Bliss.

Bliss.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

A Day In Deeksha.

I get up between 4 and 5 (the alarms start ringing from 3:30 AM) itself. I look through my books and sleepily try to do something productive. Around 6 I proceed to get ready. By 7 Ma and Pa start panicking (Pa starts pointing towards my watch and Ma keeps saying "If you miss your van, we can't drop you all the way") while I keep Laughing to myself all the while because the van comes only at 7:20 and the drive from the house to the stop is less than a minute. So Ma drives to the stop (While we cheer her :P) and I wait until the Deeksha Van arrives exactly at 7:20 AM. I usually sit with Meghna and mornings are relatively quiet in the van.
 (Actually, It's fun in the van, usually, I'm not a part of the conversation but I end up laughing at the really awesome jokes the others crack!)
 Then, around 8:15 AM we reach College, we deposit (atleast we are expected to) our gadgets and proceed for the Assembly.During the first week, singing the college song was a Nightmare. I Just Could Not get a hang of the lyrics. So I mumble some nonsense. Actually, our so-called prayer is the weirdest one I've heard till date. And after this, students are encouraged to come forward and share anything. More often then not, They crack a few PJs or sing a song. However, when the seniors conducted a Mini-quiz, I was pleasantly surprised. Also they announce the toppers of the weekly tests conducted. Occasionally, Dr.Shridhar makes an appearance.

After this we go back to class and say, we have Physics. So Narendra Sir comes and spends half the time cleaning the blank board or flashing a variety of smiles. Of course, he quickly gets into the topic for the day and the class progresses smoothly. At 9:45 AM, the class ends, and I rush out to have breakfast (again?!) and catch up with friends. After this, Let's say we have Chem. So Ahipathi walks in panics about how slow we are compared to the other sections. Inevitably, he spends the rest of the class on 1 or 2 sums-
  • First he gives time for us to Analyze the problem.
  • Seeing that most of the class is still blinking after giving us considerable amount of time, he gives a hint.
  • About 20% of the class grasps the hint and makes some progress. (The rest are still clueless)
  • Then after clearing individual doubts, he makes quick calculations on the board. And explains to the entire class. *Enlightenment*
After this, the same process repeats for the other problems. And that's Ahipathi for you. Btw the meaning of his name is "Nagaraj", so he is "fondly" called King Cobra by some students. Or "Bohar" (That's how he pronounces Bohr) by the rest. :P

Sarala Ma'am walks in next and immediately begins with the chapter. I kind of like her. Doesn't speak anything else other than Maths. Teaches it well. I guess most Maths teachers are like that. So I like her classes. So Time passes quickly.

Basvaiah comes next and I'm usually hungry by now itself. So frequency of checking the time on the watch increases.In Basvaiah's class, the seating arragement changes and this, in no way helps in the the preservation of peace inside the class. Actually, he's a good teacher. Except that he's inaudible over all the noise.

Next , Phanirazz comes in with his wig-that-might-fall-anytime and collar-mike-that-switches-on-and-off-moodily. This Sir is one of a kind! Hilarious, a laugh riot, and also a very good teacher.

He insists that we call the questions in our book, not as "Problems" but as "Ideas". And calls Physics, "The Queen of Sciences". And he believes in common sense and nothing more, nothing less.And several other dialogues that have had the class in splits. More than narrating it, his class has to be experienced to be understood.

Then comes Lunch and again I rush out. We ( Sanjana, Meghna, Disha, Pooja, Sharada, Padmashri and Shwetha) usually sit near the canteen. I'm the only one in the group from C Section, Med Bio. And Not from CBSE. Yeah, there are several other such anomalies, but moving on, Lunch Break is good. 30 minutes is highly insufficient.

After this, Games period divides the class. some girls and boys play Basketball. Actually, I was ( not am) eager to play as well, but some how I felt I did'nt know them that well. I doubt I ever will anyway. And from the last few classes, I play Dumb Charades and It's Great Fun!! Nirupama, Harshita, Sonika, Thagnatha, Varsha, Dhana (I call her that but her Name's actually Dhana Lavanya), Varsha, Aparajita, Shambhavi  Sanjana Priyanka and I have this "Hangout" in the college. There's a small courtyard of sorts, overlooking a smaller fishtank, and in this cool and shady place, one can hear the high pitched giggles of us girls.

