MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

Day-74, SHARJAH, UAE, 20.28 HRS, 15TH MARCH' 2010

2010-03-15T17:32:00.001+01:00

AMITABH BACHCHAN IN 6TH MUSCAT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, MUSCAT, OMAN

Its my real pleasure to sharew few more pictures of Mr Amitabh Bachchan taken during MIFF.

I thank to my friend Mr Sanjay Tiwari who has provided these pictures to me.

Have a wonderful good night to everyone.

Regards,

Manoj Kumar Ojha

Day-73, SHARJAH, UAE, 00.41 AM, 15TH MARCH' 2010

2010-03-14T21:53:00.002+01:00

AMITABH BACHCHAN IN 6TH MUSCAT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, MUSCAT, OMAN

Its my real pleasure to share this unique picture of Mr Amitabh Bachchan in Omani get-up at Sixth Muscat International Film Festival , Muscat, Oman where he had been to get Life Time Achievement award.

If there is something constructive Mr Amitabh Bachchan will definitely work in Arabic movie as he said to the journo during press meet.

I thank to my friend who is standing behind Mr Bachchan on the right side Mr Sanjay Tiwari in the moustache who has send this picture to me.

Photo quality is not good but hope everyone will like it.

Have a wonderful good night to everyone.

Regards,

Manoj Kumar Ojha

DAY-72, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 1245 HRS, 28TH NOV'2009

2009-11-28T14:47:00.001+01:00

Dinesh Singh is my friend on the bhojpuri network and he has provided this detail so thought of sharing with you all~

प्रख्यात कवि हरिवंश राय बच्चन के जन्मदिन पर शनिवार को जब मुंबई के भारतीय विद्या भवन में मधुशाला की कॉफी टेबुल बुक का विमोचन हो रहा होगा तो काशी के जेहन में वर्ष 1933 की ठिठुरती दिसंबरी रात की यादें सहज ही जीवित हो जाएंगी। यह भी स्मरण हो आएगा कि काशी हिन्दू विश्वविद्यालय के शिवाजी हॉल में एक सामान्य कद-काठी के व्यक्ति ने किस तरह युवाओं को अपना दीवाना बना दिया था। अपनी कालजयी रचना मधुशाला के औपचारिक उद्घाटन यानी पहली बार मंच से प्रस्तुति के इस अवसर पर उपस्थित लोगों को शायद इस बात का तनिक भी भान नहीं रहा होगा कि वे जिस घड़ी को जी रहे हैं, वह इतिहास के विस्तृत आकाश पर ध्रुव समान चमकेगा। तब के जवान अब के वयोवृद्ध स्मृति पटल पर जोर देते हुए रोमांच से भर उठते हैं कि किस तरह मधुशाला की हर पंक्ति पर तालियां बजतीं और लोग सुर से सुर मिलाते। लय के साथ मधुशाला का पाठ करते। बच्चनजी का व्यक्तित्व आकर्षण का केंद्र भी था। बाकी कवियों की रचनाएं उनके आगे फीकी पड़ गई थीं। कइयों को तो श्रोताओं ने हूट करके मंच से लौटा दिया। उस कवि सम्मेलन की अध्यक्षता करनेवाले प्रो. मनोरंजन प्रसाद सिनहा ने एक जगह अपने संस्मरण में लिखा - उस शाम बच्चन को सुनकर नवयुवक पागल हो रहे थे। पागल मैं भी हो रहा था किंतु वह पागलपन इस प्रकार का न रहा- यह गिलहरी कुछ दूसरा ही रंग लाई और वह रंग प्रकट हुआ दूसरे दिन के कवि सम्मेलन में जो केवल मधुशाला का सम्मेलन था, बच्चन का और मेरा सम्मेलन था। मधुशाला सर्वप्रथम कवि सम्मेलन- केवल मधुशाला का। बच्चन ने अपनी अनेकानेक रूबाइयां सुनाई थीं और मैंने केवल आठ। बच्चन आदि और अंत में थे और मैं था मध्य में, इंटरवल में। जब सुनते-सुनाते थक से गए थे तो शीशे के गिलास में सादे पानी से गले की खुश्की मिटा रहे थे। मधुशाला का असर क्या था? श्री सिनहा लिखते हैं कि आ‌र्ट्स कॉलेज के उस हाल में जो कॉलेज भवन की दूसरी मंजिल पर ठीक जीने के पास अवस्थित है, जमकर सभा हुई। कहीं तिलभर जगह नहीं थी। कमरे का कोना-कोना तो भरा ही था। बाहर दरवाजों के सामने भी अनेकानेक विद्यार्थी थे। बच्चनजी ने कविता पाठ शुरू किया, लड़के झूमने लगे। सभी आत्मविभोर से थे। इस यादगार सम्मेलन के कुछ खास पलों को याद करते हुए नरेंद्र शर्मा लिखते हैं कि बच्चन ने अप्रकाशित मधुशाला का पाठ शुरू किया। सार्वजनिक रूप में यह मधुशाला का प्रथम काव्यपाठ था। श्रोताओं पर एक बार गहरी निस्तब्धता छा गई। कुछ क्षणों को शायद सांस लेना ही सब भूल गए और प्रशंसा का बांध एकाएक टूट गया। वातावरण पर ऐसा जादू छा गया कि वाह-वाह और तालियों की गड़गड़ाहट भी प्रशंसा के गहरे समुद्र और ऊंचे आकाश में न कुछ जैसी लगती थी। कवि सम्मेलन के उन लम्हों ने बच्चों को उस जमाने की युवा पीढ़ी का हीरो बना दिया। क्रेज की ऐसी लहर चली जिसकी कल्पना आज के दौर के बड़े-बड़े स्टार नहीं कर सकते। मधुशाला की काफी टेबुल बुक की खासियत यह भी होगी कि उसमें बच्चनजी की पौत्री नम्रता के रेखांकन और कविताओं के अंग्रेजी सार भी रहेंगे। एक लोकप्रिय कृति की अनोखी प्रस्तुति बच्चनजी के जन्मदिन के अगले दिन इसलिए की जा रही है कि खुद अमिताभ बच्चन बिग बॉस के अपने शो के व्यावसायिक अनुबंध के प्रतिबंध में फंसे हैं। बहरहाल, इस मौके पर अमिताभ बच्चन वाराणसी से जुड़ी पिता की यादों को याद करें न करें लेकिन काशी तो जरूर याद करेगी। साथ ही बच्चनजी की प्रथम प्रस्तुति को भी। बच्चन परिवार व वाराणसी के लिए 27 नवंबर का दिन इसलिए भी महत्वपूर्ण है कि दो साल पहले यानी 2007 में हरिवंश राय बच्चन की सौवीं जयंती पर पूरा परिवार यहां जुटा था। तब विवाह से पहले ही ऐश्वर्या भी उनके साथ थीं।

With love and warm regards,

Manoj Kumar Ojha

DAY-71, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 2317 HRS, 25TH NOV' 2009

2009-11-25T23:21:00.001+01:00

I apologize for writing late, not late very late say after 2 and half months but now I'll try to be regular on blogging... :)

Pain :

Agony, pain a feeling of helplessness, blood started surging in the veins as they were going to explode my whole anatomy and this all happened with me at 2330 hrs of 26/11/2008 when I heard and saw the Mumbai attack.

Why we didn't awake fully when this kind of act happened. Why we were sleeping aftermath of attack on trains and on the busy market of Mumbai coz commoner plies on the train and walk in the market street and not any celebrity or dignitaries involved???

It is a real shame for our police force and the government who believes in one and only one policy and that is corruption and looting the hard earned money of tax payers by one or other mean.

It is hard to believe that still lot of 26/11 martyrs family not received the compensations and those who received cheques most of their got bounced. This is the state of the affair.

