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! :)

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)

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?

Deeksha

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

Maybe It's True....

I don't know the song. I just love this line:

Maybe It's True,

I can't live without you.. 

  

Deeksha  starts on Friday. Today Is Tuesday. I'm confused...

I'm seeing way too many movies. And I think I'll stop.

• Break Ke Baad
• Anjaana Anjaani
• Aisha (I could write a thesis on this.)
• New Moon
• Aptha Mithra
• Titanic
• Robot

I'm not feeling particularly well right now. Damn this weather. And the 1000 piece jigsaw is just TOO difficult.
I don't know what to expect on Friday. Yes, I'm nervous. I hope I remember how to make friends. (Ah! It sounds rather frightening.)
This is the end of the transition phase I guess. I mean from the 10th standard to College. A transition. New friends. New place. It's a fresh beginning. But is this what I wanted?I'll need time to answer that. Periodically, I fluctuate between yes and no. Maybe It's all for the best.
I doubt I'm good at, you know, keeping in touch with friends. (Except Pinki). Archana, Navyashree, Road Rachana, Binitha, Tanvi- These are fine examples. Add Hemalatha. So What's gonna happen? Ideally, I'm expected to "Concentrate On Bigger Things". Um. Ok.
I'll wait and see. But, You know, I can't force myself to do this.

Pinki: I'd like to say something. If everybody gave each other ultimatums at the drop of a hat, What a world this would be? O.o

I'm now realizing how inactive, inert, lazy and useless my brain has become. It was a BIT better. Just a Bit, I assure You.. 


How will the next two years be?
Nearly everybody's been saying  one word: INTENSIVE.
Ok. That Means I become a sporadic blogger.(Like Before?) 

Change- This word means so much. Adaptation to different circumstances. I know I've said this before, but, I's really Important. I hope the next 2 years will not test my perspicacity. In case it does, I have a Plan B. I know what To do. But will That work Out? I'm pretty excited about that too. 
Somewhere in the middle of all this I'm wondering,Is This what I really want and aspire? Again, should I change my goals to suit others? So that it's convenient for others? Huh.


I get the feeling these days, that I'm turning out to be rather run-of-the-mill. That's not what I want. There's the need to constantly reinvent and be creative. Not stagnate. (Maybe I'm like a lake now.Stagnated.Yuk.) Anyway I'm sick of It....


And ordinary 16-year old. No More?

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I miss quizzing.
I miss games! (The other day I played with Dad. I realized how much I've missed!)
I miss Stardoll. (Screw Callie and her staff. I didn't know they'd do this if you don't login often. Oh well. I'm expected to Grow Up.)
I miss School. (I needn't worry. I'm going to Deeksha After all)




I rather nervous about results. (That's an Understatement. Total Understatement.)


I don't need to be told how vague this is or isn't. I'm contented that I've blogged.

No Explanations.

Delhi Day 1

Day 1

              Dad, Mom, Lokesh and I left home quite early and we reached the airport after an hour or so. Ma wasn’t allowed beyond a point so we said our goodbyes and got through the first check point. Soon we meet Vidha3, her cousin and his wife. Vidhathri will henceforth be referred to as v3. so v3 and I roamed a bit in the airport. All of us ate Masala Dosa and then boarded the flight. We were flying IndiGo economy and the food was average. I read New Moon while v3 took photos. Somehow time passed and we landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport around 3 PM. Dad had booked an Innova for our travels  ( That was really sweet of papa). V3 and I were gushing at how green Delhi is and were manically clicking pics and before we knew it, we were at Shunti Hotel!

Soon we were inside the 312. I was clean and had all necessities. V3 and I were very happy! An entire room all to ourselves! We jumped on the beds and switched on the TV and sat like lazy ladkis for a while.Then refreshed and went to Rajghat. Rajghat is a vast area filled with trees shrubs and flowers. Green Landscape all around. It was a feast for our eyes (and Cameras). Sunset here was spectacular and so were the clean green lawns. W e saw MG Memorial, RG and IG Memorial and then went to Birla Mandir (Also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple). This was the first place where cameras were prohibited. It was around 7PM in the evening. This was a typical North Indian temple built with marble. The idols were beautiful and so were the chandeliers. We spent quite some time inside the temple premises enjoying the calm atmosphere. Vidha3 had forgotten her Camera battery charger so we hunted for one and finally found one. After this we were in Raisina Hill. Rings A Bell? Yes, Prathibha Patil had expressed a desire to meet me and I obliged to meet her at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan. No Lol, We just took pictures of the impressive building. And then we went to India Gate. It looked simply stunning with the bright lighting. Apparently, on each brick of this structure, the names of men and women who fought for India’s freedom is engraved. And we also saw  Amar Jawan Jyothi. After this, we went back to Ginger, gobbled something sleepily and slept peacefully…..