Sometimes we go back early to class, if we have work pending or a test the next day. And then we have Mallikarjuna Sir. (Called Hitler2 by some. Actually he's really good.) Apparently, all trigonometry teachers have this  strange accent. The "Trigo Accent"? Possibly due to constantly chanting formulae. He's a bit fast but I think he's good.
Of course, there's Rupa (Botany), Kavitha (Phy) and the Bio Sir (Zoology). The teach well and their classes and good.

And at the stroke of 4:15, we're out of the class and back in our vans. The return journey is rather boisterous. Especially If you sit at the back. It's like sitting in a Comedy Show. Or else I listen to music. Or I Text my Friends!! :) Today we played Dumb Charades in the Van as well.. Real Good Fun!

Around 5:15 I get down and walk back with Abhigna (Senior) or sometimes alone. I love the short walk back home. And since few days I've been seeing this tiny pup on the way. The Tiniest Pup I've ever seen. I don't know why, I'm surprised, But I'm really attached to the poor lil creature. I often wonder how it'll survive with all the vehicles and hostility around it. The cutest thing I've ever seen! :)

And that's A Deeksha Day for you!

Adios

Delhi Day 2

Red Fort


Bahai`i House Of Worship
Akshardham 
Qutb Minar

After a good night's rest, we entered Old Delhi and our first stop was Red Fort. Contrary to what I had thought, Red Fort is a HUGE complex. Built of Red Sandstone, we first entered a shopping area full of colourful, eye-catching trinkets.The Mughal style of Architecture was evident in all the structures we saw here.The Museum here several photographs and articles related to the freedom movement. We also found the picture which had come in our HCG exam ( Boards). We walked around, looking at the red sandstone or marble wonders.

Next we went to Akshardham.  When v3 and I heard Cameras  , Mobiles, etc were not allowed, we were devastated. Mayur mahal had beautiful interiors as well as exteriors.
There was this beautiful fountain and in the sweltering heat, I found it rather hard not to jump into the pool of cool water. Akshardham has beautiful sculptures and attention is given to all minute details. There was also a Boat Ride, which would take you through the different ages of India's rich heritage. (Owing to time constraint, we didn't go for the ride.)


" Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomises 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind. The grand, ancient-styled Swaminarayan Akshardham complex was built in only five years through the  colossal devotional efforts of 11,000 artisans and BAPS volunteers. The complex was inaugurated on 6 November, 2005.Akshardham means the eternal, divine abode of the supreme God, the abode of eternal values and virtues of Akshar as defined in the Vedas and Upanishads where divine bhakti, purity and peace forever pervades."
We had lunch at the Premvathi Food Court and suddenly the weather became cool and pleasant. There were all signs of a mild shower, but we were left high and dry....

The Baha`i House Of Worship was our next stop (Btw on our way, we passed IIT-Delhi and AIIMS. I immediately sent messages to the "Concerned People" regarding their future college! :P)
The garden leading to the Lotus temple was vivd with flowers aplenty. (Another Photo Opp). Inside the Temple, we sat in a semi-circular fashion and heard the volunteers recite verses from Quran, Bible, Gita, Guru Grant Sahib, and the Zend Avesta as well. It was a nice place.
After this, it was Qutb Minar. Unlike what I had imagined, there are a lot of structures around the Qutb Minar, apart from the Iron Pillar. Eg: Alai Minar, Iltutmish's Tomb and several minarets and other tombs. Papa got us this Audio guide, and this provided a LOT of information on what monument we were looking at, like it told us why was it built, out of what was it constructed and other details of that period. It was very interesting, however I personally felt a bit guilty becuase I don't think I utilized it to the fullest extent. Of course, the main attraction, Qutb Minar looked stunning!

And then, It was back to Good Ol' Ginger! :)

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Is This Necessary?

I meant this blog post. You'll soon realize why. I have a lot to tell. (Ok, Maybe not).I've never been this glad on any weekend!

Deeksha's treating me fine. (Vidha3 calls it my dietian and several other names I probably should'nt mention :P) Missing Carmel. And my friends. I guess it's not so easy after all to get over it. Of late, I've been recollecting all the wonderful memories of the past decade.