Home minister of India has to say sorry on the national TV on behalf of Maharashtra State Police in reply to one of martyrs wife query that where is her husband's Bullet proof jacket which Police has not traced till date.

No one is there even to take care of the sanity of our Police force who were deployed on vulnerable locations. Recent example is of 'Gate way of India' where all the police force are forced to stay in side the Gate Way of India.

Why Govt has not done before for their sanity/living at nearby areas. They had even option to make a living quarter on a barge or on a houseboat for the police force but they have done nothing. Who cares for them as their officers and all the Politicians having air conditioned accommodation so why bother for the normal policemen.

Just 2 days prior to the attack I had been to these tourist places with my family and friends and was amused and discussed with my family that even when I use to go to 5 star hotel in Algeria we have to go through rigorous checking process which I had found lacking in Taj.

Still our govt has not awaken up and through your blog I want to bring attention to whomever concerned that following lack or system improvement required urgently at all international airports as I experienced it and pointing out here~

1. There is no screening of baggage available at the entry point of the airport building terminal. It is mandatory otherwise anyone can take anything inside of the terminal building. I do understand there is CISF men are there to check your e-ticket and passport but no X-ray screening available which normally available all over the world.

2. Screening of baggage is done on inline conveyor system and that too after check in at Mumbai airport.

Now, question is why we are giving so much leverage to the terrorist to play around if they wish they can bring the fake e-ticket and passport and can enter with whatever baggage along with them in the foyer of the terminal which will be very harmful for the nation.

So, my suggestion is for improving security particularly at Mumbai airport to install X-ray screening system with immediate effect at the entry point of airport terminal building and secondary point to develop a methodology to screen the correctness of passport and e-ticket at the entry point itself for negating all the evil thoughts.

Ending with a very interesting note hope you all will enjoy~

A Swedish Hans Rosling was a young guest student in in St John's Medical College in India when he first realized that Asia had all the capacities to reclaim its place as the world's dominant economic force. At TEDIndia, he graphs global economic growth since 1858 and predicts the exact date that India and China will outstrip the US. and the date is 27^th July'2048. You all can hear Hans Rosling talk at~

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tv/Hans-Rosling-Asias-rise--how-and-when/videoshow_ted/5261107.cms

With love and warm regards,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-70, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 12TH SEPT' 09, 23.44 HRS

2009-09-12T23:43:00.002+01:00

THE LONELINESS AT SAHARA

The characteristic of Sahara desert which changes its clime from hottest in the world to cooler in just few days is really amazing to experience.Gradually now mercury will start falling down and it will become more and more colder by the passing of days a great reprieve from a dry and hotter climate. Here rain is just 8mm in through out the year. Sahara is also famous for its sand storms.

As per my research thousands of years before Sahara was a very greener place but climate took its toll and now thousands and thousands kilometer stretches are just either Sand dunes or rock plates or different mountain ranges and few river, which run across Sahara out of them following are prominent ~ Nile and Niger river these are permanent and rest are seasonal where there is only dry river bed which may carry water for a brief period during uncommon waterfall.

I remember following lines by John Donne “No man is an island, entire of itself,” and this line holds true even to the most romantically challenged.

Loneliness, solitude, isolation whatever you say it always will be there in this Sahara desert.

The marvels of modern technology, however, have helped me obtain some relief, as small as it may be. I’m sure almost everyone reading my rant is familiar with Napster and its many variants. You have probably used it to share music and ripped copies of DVDs. Fortunately for you, you’ve never been forced by loneliness and desperation to seek a digital alternative to human companionship. I took my thoughts and indulge myself completely into something creative like playing games, doing workouts and blogging which help mine mental energy to face the loneliness.

Let me know your thoughts what you would have done if you would have been at my place….:)

With lots of love and good night….

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-69, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 10TH SEPT' 09, 23.24 HRS

2009-09-10T23:24:00.002+01:00

The leader

The Bhagwad Gita clearly states:“Behave with others as you would with yourself. Look upon all the living beings as your friends, for in all of them there resides ones soul. All are but a part of that universal soul. A person who believes that all are his soul-mates and loves them all alike, never feels lonely. Divine qualities of such a person such as forgiveness, compassion and services will make him lovable in the eyes of his associates. He will experience intense joy throughout his life.”

Have you ever tried to make it out when your company’s CEO or whom you say a good orator what they speaks. Have you even try to explore in details of the speech content. For your dismay Its an amazing fact and true to best of my knowledge that your body language is 60 per cent of what people remember of you; tone makes for 30 per cent, and content is only 10 per cent. "This means that, in key meetings and presentations, you need to present yourself as a leader with every part of yourself that's visible to others."

For instance, the classic hand position for leaders worldwide is the steeple - `a kind of relaxed prayer position, with your fingertips touching'. That way, you can control `unwanted gestures or nervous habits.

Go on guys it is believed by practising you may become a good orator.

Our Badminton practice session is on and very soon i.e.; from 12th Sept’ 09 we are going to Participate in Badminton Championship. Eyes already started blinking giving an indication to wrap up all and get sneaked into deep slumber. So, prior to texts should start getting appear in inebriated form I’ll take a leave.

With lots of love and warm regards,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-68, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 09-09-09, 22.48 HRS

2009-09-09T22:47:00.003+01:00

09-09-09 and its Significance

Today is 09-09-09 which having special significance in Mathematics as the sum of digits of numbers derived from multiples of 9 are themselves always a multiple of 9. In Vedic scriptures the number 9 represents God and God times anything is always God.

According to Bible, 9 is the number of finality or judgment – the judgment of man and all his works. As per Bible 9 is 3X3 the product of divine completeness.

In Vedic scriptures, the number 108 (1 0 8=9) has a specific significance as it represents “whole of existence”. The number 9 thus represents wholeness. In vedic astrology there are nine planets which traverse through the 12 zodiacs (9X12=108).

Some Vedic literature also associates 9 with Lord Brahma – the Creator of the Universe.

Astrologically, on 9-9-09 Saturn is transiting from one zodiac to another thereby making this date a very significant one for all people.

Lot of people resort to buy home, car or movie producers launching their new movie or doing anything which can be easily rememberable.

A little research I did on yoga and found these facts~

Einstein’s famous equation, E=MC2 says it all about energy. Who can forget Nagasaki and Hiroshima? It is said that a brick contains so much energy that if released it may destroy million inhabitants of a town along with their properties of course. Prana (The life sustaining energy) is the most potent of all forms of energies, and every genotype carries it in equal measure and spends it regularly in differing measure, that’s how some live longer than others. In human form it resides at the base of the spine at Muladhara. It is released by two basic functions of the body, firstly by breathing and secondly by walking.

Let’s look around to find that animals which breathe slower live longer. For example a giant tortoise who breathes 4 to 5 times in a minutes, lives more than two hundred years and a dog which breathes about 50 times in a minutes, lives around 15 years only. So is the case with snakes, elephants and the slow breathing types who are known to have longevity than birds and rabbits and cats, who breathe relatively faster and live shorter life span.

Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity categorically states that each man carries his own time and his own space with him. Stephen Hawking makes it more interesting when he says; each man carries his own clock and to add one second to his life, one has to travel four million times around the world in an airliner. Bill Bryson, in ‘Short History of Nearly Everything’, muses, “Fly across the United State, and you will step from the plane a quinzillionth of a second, or something, younger than those you left behind.” It is therefore; scientifically safe to assume that it is possible to increase life span and each man grows older in his own space-time. For a human being the space-time continuum is his own breathing cycle.

Each second passing by and we know its not going to come back and slowly we are proceeding towards our ultimate journey ‘ Mahapranaayan’ even though we celebrate our birth dates.

On a lighter side….we concluded yesterday Billiard Championship at our base and since I am just a learner so obviously I had to lose…and I lost. From 12^th Sept’09 Saturday we are going to start Badminton Championship at our base.