View From the Plane! :)

Rajghat Sunset

Birla Mandir

India Gate

Zzzzzz.......

FareWell Trance

Is it the Beginning or the End of a glorious chapter in our lives? Ironically it is both. It has been a decade of “Honesty Humility and Humanity” and life outside Carmel, our Second Home is indeed hard to imagine.


Carmel has been a wonderful platform to learn and grow and has encouraged every child to excel. Be it Art, Music, Sports, Literary Activities or Quizzing, Carmel has always provided opportunities for all students.


Our 10 standard began in the month of February 2010 and to this day it has been an exhilarating journey through Shakespeare, Sulphuric Acid, Theorems, World Wars, Levers and Loops taught by the very best of teachers. They went beyond their duty to satisfy the most persistent student and did their best to make the classes interesting and lively.


Talents Day brought the class together on the pretext of the various competitions. Yes, there were squabbles and silly quarrels, But on the whole we learnt to organize and put up a performance without any help. Every single 10 A2 student showed solidarity and cheered the performers. When anybody won a prize, we celebrated it as a collective victory since everybody had contributed in some way or the other, be it dance or quiz or Singing.



The Special Assembly was another event that required organizing and coordination. We networked to avoid any glitches on stage and took all steps to give a splendid performance. All of us participated in this and united the class for a common cause. 


One event which none of the 10 A2 students will forget is Horlicks Whiz kids. Majority of the class participated in this 3 day extravaganza for which every 10 standard student anxiously waits. We cheered for the school, for our friends on stage and for the fun of it! This event left memories that will last a lifetime. 


Tests and Examinations kept us on our toes and did not allow us to relax. We stood by each other during these times and there was a healthy competition in the class .There was Interschool competitions where we participated, had a great time, saw the best of our peers and even won a few prizes. The School Day and Sports Day were the last of the extracurricular events. Here too we participated in large numbers, put our best foot forward and learnt a lot from the experience. 


It hasn’t been a smooth sailing though. All of us had to fight our battles, adjust to a variety of opinions and accept criticism. On several occasions the unity of the class was threatened, yet we remained loyal to the tag “X A2” and worked in unison. All this in the midst of projects, records, occasional unit tests and of course, our regular studies!


Words fail to describe the lively Lunch Breaks of 10A2! Be it dumb charades or silly chatter, this was the most (awaited/) cherished part of the day.40 minutes of games in a week was insufficient, yet we have had great times in this very ground.  10 A2 had several talents in the Science, music, sports quiz among many others and they have brought innumerable laurels to the school. 


We were extremely fortunate to have excellent teachers who made learning an enjoyable process. We will always be grateful to them for all the help and support they have given us.


With a heavy heart, we shall leave the cocooned environs of Carmel to face bigger challenges and achieve our goals in life, yet Carmel will always be a part of our lives. Time and distance may play spoilsport, but nothing can separate us. A decade in this institution has instilled values and principles which we intend to follow throughout our lives. The playground, Canteen, corridors and classrooms have been an integral part of our school life, not to mention the Science lab, Computer lab and the library. Every day in Carmel has taught us something new, something to remember for life. We hope to strive hard and achieve our goals and ultimately make our alma mater proud. We hope to put a smile on the face of all the teachers who have toiled endlessly for us.

I'm Alive. Or Am I?

Hello.

What Am I up to these days?

• Cooking
• Reading
• Playing with Divya (I will no longer use the term "Babysitting")
• Jigsaw Puzzles
• Texting

And that's about it. My social calender is rather full these days. (Earlier it was non-existant)

I'd gone to Lalbagh with Akshata, Anusha, Ananya and Vidhathri on Wednesday. 5 Girls.12 came to Garuda. Do I care? Maybe Not. 

In case You were looking for a travelogue, Let Me tell you, I am VERY lazy to keep an account of my travels, This time was better.I dirtily jotted down points. Point is I can't find it at the moment.Hence, no detailed account about the trip.
But yes, there are a few things I would like to share with my readers (IF ANY).

These travels made me realize how huge India is. So how huge the world is!
Yet despite the geographical distance, there are ties that bring as all together.

• Cricket
• Good Food
• Bollywood
• Politics, Maybe?