I keep sifting through the DST (Delhi-Shimla Tour) Pics. I'm incredibly lucky to have visited all those places, met so many people. It was such a diverse experience, Itbroadened my outlook of India, it made me realize how much more there is to be seen in this world!

Books arrived and gosh! They're Heavy!! Seriously Heavy! I crashed in the college van trying some stupid stunt (I tried to lift the books when the van was in motion). The van "Journey" is fun. I still don't really speak to any seniors.

My friends (Not acquaintances. (Or Are They?))
  • Amrutha (Sophia) (Totally Non-Sophia Material. Lol. Sweet)
  • Raksha (DPS) (Yeah, the accent girl. (Haha Pinki- You like the accent na?))
  • Aparajitha (Oxford) (Bong. I call her "Aunty". Suits her. Lol)
  • Sharada (JKV) (Hmm.. A nice girl)
  • Deepthi (Carmel, Bashveshwarnagar) (Sweet)
And Of course, Disha and Meghna! I know a few more people but not that well.

And I just realized. I know 2 people from Chicago. Technically, 1 is From Chicago, and the other Was In Chicago. (Smirk Alert)

Pinki- I'm not fanatic about "foreigners". And You're a bit confused about who's the one witha fishing rod.

Ok, I can't blog sensibly anymore so I should stop. Although this looks like the most-unecessary-silly-lame-blogpost ever, It stays. Why? Because I want to remember this silly event (Event? Lol)

Tomorrow, Hopefully , I'll be going to Jain farms!  So Adios! (Holla Homework)

Thursday, May 5, 2011

DCFL

Well. The Last Time I blogged , I remember being hysterical over how Deeksha would be. So much has changed. Truly!

29th April

·         Orientation Program-Speech by Dr. Shridhar and Gopalan Ma'am.
·         Chemistry-Introduction to Fundamentals. 3 branches in Chemistry-Phy, Orgo and Inorganic. Also discussed Atomic Structure and IIT Question Paper Pattern: Comprehension, Integer Type, Matrix Matching…..
·         Presentation about How Deeksha Is, What To Expect, What is expected…… Motivating as well made us aware of the challenges ahead.

I met Disha (From Base), Meghna and Sanjana. At the end of the day, I felt happy because this was where I wanted to be and I was happy that I had found friends faster than expected.

1st May

·         Van- 7:10AM
·         Reached: 8:15 AM
·         Assembly, Prayer and classes began.
·         After 1 class, breakfast, then 3 classes. After this Lunch, 2 classes, 1 class- free period.
·         Van- 4:30 PM
·         Reached: 5:45 PM

On the 1st day the Chemistry teacher said " At the end of 2 years, Deeksha will change you as a person. It is not only academics that is important. A good human being with values is what we would want."

 And I believe, It’s true. Yes, we have a uniform and a school-like atmosphere, but I am happy. This place is good for me. And what’s more, I have the “Right” friends here (one is a leftie btw). The teachers are good. They explain really well and clear doubts as well as supply additional gyaan. We have Games period as well to refresh ourselves. And the Canteen is Ah-Mazing compared to the dysfunctional “Maggi Station” we had back at Carmel.
It’s unbelievable but true- I’ve settled down faster than I expected.  I’m getting used to the work and studying, I’ve made friends and what’s more I’m happy! The other day I spoke to Rachana (I Know, Right?) and we were discussing about our respective colleges.  It all seemed so distant. Speaking of distance, Yes, Deeksha is far, but it’s OK!
Coming back to academics, I don’t really feel lost because I’ve either done it in school or Base. If not, they’re explanation clears all doubts. I think there are several bright students in the class and there’ll be some stiff competition here. Most of the time, during class or during a free period, all we discuss is whether we got the homework sums or  understood a particular concept. Yes, So that’s how it is. Except for Biology, I believe all the teachers here are extremely good. Maybe I’ll need time to get adjusted to her.
Overall, I think it was a good decision to come here. Yes, I sometimes think of my friends. I do miss them. But, it all seems like another world. It’s like, DCFL makes it a little hectic so that you concentrate mainly on things that are on “No.1 Priority”. Isn’t that a good Idea?

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Deeksha

This Is My World.
Does This Summarize Deeksha? I Guess Not, But this is all I can tell you at the moment.