Its really pleasure to spend a quality time with the extended family at Bigb’s blog we really feel that we are a family..no doubt yes we are but virtually…J

And here is the closing lines with a laugh~~~~~

I received funniest email which having a superlative suggestions for a Rakhi ka Swayamwar' sequel. It suggests 'Rakhi Ki Suhaagraat'. " To participate,contact NDTV IMAGINE. Hurry!! Limited beds."

With my love and regards,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-67, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 06TH SEP' 09, 21.24 HRS

2009-09-06T21:24:00.004+01:00

INTERNAL SECURITY OF INDIA

Always bizarre thoughts sprout up, how come for a CM the most advanced India's largest search operation carried out and within 3 hours time ISRO's remote sensing aircraft, a Sukhoi, more than 8 helicopters, 5000 Jawans, Commandos, forest police and the paramilitary forces those who were trained in the Jungle terrain. Finally by an SMS signal of one of the passengers mobile accident site of helicopter was traced. YSR was on rise really high rise but this time 11yr old ill fated helicopter shattered and smithereens. Vitiated and vicious political climate in the country, that people willing to believe worst rumours which are going on either chopper was shot by naxals lurking in jungle or by Pilot's error.

Now the question comes why it took more than 11 hrs for Commandos to reach in 26/11 attack site where the whole bunch of search battalions reached in no time in the CM's search operation.

Moreover the complete media coverage was only for the VIP YSR and why other 4 passengers who died not covered by media as their life was not equally important. Same thing witnessed when 26/11 attack took place, all the media coverage was there. Is it due to the fact that attack was on rich and VIP's. Anyway it was good that people got united and voiced, But Where were everyone when plenty of people died in Rail and bus attacks?

Are we safe enough a million dollar question. When a person in metro like Mumbai goes in the morning to earn his bread and butter he prays that he should return safe. Always insecurity lurks back in mind. Now every common man is asking government what basic steps has been taken to instill trust that this kind of any terror atack will not happen. Why we are this much impotent that we can't secure by ourselves. See United States of America and learn something from there how seriously and efficiently they have contended the Terror strike after 9/11.

Why we are unable to do frisking of Angelina Jolie and like wise whereas our former President and other ministers and our national Indian cinema actors are not spared by security at US airports. It doesn't call for a real revamp of our system to incorporate more strict vigilance and screening at every vulnerable points in the country.

Please share your views...they will be most welcome...

With love.........

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-66, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 05TH SEP' 09, 22.48 HRS

2009-09-05T22:47:00.006+01:00

BE HAPPY KEEP SMILING ALWAYS... :)

Tried to list out some practical, down-to-earth actions that almost anyone can get started on at almost any time. I generally find that things occurring lower in the list (i.e., #1, 2, 3, etc) are more concrete and immediately useful while those further up the list require more effort, energy and awareness.

1 Smile. Feeling happy makes you smile. Keep always smiling which will make you feel happy.

2 Breathe Deeply. A relaxed state is less compatible with unhappy feelings.

3 Care For Your Body. A healthy body is the underpinning for emotional well being.

4 Don’t Rush. Living too fast may ruin your opportunities for happiness.

5 Act Happy. Fake it until you make it… you may be surprised to find that you really started feeling happier.

6 Look for Positive Things. Be optimistic. Look for the positive, otherwise negativity will find you.

7 Pause Before Reacting. Overreacting can make life needlessly complicated.

8 Banish Regrets. You can’t erase the past, but don’t let it dominate the present.

9 Live in the Present. Happiness is most fully experienced in the here and how.

10 Visualize Happiness. Prime yourself to experience happiness.

With love and regards….have a wonderful schweeet night…J

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-65, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 02ND SEPT' 09, 15.28 HRS

2009-09-02T15:33:00.004+01:00

Happy Onam to all of you !!!

Onam is the biggest and the most important festival of the state of Kerala. It is celebrated as a harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the state by people of all communities. The best part of the festival is that it is a secular festival so people from different communities and religion can take part in it. According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.

Onasadya is served on banana leaves and people sit on a mat laid on the floor to have the meal. It showcase the unity among people. Another enchanting feature of Onam is Vallamkali, the Snake Boat Race, held on the river Pampa.

When I was working in Gulf almost in all companies half day holiday was observed since in most of the companies workforce belong to this God’s own country called Kerala. Company’s mess halls were decorated and Onasadya served by workforce to everyone. Its a festive atmosphere.

When came to Algeria missed visiting friends on this occasion.If everything goes fine I’ll be the part of this celebration from year 2010.

Regards,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-64, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 29TH AUG'09, 23.34 HRS

2009-08-29T23:30:00.003+01:00

MY FIRST LOVE

Started feeling dizzy not able to stand properly. Very much uncomfortable..was missing something...why she is so important? Why without her I can't live? Why my love is intact why I can't forsake her.How the nature has made...why this compulsion that I can't live without her..she is in my breath..she is in my blood...everywhere I am finding her..Always so many whys ..she has become so much important in my life that I can feel her..not able to see or talk to her...life goes on..I can feel her with a little sway of the chime hanging on the main door or swaying of the tree branches in the backyard of my house... autumn leaves everywhere blowing over and joking if you can..catch me...when reach to Metro city she always changes her character...she spins and goes where no body has gone before..she has finally got polluted by evil...I felt crying at the state of her..it seems someone has raped her....personally I felt helpless..please join hands together to protect this BREEZE from getting polluted....I love you breeze without you I can't imagine life on this planet earth....you are my first love please be with me in your freshest state~

Here I am sharing a poem by an Scottish poet Robert Louis Stevenson ~

UP with the sun, the breeze arose,

Across the talking corn she goes,

And smooth she rustles far and wide

Through all the voiceful countryside.

Through all the land her tale she tells;

She spins, she tosses, she compels

The kites, the clouds, the windmill sails

And all the trees in all the dales.

God calls us, and the day prepares

With nimble, gay and gracious airs:

And from Penzance to Maidenhead

The roads last night He watered.

God calls us from inglorious ease,

Forth and to travel with the breeze

While, swift and singing, smooth and strong

She gallops by the fields along.

Time to retire on bed...with lots of love.....

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-63, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 28TH AUG' 09, 20.44 HRS

2009-08-28T20:41:00.002+01:00

We are approaching to the end of yet another month it seems just we have started this year and how fast we are nearing 3 quarter of an year. Still mercury zooming to 43 to 44 deg Celsius. Combating the heat of Sahara desert, air conditioner units are honking in our wooden abode in process to keep cool.

Abundance of Oil and Gas reserve is available in the womb of Sahara desert. All the large companies tapping these reserve and mainly final product of Oil and Gas transmitted through pipelines to European countries.

We are working on a project which is called Gas compression project normally it is done to enhance the productivity of the natural gas. Project seems smaller but its a juggernaut's task to complete it. It involves minute details of engineering co-ordination to the procurement of material to construction co-ordination and execution of project required a complete teamwork same as any other project it may be any infrastructure or a building or a bridge or a Cinema the quantum of co-ordination required to achieve feat is tremendous.

The only draw back in the execution of oil and gas projects in remote areas is that ti makes your life aloof and there is no social life. You, your work and your thoughts and no other interference.

We learn more from our most difficult experiences. The mistakes made and the suffering endured once for all one come to realize that pain is a teacher and failure is the highway to success.

Like most people. I have encountered my own share of pain as I have advanced along the path of life. But I always remind myself that our character is shaped, not through life's easiest experiences but during life's toughest ones. It is during life's most trying times that we discover who we really are and the fullness of the strength that lies within us.

Time to hit to the bed...

With lots of love...