So many people we saw, spoke to, met and all of them have made an impact on me. Indelible Impact. I firmly believe that the world is good and people are good. These travels have only strengthened my beliefs.
All the places I have seen were beautiful.They were all unique. Be it Delhi, Agra, Shimla Or Tattapani. These memories will never fade.


It would be criminal on my part to talk about my travels without mentioning Papa or Vidhathri. 
Papa was Great! He had a great Time. I know he needed a break THE MOST. I am so happy that he was happy! 


Vidhathri! What Can I say? I can say a LOT! But to keep it short and sweet (for now), I'll say that she brightened up the journey and I realized that there is NO other better travel companion than Her!!! :) :D


A special mention: Rafting was truly Amazing!


FAST FORWARD >>

I've joined Deeksha even before I've got my results (they're giving me the "Heebie-Jeebies"!).I think I am Happy.I am nervous to think about the future. It isn't actually "Future", 29th April, Deeksha starts. I shouldn't panic.More Important: I shouldn't panic others!
Now I'm Bangalore. Went to Vidhathri's house one day with Anusha. Anu grumbled till the end.But I think she enjoyed. Anyway I liked it. Then 5 girls (including yours truly) went to Lalbagh. I would'nt like to wast my time talking about those how didn't/could'nt  come. 


We Had FUN! It was a lazy lovely day. Gossiped like granmas and got wet like little kids. Yeah, That's Us! :) 
It was a small group.Roamed around in the botanical gardens, climbed trees and clicked fewer pics. Lazily went to Maiyya's. Ate North Indian at the 5th floor. Food was Good.
Bill: Rs.930/- :P
 Then went down to the ground floor, ate ice creams, truffles and went back home.  


Next day I met my "Alter Ego"? PRINKLES!!!!!
It was after a really long time! I foolishly carried lesser cash than I would need which lead to a hilarious consequence in the end.We roamed around in Banashankari. All the 4 parks I know were conveniently closed, so we went and sat in the CCD. I sent my recent recipients a msg about my present location.This resulted in us meeting Vijay.Yes, Twas nice (?).Then his entire gang turned up.I politely turned down his request to join them and Prinkles and I sat and chatted! Went to Pizza Hut and gobbled like gluttons.
Bill: Rs.288.00/-
Money we have: Rs.287.00/- (After shelling out each and every coin and note in our purses)
I know! This sort of thing happens with Pinki only. (It's good it's that way)
I had a great day yesterday and I did not fall ill as I had feared. Pinki Is One Lovely Gal! I hope I'll never lose her invaluable friendship. (I hope she won't read this.Cause, she's gonna become a pricey bingo then! :P)


Akshata has given me several books

• Tagore's Short Stories
• 3 Men In a Boat
• Only time will tell
• Guide
• Success Digest
• Reader's Digest Condensed
• Beasts in my belfry

So I'm Very Excited about reading them! I also read New Moon in Delhi. I think it's nice.

Maybe I'm texting a bit too much these days. Then when else can I? And texting has resulted in few complications.It has also raised a few questions which I have been trying to evade. I must listen to Pinki.I can't feel frightened and sit. I can't sit and please people. 

Anusha Bhushan, Akshata G, Pinki, I  must thank you. I am still confused. Yet, I am sure these hazy hazy clouds will disappear and then there's gonna be Sunshine! 


Here are somethings you might like to see:

Pahadi Wear

Pigeons Of Delhi

More Snapshots Later......

Cya! :)

The Best Of Both Worlds.

This phrase applies to me to a great extent. I shall Elaborate later. In every aspect of life, this is my life. I have the best of both worlds.

• I get along well with mostly everybody.

I mean I don't have a problem with anybody.Yes, I dislike some things in people,I don't hate the people themselves.I don't completely fit in any category.And that makes me special.I flit in and out with ease through both worlds.Sometimes Its hard.
Basically the point is, A and C might hate each other.But I am B. I get the best of both. I like both.Both are a part of my life.Both (obviously) have drawbacks. But I'm lucky.

• I get to see the different facets of life.

I don't really know how to elaborate on this.I have seen extreme poverty as well as extreme affluence.I believe I am in the middle.I get to see both.It's a safe place.I get to know about people, stories of human kindness, cruelty,wickedness, love, desire, hatred. it's a complex world.I'm happy to know, to understand more, to hear about "Reality"..

I'm too sleepy to make any more sense....

I don't know when I'm going to blog again. Sayonara....No, Hasta La Vista......

Good Night.(Anusha?)