kasmenon

The Savoir-Faire challenges Its been a while now since I blogged. I guess, none felt my absence. This fact helped me in repeatedly postponing the activation of what is left of my grey cells. Believe me, it   is essential for writing any stuff that has a remote chance of being read. At least that is so in my case.  To do justice to my lazy self, I must admit, allow me to provide a few alibis. A vital phase in my existence was concluded and that set off consequences and events which clearly matched the frenzied existence I have had so far.  A fitting finale, if you will!  I had decided to retire. This meant I had to also close down my house in aamchi Mumbai. Pack up, lock stock, telescope and barrel. Shift base to Hyderabad, assuming that I will be welcomed home by my good wife and daughter. Taking risks was not unknown to me.  This decision of mine, taken for very compelling reasons, nevertheless was judged by everyone known to me wit...

Have been swirling through the experiences of moving over from one phase of life into an unknown world of another phase, hastened by circumstances that left no option, for over couple of months. It would have been fascinating to actually pen down these experiences along the way , if not for others but for my own introspection, but one does not easily fathom ones feelings, well enough ,to articulate them meaningfully. So I have let that pass, hoping to do that another day. I have avoided commenting on anything political, generally, but am an incorrigible, though passive , activist at heart. So occasionally I transgress.  You may skip this if this is not your cup of green tea. I came across a commentary by Fareed Zakaria , the CNN host and Washington Post columnist quoting Ronald Reagan that  most of all our ills is due to Government.  While challenges of the seventies, when Reagan must have made this observation, are entirely different and possibly less daunting fro...

 ‌This is a real incident but from a one year olds perspective. Check : kasmenon@ blogspot.com CHOTU'S DIARY. ‌I was just about completing the devouring of  the game thing dad got me yesterday. The last part needed the help of my only tooth and after a short battle it gave in. The game thing part i mean.  That was when i was woken up from my sleep rather abruptly .Those were soft hand though, the touch of which makes me feel absolutely delighted. ‌As I opened my eyes and was in the process of executing my protest with mouth open, eyes releasing drops of water and the throat readying for what mummy calls crying, i  held back as i found myself staring at the beautiful lady all dressed up, whose touch i spoke off and who i was introduced to first , upon my arrival to this strange place. My mommy. ‌What struck me was not her beauty but that she was dressed up fine and elegant. That means one thing. I get to get out of restricted area whiçh they call home ànd explor...

AN EXPERIMENT  WITH  DEMONETIZATION This was  not  a  normally cold Christmas morning  and it dawned  after an eve that never ended. Not that I was looking around for Santa near the ATM's through the previous night. I was surely with a bunch of ex defense chaps with no intention of planning any surgical or non-invasive strikes. That alone ensured we started seeing jingle bells as the eve went by and turned into the birthday of Christ. You know what I mean! If you don't then its better off that way. Now back to the morning. Had not written anything for my blog for a long time, having convinced myself that no one reads it anyway. However, something was nagging me for a while, actually since Nov 8th. When our world entered a black hole. One, from which, we have to yet to exit. Now, I am sure you know what I am talking about.  Since then many reams of newspapers have dissected this new monster called Demonetization. Wannabe economists, newly...

MONSOON, KUDALIKA AND ME The Monsoon propelled me out of literary laziness. It , as always, did alter my mood for the better.  This year the rain gods laid it out in all splendor. Asking me to smell the rain, feel the wind.    Alluring me to kiss it and letting me feel the rain drops on my head. Sing a lullaby . The lush green outdoors, the swirling rivers and the majestic waterfalls beckoned me. Promising to dance with me as the rains fall.  Who am I , a  creation of this very element, to say no.  Yes, I was like a child wanting to rush to his mothers arms.  So with a little persuasion , a little nudge from me  and some research ,  few friends packed our bags and set out. Albeit on a short trip. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. We were never the ones to allow it to be nothing.  Our first stop was the rain soaked Lonavala.  It is a small town about 15 sq miles  in area and at a moderate elevation...

ARTICLE 14 AND THE ANIMAL KINGDOM A canopy of trees spread out deep into this tropical ever green forest, situated hundreds of kilometres from one of ancient Indian River systems.   The Syzygium (Jambul) and Mahogany with an occasional Banyan tree dominated the area,    amidst thick flora. This was once a complete ecosystem, with a large variety of wild animals and bird life. This was the kingdom of the animals and birds, the four legged and the winged variety and had been so, for well over millions of years. The last few centuries saw humans make inroads and, over time, dominate the once lush thick forest. The animals were the ones who kept withdrawing.    Nature has a way to get back at those who exploit and dominate.  It had to happen. One day. Deep inside this forest. Circa 2025. It was just like another twilight. The Sun had disappeared, lost among the thick foliage. But light, in brilliant hues, seeped throug...

Social media and politics  We all have seen an enormous number of content exchanged via the social media  Facebook, Instagram , WA etc. These have content that are authentic, plain forwards, personnel opinion, propaganda, lies, half truth, rumors , humorous , highly inflammatory, defaming, insulting, praising, worshiping and a variety of reactions and responses, reflecting ones sate of mind, values, ideology, commitment or plain stupidity.  Is it serving a purpose? If so whose?  Most likely it does help spread information, knowledge and awareness. It even may serve as an outlet for ones anger, frustration or plain boredom. Probably all of these in various combinations and to a limited extend.  However, there also is an expected fallout. One that is a heavy price to pay. Something ,which could destroy the social fabric.  One would have noticed that as we indulge in this frenzy we come across angry , upset and distraught friends, relatives...