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-62, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 25TH AUG' 09, 23.48 HRS

2009-08-26T00:35:00.001+01:00

When internet, mobile was not there people use to contact each other
using landline phones, snail mails. Just imagine, how was life without
these innovative technologies.Today it has become an integral part of
life and convergence has brought data, voice and images on one
platform.
Now, one can be in touch with anyone at anytime even while travelling
using their mobile phones. Lot of Social networking sites has got
mushroomed up and interestingly how people use to convey their
feelings. Here, I tried to showcase some of the poems, shayaris ~

जो तुम आ जाते एक बार

कितनी करूणा कितने संदेश
पथ में बिछ जाते बन पराग
गाता प्राणों का तार तार
अनुराग भरा उन्माद राग
आँसू लेते वे पथ पखार
जो तुम आ जाते एक बार

हंस उठते पल में आर्द्र नयन
धुल जाता होठों से विषाद
छा जाता जीवन में बसंत
लुट जाता चिर संचित विराग
आँखें देतीं सर्वस्व वार
जो तुम आ जाते एक बार
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मधुर! तुम्हारा चित्र बन गया
कुछ नीले कुछ श्वेत गगन पर
हरे-हरे घन श्यामल वन पर
द्रुत असीम उद्दण्ड पवन पर
चुम्बन आज पवित्र बन गया,
मधुर! तुम्हारा चित्र बन गया।

तुम आए, बोले, तुम खेले
दिवस-रात्रि बांहों पर झेले
साँसों में तूफान सकेले
जो ऊगा वह मित्र बन गया,
मधुर! तुम्हारा चित्र बन गया।

ये टिमटिम-पंथी ये तारे
पहरन मोती जड़े तुम्हारे
विस्तृत! तुम जीते हम हारे!
चाँद साथ सौमित्र बन गया।
मधुर! तुम्हारा चित्र बन गया।

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रचनाकार: जावेद अख़्तर

क्‍यों डरें जिन्‍देगी में क्‍या होगा
कुछ ना होगा तो तजरूबा होगा

हँसती आँखों में झाँक कर देखो
कोई आँसू कहीं छुपा होगा

इन दिनों ना उम्‍मीद सा हूँ मैं
शायद उसने भी ये सुना होगा

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क़दम उसी मोड़ पर जमे हैं
नज़र समेटे हुए खड़ा हूँ
जुनूँ ये मजबूर कर रहा है पलट के देखूँ
ख़ुदी ये कहती है मोड़ मुड़ जा
अगरचे एहसास कह रहा है
खुले दरीचे के पीछे दो आँखें झाँकती हैं
अभी मेरे इंतज़ार में वो भी जागती है
कहीं तो उस के गोशा-ए-दिल में दर्द होगा
उसे ये ज़िद है कि मैं पुकारूँ
मुझे तक़ाज़ा है वो बुला ले
क़दम उसी मोड़ पर जमे हैं
नज़र समेटे हुए खड़ा हूँ

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कौन कहता है तुझे मैंने भुला रक्खा है
तेरी यादों को कलेजे से लगा रक्खा है

लब पे आहें भी नहीं आँख में आँसू भी नहीं
दिल ने हर राज़ ................. का छुपा रक्खा है

तूने जो दिल के अंधेरे में जलाया था कभी
वो दिया आज भी सीने में जला रक्खा है

देख जा आ के महकते हुये ज़ख़्मों की बहार
मैंने अब तक तेरे गुलशन को सजा रक्खा है

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खिंच रहा है फिर उसी तस्वीर की तरफ़.
हो आयें चलिए मीर तकी मीर की तरफ़.

कहता है दिल कि एक झलक उसकी देख लूँ,
उठता है हर क़दम रहे-शमशीर की तरफ़.

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तमन्‍ना फिर मचल जाए

अगर तुम मिलने आ जाओ।

यह मौसम ही बदल जाए

अगर तुम मिलने आ जाओ।

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हमारी
हताशा की गहराई में से
अभरते हैं
उम्मीद से भरे शब्द।

jindagi
सदा बैठी रहती है
हमारे सिरहाने;
फिर भी
हम ढूँढते हैं
जीवन में कोई अर्थ।

अपने विवेक के सहारे
अपने दिनों के अँधेरे में से
हम खींच निकालते हैं
उज़ाले की कोई फाँक--
अपनी रातों को आलोकित करने के लिए।

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मोहब्बत सोज़ भी है साज़ भी है
ख़ामोशी भी है आवाज़ भी है

नशेमन के लिये बेताब ताईर
वहाँ पाबन्दी-ए-परवाज़ भी है

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उसने कहा था आऊँगा कल
गिनता था मैं एक एक पल

कल आया और गुज़र गया
आया नहीं वह जाने ग़ज़ल

देख रहा हूँ उसकी राह
पड़ गए पेशानी पर बल

पूछ रहा हूँ लोगों से
झाँक रहे हैं सभी बग़ल

बोल उठा मुझसे यह रक़ीब
मेरी तरह अब तू भी जल

कोई नहीं है उसके सिवा
करे जो मेरी मुश्किल हल

आती है जब उसकी याद
मन हो जाता है चंचल

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याद है इक दिन

मेरी मेज़ पे बैठे-बैठे

सिगरेट की डिबिया पर तुमने

एक स्केच बनाया था

आकर देखो

उस पौधे पर फूल आया है !

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मुझसे एक कविता का वादा है मिलेगी मुझको

डूबती नब्ज़ों में जब दर्द को नींद आने लगे
ज़र्द सा चेहरा लिये जब चांद उफक तक पहुचे
दिन अभी पानी में हो, रात किनारे के करीब
ना अंधेरा ना उजाला हो, ना अभी रात ना दिन

जिस्म जब ख़त्म हो और रूह को जब साँस आऐ
मुझसे एक कविता का वादा है मिलेगी मुझको

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रात कल गहरी नींद में थी जब

एक ताज़ा-सफ़ेद कैनवस पर

आतिशीं, लाल -सुर्ख रंगों से

मैं ने रौशन किया था इक सूरज-

सुबह तक जल गया था वह कैनवस

राख बिखरी हुई थी कमरे में
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कुछ समय
उन
स्मृतियों के
प्रवाह में
बहना चाहता हूँ
और तुमसे
लय में कुछ
कहना चाहता हूँ

पर सामने जब
निश्छलता की
साक्षात प्रतिमा हो
तो कोई क्या कहे
बेहतर है
मन से
मान दे
निश्छलता को
सादगी को
मौन रहे ।

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गूँजता उर में न जाने
दूर के संगीत सा क्या ?
आज खो निज को मुझे
खोया मिला, विपरीत सा क्या

क्या नहा आई विरह-निशि
मिलन-मधु-दिन के उदय में ?
कौन तुम मेरे हृदय में ?

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स्वर्ण-स्वप्नों का चितेरा
नींद के सूने निलय में !
कौन तुम मेरे हृदय में ?

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पेड़ की डाली पर लगा
सुर्ख़ लाल फूल
अपने पास बुलाता है
अकेलेपन के बोझ से
उबारना चाहता है मुझे
मानो कह रहा हो
आज आए हो
दो दिन बाद भी आना
मैं अपने बच्चों और साथियों के साथ
कहूँगा तुम्हें मुस्काते हुए
आओ मिलो
हँसो और खेलो ।

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अजनबी शहर के/में अजनबी रास्ते , मेरी तन्हाई पर मुस्कुराते रहे ।

मैं बहुत देर तक यूं ही चलता रहा, तुम बहुत देर तक याद आते रहे ।।

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उसे ये ज़िद है कि मैं पुकारूँ
मुझे तक़ाज़ा है वो बुला ले
क़दम उसी मोड़ पर जमे हैं
नज़र समेटे हुए खड़ा हूँ

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ख़ामोशी का हासिल भी इक लम्बी सी ख़ामोशी है
उन की बात सुनी भी हमने अपनी बात सुनाई भी

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आँखों में जल रहा है क्यूँ बुझता नहीं धुआँ
उठता तो है घटा सा बरसता नहीं धुआँ

शाम से आँख में नमी सी है
आज फिर आप की कमी सी है

दफ़्न कर दो हमें कि साँस मिले
नब्ज़ कुछ देर से थमी सी है

वक़्त रहता नहीं कहीं छुपकर
इस की आदत भी आदमी सी है

कोई रिश्ता नहीं रहा फिर भी
एक तस्लीम लाज़मी सी है

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वह घने जंगलों में जाता है
पर नहीं डरता
वहां वह देखता है बाघ के पंजों के निशान
पर वे उसे लगते हैं
लक्ष्‍मी के पैरों की छाप की तरह शुभ
पर आदमी को डर लगता है
धूप से,अगरबत्‍ती की गंध से
आदमी को डर लगता है
आदमी से !

