute the certificates for the outgoing batch, encourage the batch going higher camp. It was mostly dominated by songs, so many of Kishore Kumar songs. Bul bul captured everyone's heart with many of those songs.

Quite a journey in its  own merit. It took close to 40 hours(!!!!!yup) to reach Delhi. The first of impression of Delhi from the looks of the old the Railway station and the place we went, is so pathetic. I wondered how it became Capital city of the country. We were supposed to catch 8 PM bus to Manali and we decided to chill out for a while and take hotel room. Pramod was so interested in knowing the Elections Result of Karnataka and was so desperate to watch T.V. I can’t explain the hotel in words. The neighborhood didn’t look all that well, but for few hours, we could manage it. We headed to India Gate and just managed to find some junk food to eat. Took some photos with some poses(of course) and headed to Red Fort. I know about Red Fort from the History that I learnt in school and also from the Rise of Nations Game. In the game, they portray as a Wonder and provide unparalleled defense which excited me all the more. I had seen one Castle before in Heidelberg, Germany and was continuously wondering how big it would be. The initial look of the fort amazed me. I thought I could stuff 1000 Heidelberg Castles and still find more space for more castles. It so huge and without a question a city in itself. After few photos, we were getting into the fort, that’s when the phone rang.

A call from travels says that our bus leaves to Manali at 6 and not at 8. The travel guy was so furious that we were in Red Fort and he wondered how we would make it. We rushed to the Hotel and packed  or luggage and checked out. We were in the room for less than 10 minutes for which we paid full day rent. It made all of us laugh. We reached the Himachal Tourism office by 5 just to know that our bus is at 8 and not at 6. We got so confused and couldn’t understand the earlier call. All three of us were damn hungry, we decided to leave the luggage at office and went in search of a good hotel. We got into Saravana Bhavan, a fine South Indian restaurant and ordered for snacks, that’s when phone again rang. The travel guy on the other end said bus was waiting for us and wondered where the hell we were. Pramod, this time for a change decided to enquire in details. Finally it was one more travels which we booked without confirmation long before. Now, everything made sense and we appreciated the honesty of the travel guy for keeping the tickets reserved till the last moment. I wonder he would never allow any unconfirmed tickets from then onwards.

We boarded the bus, we had one extra seat unoccupied (Murugesh’s) which I took the advantage of and slept well. Morning, when we woke up, we were on the cliffs of the mountains and a river  flowing below. First time, I see a white water river with such a tremendous force smashing anything on its path. Journey was amazing where we could get first sneak view of the snow mountains of Himalayas, caves, landscapes, villagers, colored wooden houses and so on. We got out of the bus at a place called Bhuntar. After a good breakfast, we managed to get a local bus to Kasol. It was a thrill of a lifetime to see the bus driver driving in the cliffs of the mountains next to a river with such an ease. When we finally got off the bus, there we could see a banner, “YHAI welcomes you for National Himalayan Trekking Expedition”.

Himalayan Trek is one of the best moments of my life. Watch out on my journal for day to day happenings of the trek. Each day is unique with different challenges providing enthralling events. I got to know about the trek from my friend who was visiting Eastern Himalayas last winter. The idea of going to Himalayas itself excited me, did everything possible to make it in the last winter but in vain. But made it a point to make sure that i would be in Himalayas in the Summer, that too, for the SAR Pass which is considered as the crowned prince of all Himalayan Treks.

Managed to convince my travel buddies to join me. Finally it was three of us, me, Murugesh and Pramod. Praveen, a guy i never met was also interested and thanks to Pramod, he joined us as well...

The preparation is the best part. 2 to 3 days in a week, i visited Gym, trying all cardio exercises, keeping some fitness, mentally preparing the fact that, i have to stay in tents possibly without anything for days. The idea of Nature toilet itself scared me.. But i was sure, it is going to be an experience of a lifetime. Office colleagues, friends and family were more excited than me. My dad didn't mind much. Anyways, for the one who travelled to Antarctica for years, Himalayas would be a cake walk.. I decided to use his kits (gloves, jackets), they gave me the confidence i badly needed. 

Weeks before the trek, we yet to finish the final travel plans, spending hours a day on finalizing what to take, where to go and so on.. Finally a week before, we managed to finalize the travel plans and decided to go by bus from Delhi to Kullu and take a local bus from Kullu Kasol. Once the travel plan finalized, focus was shifted to purchasing. Murugesh and me went in search of snow shoes in the weekend before the trek. The suggested Hunter shoes in local market were pathetic by initial look and decided not to buy them. Finally ended up in a place in Brigade road where i bought branded shoes from Jonty Rhodes.

Next day, we were in a shock as Murugesh decided to pull out of the trip as his grandma was critically ill. Mood is completely upset and were so confused what to do. But we have too far, so cancelling now is not an option. We three decided to push ahead.

The day we planned to start, rain was pouring like hell and it looked as if we would never make it. We called for Citi Cabs and managed to reach my house. Thankfully, i finished the packing last night itself, so it took 15 to 20 minutes to wind up and reach Pramod's house. After a nice dinner at his house, we reached Yashwantpur Railway station. And it was such a big relief to get into the AC compartment of the train. All three (me, Pramod, Praveen) were so excited as if it was the greatest trek we would ever take, indeed it was.