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अपने दिल को पत्थर का बना कर रखना ,
हर चोट के निशान को सजा कर रखना ।

उड़ना हवा में खुल कर लेकिन ,
अपने कदमों को ज़मी से मिला कर रखना ।

छाव में माना सुकून मिलता है बहुत ,
फिर भी धूप में खुद को जला कर रखना ।

उम्रभर साथ तो रिश्ते नहीं रहते हैं ,
यादों में हर किसी को जिन्दा रखना ।

वक्त के साथ चलते-चलते , खो ना जाना ,
खुद को दुनिया से छिपा कर रखना ।

रातभर जाग कर रोना चाहो जो कभी ,
अपने चेहरे को दोस्तों से छिपा कर रखना ।

तुफानो को कब तक रोक सकोगे तुम ,
कश्ती और मांझी का याद पता रखना ।

हर कहीं जिन्दगी एक सी ही होती हैं ,
अपने ज़ख्मों को अपनो को बता कर रखना ।

मन्दिरो में ही मिलते हो भगवान जरुरी नहीं ,
हर किसी से रिश्ता बना कर रखना ।

मरना जीना बस में कहाँ है अपने ,
हर पल में जिन्दगी का लुफ्त उठाये रखना ।

दर्द कभी आखरी नहीं होता ,
अपनी आँखों में अश्को को बचा कर रखना ।

मंज़िल को पाना जरुरी भी नहीं ,
मंज़िलो से सदा फासला रखना ।

सूरज तो रोज ही आता है मगर ,
अपने दिलो में ' दीप ' को जला कर रखना

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मेरे शहर ने जब तेरे कदम छुए
सितारों की मुठियाँ भरकर
आसमान ने निछावर कर दीं

दिल के घाट पर मेला जुड़ा ,
ज्यूँ रातें रेशम की परियां
पाँत बाँध कर आई......

जब मैं तेरा गीत लिखने लगी
काग़ज़ के ऊपर उभर आईं
केसर की लकीरें

सूरज ने आज मेहंदी घोली
हथेलियों पर रंग गई,
हमारी दोनों की तकदीरें

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मेरे प्‍यार की खुशबू
वसंत के फूलों सी
चारों ओर उठ रही है।
यह पुरानी धुनों की
याद दिला रही है
अचानक मेरे ह्दय में
ईच्‍छाओं की हरी पत्तियां
उगने लगी हैं

मेरा प्‍यार पास नहीं है
पर उसके स्‍पर्श मेरे केशों पर हैं
और उसकी आवाज अप्रैल के
सुहावने मैदानों से फुसफुसाती आ रही है।
उसकी एकटक निगाह यहां के
आसमानों से मुझे देख रही है
पर उसकी आंखें कहां हैं
उसके चुंबन हवाओं में हैं
पर उसके होंठ कहां हैं ...
by-rabindranath thakur

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तुम्‍हें
संपदा का समुद्र कहते हैं
कि तुम्‍हारी अंधेरी गहराईयों में
मोतियों और रत्‍नों का खजाना है, अंतहीन।

बहुत से समुद्री गोताखोर
वह खजाना ढूंढ रहे हैं
पर उनकी खोजबीन में मेरी रूचि नहीं है

तुम्‍हारी सतह पर कांपती रोशनी
तुम्‍हारे हृदय में कांपते रहस्य
तुम्‍हारी लहरों का पागल बनाता संगीत
तुम्‍हारी नृत्य करती फेनराशि
ये सब काफी हैं मेरे लिए

अगर कभी इस सबसे मैं थक गया
तो मैं तुम्‍हारे अथाह अंतस्थल में
समा जाउंगा
वहां जहां मृत्‍यु होगी
या होगा वह खजाना।
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पुकारता चला हूँ मै,
गली-गली बहार की,
बस, एक छाँव जुल्फ़ की,
बस, एक निगाह प्यार की,

पुकारता चला हँ मै,
गली-गली बहार की,
बस, एक छाँव जुल्फ़ की,
बस एक निगाह प्यार की,
पुकारता चला हँ मैं,

ये दिल्लगी ये शोखियाँ सलाम की,
यही तो बात हो रही है काम की,
कोई तो मुड़ के देख लेगा इस तरह,
कोई नज़र तो होगी मेरे नाम की,

पुकारता चला हूँ मै,
गली-गली बहार की,
बस, एक छाँव जुल्फ़ की,
बस, एक निगाह प्यार की,
पुकारता चला हूँ मै,

सुनी मेरी सदा तो किस यकीन से?
घटा उतर के आ गयी ज़मीन पे,
रही यही लगन तो ऎ दिले जवाँ,
असर भी हो रहेगा एक हसीन पे,

पुकारता चला हूँ मै,
गली-गली बहार की,
बस, एक छाँव जुल्फ़ की,
बस, एक निगाह प्यार की,
पुकारता चला हूँ मै।

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कहा तो था तुमने
ख़त लिखने को
और मैंने
सिर्फ़ शिकायतें दर्ज कीं

कहा तो था तुमने
मिलने को भी कभी
और मैं
रास्तों को
नक्शों में तब्दील करता रहा

कहा तो था तुमने शायद
फोन करना
थोडी शाम ढलने के बाद
और मैं गुमसुम
हवाओं के पर काटता रहा

मालूम नहीं
हर बार
कुछ होना
कुछ और क्यों होता रहा !

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फिर सावन रुत की पवन चली तुम याद आये
फिर पत्तों की पाज़ेब बजी तुम याद आये

फिर कुँजें बोलीं घास के हरे समन्दर में
रुत आई पीले फूलों की तुम याद आये

फिर कागा बोला घर के सूने आँगन में
फिर अम्रत रस की बूँद पड़ी तुम याद आये

पहले तो मैं चीख़ के रोया फिर हँसने लगा
बादल गरजा बिजली चमकी तुम याद आये

दिन भर तो मैं दुनिया के धंधों में खोया रहा
जब दीवारों से धूप ढली तुम याद आये

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दिल धड़कने का सबब याद आया
वो तेरी याद थी अब याद आया

आज मुश्किल था सम्भलना ऐ दोस्त
तू मुसीबत में अजब याद आया

दिन गुज़ारा था बड़ी मुश्किल से
फिर तेरा वादा-ए-शब याद आया

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कई सदियों तड़पता रह गया था आस में तेरी
कि गर्दन को घुमा कर
इक नज़र हम पे भी डालोगे
उसी रस्ते की पुलिया पे,
जहाँ से तुम गुज़रते थे,
वहीं कोने में बैठा जोगड़ा
जो गीत गाता था
वही मैं था
ख़ुदा ने भी सज़ा ही दी
कि तुम से दूर ही रखा
तुम्हारी बेख़ुदी ने हम से क़ीमत ही नही मांगी
न देखा ही कि क्योंकर एक बन्दा
आँख से आँसू बहाता है
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चलो फिर से मुस्कुराएं
चलो फिर से दिल जलाएं

जो गुज़र गयी हैं रातें
उन्हें फिर जगा के लाएं
जो बिसर गयी हैं बातें
उन्हें याद में बुलायें
चलो फिर से दिल लगायें
चलो फिर से मुस्कुराएं
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मेरे प्‍यार की खुशबू
वसंत के फूलों सी
चारों ओर उठ रही है।
यह पुरानी धुनों की
याद दिला रही है
अचानक मेरे ह्दय में
ईच्‍छाओं की हरी पत्तियां
उगने लगी हैं
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गर्मी की रातों में
जैसे रहता है पूर्णिमा का चांद
तुम मेरे हृदय की शांति में निवास करोगी
आश्‍चर्य में डूबे मुझ पर
तुम्‍हारी उदास आंखें
निगाह रखेंगी
तुम्‍हारे घूंघट की छाया
मेरे हृदय पर टिकी रहेगी
गर्मी की रातों में पूरे चांद की तरह खिलती
तुम्‍हारी सांसें , उन्‍हें सुगंधित बनातीं
मरे स्‍वप्‍नों का पीछा करेंगी।

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वे तुम्‍हें
संपदा का समुद्र कहते हैं
कि तुम्‍हारी अंधेरी गहराईयों में
मोतियों और रत्‍नों का खजाना है, अंतहीन।

तुम्‍हारी सतह पर कांपती रोशनी
तुम्‍हारे हृदय में कांपते रहस्य
तुम्‍हारी लहरों का पागल बनाता संगीत
तुम्‍हारी नृत्य करती फेनराशि
ये सब काफी हैं मेरे लिए
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अगर प्‍यार में और कुछ नहीं
केवल दर्द है फिर क्‍यों है यह प्‍यार ?
कैसी मूर्खता है यह
कि चूंकि हमने उसे अपना दिल दे दिया
इसलिए उसके दिल पर
दावा बनता है,हमारा भी
रक्त में जलती ईच्‍छाओं और आंखों में
चमकते पागलपन के साथ
मरूथलों का यह बारंबार चक्कर क्‍योंकर ?

Have a very good night…….

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-61, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 19TH AUG' 09, 21.04 HRS

2009-08-19T21:02:00.003+01:00

SENSES

Mind is completely blank nothing is pouring out; I am not able to enunciate, finding myself flabbergasted. Crooning of Sarah Vaughan hit "If you could see me now..." started from my DVD with very soft phrasing, deep tones and gentle vibrato.

"Mind" which is said, human utilizes only 10% , senses this number through one of my "Gyanendriya" or organ of perception which is responsible for our empirical knowledge or the knowledge of the sensory world- the ears via sensory system up to mind.

Mind send the signals through each cell to whole body and muscles get relaxed, senses open and contemplating sombre thoughts which lurk before vanishes away.

Senses cloud our consciousness, creating the illusory notion that we are unique individuals different and separate from the rest of creation and that we are responsible for our actions and are the actual doers. They do not let us see the unity underlying the diversity. They limit our experience and our awareness to the objective world.

We say mood…what is this mood? Different definitions are there but most appropriate seems it’s called ‘anchoring’ a positive emotional state.

Where as “...“anchoring” refers to the process of associating an internal response with some environmental or mental trigger, so that the response may be quickly, and sometimes covertly, reaccessed.”

So what we see with this that everywhere senses overcast our consciousness as I wrote above.

Just imagine how on daily basis these senses play role in our daily life, making us happier, make us laugh or sometimes paranoid or in the state of dementia. It all associated with our senses. Doesn’t it give an indication to us to control our senses?

I remember a verse from Srimad Bhagavadgita ~

In the second chapter Lord Krishna explains how suffering arises through the activity of the senses. By constantly thinking of sense objects, a mortal being becomes attached to them. Attached thus he develops various desires, from which in turn ensues anger. From anger comes delusion, and from delusion arises confusion of memory. From confusion of memory arises loss of intelligence and when intelligence is lost the breath of life is also lost (2.60-63)

This gives an alarming bell to all us mankind to practice to control all 11 numbers of our “Gyanendriyas” and “karmendriyas” (The sense organs).

With love and regards,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-60, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 17TH OF AUG' 09, 12.11 PM

2009-08-17T12:10:00.002+01:00

PAIN AND ANGUISH

Why it always happens??? Why everyone could not remain in harmony? Why people are egoistic??? What ingredient we all are made up of that provoke us to become attention seeker. Its not bad but there should be a proper way by which one can grab attention of anyone and not by involving in mud slinging and squabbling.

I admit here I am a very big fan of Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, who write his blog on daily basis and almost answers most of the responses he get. Just 2 days back we noticed some irrelevant posts were there not relevant to his blog so we commented onto that and suggested some steps to curb with these menace but instead of taking our views in positive way his "Extendum Familia" involved themselves in mud slinging and squabbling. Instantly this was noticed by BIGb yesterday and he mentioned in his blog to his "Extendum Familia" FMXT either you stop or I stop writing blog.

It really hurts to see his 2 liner, with very much pain and anguish I posted apology in behalf of FMXT and requested to continue writing and since all the FMXT are intelligent and they will behave properly.

But its unfortunate to read a comment by a FMXT that it all started by me and one another female FMXT and supported by other many FMXTs.

I really felt completely sad and full of anguish and thought immediately to go away from BigB's blog and regarding that I posted my comment too on his blog.

I am going to be deserted from the daily dose of Bigb's literary skill, the knowledge imparted by him on various subjects and his famous "Yellow Strip" with his comment. I respected him apart from a Centennial Nayak as a mentor, a guide, a teacher.

He will always be in my memory..........the time I spent on his blog will be unforgettable.

Manoj Kumar Ojha

DAY-59, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 15TH AUG' 09

2009-08-15T20:54:00.003+01:00

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY !!!

स्वतंत्र ता दिवस की हार्दिक बधाइयाँ !!!

We got independent in year 1947. A big country got partitioned between Bharat and Pakistan.In School, Colleges and govt buildings tri color khaadi flag got unfurled. We use to hoist tri color flag at the highest point of our house on a long bamboo so that our flag should be always high compare to others in our colony. It follows with celebration with "Jalebi" distribution then we sit in front of our TV set to listen and watch Prime Minister's speech from the rampant of Red Fort in New Delhi. After that we watch "Shahid" movie by Manoj Kumar. Blood surges in veins and heart start pounding while watching this movie.

As the time passes by reservation system has raised its head and the whole India was on fire. Lot of students self immolated against the reservation system. Actually post Independent initially for 10 yrs reservation was made compulsory for the upliftment of Dalits but later on for gaining political mileage politicians never scraped it and still continuing it. There is no any proper yardstick to know who is really poor dalit who require reservation instead of that effluent dalits(by caste) use to garner the fruit of reservations.

Since reservation was there in all sectors right from education to job all the average person started migrating either to big cities, metros or abroad for their education and bread & butter.
A kind of disgruntlement, anger, pain always prevailed against the govt system.
Migration always not happened by choice, it happens by force except in few individual cases where people migrate by choice.
Does every migrated person don't having patriotic faith. I believe we all are "Desh premi" by one or other way.Those who are away from India having more curiosity to know about beloved motherland that what is happening and boil blood with more intensity then any resident Indian when any external forces try to eye India and try to destabilize by any mean it may be Mumbai Bomb blast or attack on our Parliament. Thanks to our democratic nation where all the religion people live in unity and harmony and I am damn sure no one will be able to destabilize our lovely vast country.

God bless us......

Unity in diversity !!!

JAI HIND !!!

Good Night....with love.....

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-58, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 14TH OF AUG'09, 23.44 HRS

2009-08-14T23:43:00.003+01:00

JANMASHTAMI !!!

I remember the childhood days when my Papa was posted in BCCL and we were staying in company quarters in Koyala Nagar, Dhanbad. Dhanbad a coal belt area was a district in Bihar state during that time but now it is a part of Jharkhand State. My childhood spent into this City city enriched in Coal which got extracted from lot of underground mines in around Dhanbad, these mines are controlled by Coal India Limited and whose subsdiary is BCCL. The whole City is influenced by a Bengali culture due to proximity with West Bengal.

We use to celebrate all the festivals with fervour and gaiety. Always waiting that one or other festival should come so that we celebrate on our own limit.

Still remembering with start of year we use to Celebrate at large scale Puja by collecting "Chanda" Donation and installing Statue of Ma Saraswati. During Ramnavami we use to sharpen our skill in "Laathi yudh" or sword fight. As the days passes time come for "Jhoolan" the birth of Sri Krishna which celebrated as Janmashtami in whole India and in different part of world where Indian lives.

Normally we start preparation for the decoration of "Jhoolan" quite in advance. Collection of different size of rocks and pebbles which we arrange in such a form which gives impression of mountain and valleys then next our act will be to make this rocky mountain a complete green. We go to our lawn and scoop away the grass tiles in square form for which always get scold from the elders. So, now this green grass tiles cover the whole rocky mountain uniformly and our next task was to habitat the whole valley areas with the modern civilization. A full proof planning we do and make the streets, drainage system, houses, street light, School, Colleges, traffic signals, black top road, birds, animals, shops, market, bank and etc. This all came to our tiny mind about a town planning and once this work get over. Very precisely in between the city we fix a Swing "Jhoola" on which "Radhe Krishna " Statue get installed.

On the Janmashtami day we all keep fast and await till mid night when Lord Krishna too birth and we celebrate this moment with Aarti and pooja and swinging "Jhoola".

It may seems play during childhood but it left a significant remark on the child's memory which we learnt while carrying out Sacred Puja of Lord Krishna.

Krishna symbol of love, symbol of abundant knowledge who was more a human being then a Lord. He is now worshipped across the continent and still we do fasting and puja on Janmashtami and go in flash back of my memory of my childhood celebrations.

You too share your memories if you wish....

Have a very good night.

With love and warm regards,

Manoj Kumar Ojha

DAY-57, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 12TH AUG' 09, 22.30 HRS

2009-08-12T22:29:00.002+01:00

Last few days I was completely engrossed with the company's MD's and other dignitaries visit to our base. They visited 2 of our remote sites in mid Sahara desert and while returning they spent a night at our base. I apprised them with the latest development at this base.

After our dinner we headed to the recreation room where we tried on dart game and pool then decided to play few games of Badminton. We all enjoyed playing wonderful game of badminton.

Still don't understand what God has destined for all of us. Normally our base is also used as a transit point for our 3 remote sites and in the transition process I got acquainted with a a Russian Electrical engineer 'Eugene", a jovial mid age character. He was located at our remote site called 'REG'. Yesterday after lunch he was mocking with his colleagues and thereafter went to his room and called an electrician on radio that he is feeling uneasy so come with a doctor. Doctor and the electrician instantly rushed to his room, initial investigation shows that his BP and other parameters were normal even though he was feeling uneasiness. Doctor rushed to the clinic to grab Oxygen bottle and when he reached Eugene's room he found him dead.

Why it happens??? Why Almighty do like this??? From the same site and of the same discipline an electrician died in the same circumstances few months back and he was more younger.

Not able to solve out the this perplexed problem that how and why it is happening??? Is it due to stress or the extreme living condition????

If any of you doctor who can crack this problem will be helpful for other netizen too.

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-56, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA 09TH AUG' 09 20.46 HRS

2009-08-09T20:45:00.003+01:00

MIND AND ITS STRANGENESS

The five element of universe influence our mind and its actions.

I don’t know if you have noticed it, but mind behaves in oxymoron. I am simply a moron deprived of oxygen. Rein of mind required to be trained otherwise mind is easily overwhelmed by greed, ill will, ignorance, conceit, jealousy, envy, worry, restlessness, and sceptical doubt. These are the driving forces behind conflicts. Once the mind associated with them, it becomes wild, violent and deluded. Then the mind behaves as a monkey who cannot stay quietly and still even for a moment. It is always wandering and flickering and hard to control. On seeing desirable things, greedy mind arises; when it grows stronger, we try to get attractive objects by legal or illegal means. When encountering unpleasant objects such as enemies, anger arises; when the emotion gets stronger, we act violently. All these problems are the results of the perplexed mind. It require perfect concentration by the practice of awareness. If your mind is unstable your breath will be unstable, its directly related to our state of our mind which directly govern each action of our body.

I remember following lines by OSHO~

"I am feeling thirsty and I am looking for water." But as time goes on, and there is no sign of any oasis -- and as far as the eyes can see, there is no possibility of finding water -- the thirst goes on spreading all over the body.

From the mind, from just a word, `thirst', it starts spreading to every cell and fiber of the body. Now it is no longer a word, it is an actual experience. Your every cell -- and there are seven million cells in the body -- is thirsty. Those cells don't know words, they don't know language, but they know that they need water; otherwise life is going to be finished.

It comes ... it certainly comes. It has never delayed for a single moment. Once you are in the right tuning, it suddenly explodes in you, transforms you. The old man is dead and the new man has arrived.

With best regards,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-55, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 07TH OF AUG' 09, 21.17 HRS

2009-08-07T21:16:00.002+01:00

THE LIFE LINE OF MUMBAI - MUMBAI LOCAL TRAINS

Sometimes back I got an opportunity to ride in Mumbai Local train, it was from Borivali to Churchgate on western line.Reached Borivali station and found people were very disciplined and standing in serpentine queue awaiting their turn to come to take their ticket. Frequency of trains are very short, At every 2 minutes there is a train. Even though Sea of passengers feel it is not enough and the sight of all the trains where people hanging out from the trains gives an spine chilling view. At this view I got nervous, how I can ride into this train where plethora of people travel.

I congregate all my energy and confidence and told myself to take a ride. Very soon my turn has come and I purchased return ticket from Borivali to Churchgate. There are two categories of trains slow and fast. Slow as name suggest it stops at all stations between Borivali and Churchgate whereas Fast stops only at main stations in between.

Unfortunately I happened to get a chance into slow local. As the Borivali bound train from Churchgate arrived which in turn become Churchgate bound local from Borivali since Borivali is the terminating point for these trains.

As the train stops at the platform herd of passengers come out like someone is throwing jute sand bags from the train and with the doubly speed passengers enter into the train and in this process each and every one get rubbed with each other resulting in tearing of shirt or bag hanging from shoulder or getting neck sprain or the very dangerous occurrence that you may alighted from the train but still your one of the leg got stucked in the mass of passengers. You are crying and train started, no scope for getting out finally with a jerk leg will be out with a sprain. Its destiny that one got survived otherwise it was sure shot death. I was fortunate that with a push from behind by other passengers who were more in hurry to enter train, I got finally entered into the train. hardly I got enough room to keep one of my leg on the floor on the corridor and my other foot was stamping another fellow passenger's foot. My both hand jabbing side of the partition which divides corridor and sitting area.

All your scent of Fahrenheit and crease of your shirt and trouser vanishes like you never wore before. Fragrance of your scent will be replaced by stinking perspiration and humidity. At every stop of train you be prepared to get a drastic push by incoming and outgoing passengers.You start burning your calories in this process and this is the exercise which regularly Mumbaites do to keep themselves fit.

Finally going through all this ordeal and standing in the same position for 40 to 45 minutes Churchgate station arrived and with one push I was out of snail paced running train. I immediately went to washroom and the whole washroom was stinking with urine and urea. came out quickly and made my shirt tucked inside my trouser which came out during this terrific journey.

Our politicians always give speech and promises that they are going to turn Mumbai into Shanghai very soon. I had an opportunity to visit Shanghai in year 2006 and by seeing its massive infrastructure, wonderful metro rail system, wide roads, 6th densely populated high rise buildings in the world....reaching near to that itself will take an era for Mumbai. I am not criticizing but its plain truth and am not denying that still it is possible to make Mumbai like a Shanghai but here lies the political will and the vision. Lets see how our dream city Mumbai is getting faired.

Your comment on the above is most welcome.

With lots of love and regards,

A very good night...... :)

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-54, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA 06TH AUG' 09 20.45 HRS

2009-08-06T20:44:00.003+01:00

DESIRE

Have you ever thought what really desire or covet or crave for something means? Does it consist of essential ingredients of daily life, money, fame, lust or what?

Confucius admitted rationality of satisfaction of desire, just as he said in The Ritual Usages,"Water, food, men and women are vital desires of human".

Charaecteristics of desires at different ages varies as....for the child desire will be for a toy or a lolli pop, for an young it should be for money, sex and fame and for an old it should be for matter and peace.

Desire also varies from an individual from city to city. A small towner having dream to have a house in the country side and a good government job, for a metro guy will have desire to have an apartment in a metro with a big business or luck in Bollywood plus a large size car with a sexy lass.

To overcome desire means to be in control of yourself rather than following desire like a servant. Desire is the root of man's bondage. One who is able to overcome desire for sensory gratification and worldly power is a spiritually evolved person and it is for this reason that a spiritual aspirant must constantly strive to conquer desire. How does desire impede spiritual progress? There is nothing wrong in satiating a desire but it does not stop with that. As soon as one is fulfilled, another one sprouts in its place and it becomes an endless seeking. Hence, it is necessary to weed it out right in the beginning without becoming a slave to it.

Any comment from any of you????

With love and regards…have a very good night… J

Manoj Kumar Ojha

DAY-53, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA 05TH AUG' 09 23.26 HRS

2009-08-05T23:26:00.002+01:00

CARING AT OLD AGE

Heading sounds really weird that why I chose this topic to discuss about. Well one day we all have to become old and definitely we all need the caring.

Initially when system was there in all Indian houses, people use to live in a joint family and the fabric of relation was so strong that they nurture their big garden of lives with love and affection.

But now tendency is changing in common household in India, now people are adapting a nuclear family lifestyle. I am not oppose of this system of living but at the same time we have not to forget our elders, parents who once took our fingers and taught us how to walk.

I remember one saying where it is said that if you want to live happily then try to live as much as in the company of children below 6 yrs and elders above 60 yrs.

Why we are becoming plastic and forgetting our values and culture. Why our young generation is on the run...why they are aping west and trying to experiment everything...I am not against the positive experiments but not the negative ones at the cost of our values and culture. For an example I have seen in Pune which is called education hub of India, young students who are just a free birds stay together(girls and boys) as a living relationship. Does our society has become that much mature to accept this??? On the other hand gay culture is getting lot of mileage..thanks to the media channels who are not keeping any stone unturned in giving wind to this cause.

I am not diverting from the main issue~ now analyse and let me know if things will go in this way then who will have time to take care of our old elders and parents...are their destination is old age home?????

I do understand it is the demand of time and job requirement that it is not possible even after thinking of remaining in a joint family one has to scatter to different places but still scope is there to take care of one's parent and elders.

Please let me know your comments.

Have a wonderful night......:)

Regards,

Manoj Kumar Ojha

DAY-52, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 04TH OF AUG'09, 22.00 HRS

2009-08-04T22:02:00.004+01:00

Vacation at Manali, Kullu and Shimla

Finally posting after a 2 weeks as was completely out of touch with net during my vacation.

We set for our vacation trip on 22nd of July for Manali, Kullu and Shimla and the first leg was Chandigarh where we reached from Mumbai by morning flight in 2 hrs time.

This city is located in North India this modern city serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana. It is one of the Union Territories of India and is also the country’s first planned city. The city was planned by French architect Le Corbusier. Chandigarh is located at the foothills of the Siwalik hill ranges and forms a part of the Himalayan Ecosystem. Washed by Sukhna Choe in the east and Patiala-Ki-Rao Choe in the west, Chandigarh provides a wonderful stay for the tourists amidst the beauty of the nature. The city centre, popularly called Sector 17 is the heart of all activities in the city. There are a large number of parks in the city which provide ample space for the travelers to breathe in fresh air. Personally I liked Rock garden which is an architectural marvel.

We stayed in Taj Hotel, Chandigarh for a night which was one of the finest hotel of Chandigarh provides a very good ambience and very good service by the courteous staffs.

The very next day we started by car for Manali.The complete journey encompasses winding hills and valleys. By evening reached at Manali and checked in hotel.

Manali literally means the 'Home of Manu', the mythological character who survived when the world was drowned in a flood. Spectacular views of snowcapped peaks and wooded slopes, grassy meadows carpeted with wild flowers make Manali the perfect retreat. Manali still maintains its charm and beauty, with the majestic grandeur of the Himalayas on one side, river Beas cutting across the town, verdant valleys with rolling meadows and grazing herds dotting the hillsides, apple orchards and folk music adding romance to the ambience and presenting a wondrous canvas to the traveler. Experience the local color and beauty in Kullu-Manali's temples, quaint villages and the vibrant and festive mood of the people with their bright attire and handicrafts. Or encounter adventure; on the myriad trekking trails and routes, while skiing on the snow slopes but we didn’t get these as we reached there in mid season. Discover for yourself the Kullu Valley, going up to the Rohtang Pass at 13050 feet and encompassing the beautiful Manali in-between, nestled between the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. As its magical charms captivate your soul, you ebulliently agree that it has rightly been christened as the "Valley of the Gods". It is an excellent place for a holiday, a favorite resort for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur, Leh and Zanskar regions in Kashmir valley. It is known as the SWITZERLAND OF INDIA. Finally our all pain going with kids through winding roads become fruitful when we saw the snow glacier where we played with snow. Only I really felt pain to see the whole road to Rohtang as well as Rohtang was completely polluted by the heavy vehicles exhaust and the dust blown due to heavy vehicle plying. Finally while coming down towards Manali we took a diversion to Solang Valley where we did “Paragliding” that gives an immense pleasure to see Manali as a free bird from the air.

After 3 nights spent at Manali we proceeded for Shimla by car but unfortunately our car got broke down just 2 hrs drive from Manali at the national highway 4 kms before a block Autt. One side was hill and otherside was river beas and there is no sign of habitation around. I thank to the technology that I took out my Asus mobile and logged onto google to find the nearest Taxi association number from my location and finally I got connected to the Bhuntar taxi association and they promptly send me an Indigo car with 2 bottles of water as our stock of water got exhausted and kids started crying for water. Within one hour of logging to google we got the taxi and finally set our journey for Shimla. Finally by 8 pm we reached at Clubmahindra resort “Whispering pines”, at Mashobra which is situated 12 kms away from Shimla.

A popular tourist destination, Shimla is often referred to as the "Queen of Hills" (a term coined by the British). Located in the north-west Himalayas at an altitude of 2,128 metres (6,982 ft), The city is famous for its buildings styled in tudorbethan and neo-gothic architecture reminiscent of the colonial era. Shimla is also known for the prestigious Bishop Cotton School, which is one of the oldest boarding schools in Asia.

Mashobra is located on one of Asia’s largest watershed, with the Indus and Ganesh on either side. Situated over 7000 feet above sea level, the breathtakingly beautiful hill station of Mashobra is part of the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. This quaint town dates back to the 18th century and was built in the British era by Lord Dalhousie.

The natural vegetation comprises pine, oak, cedar, rhododendron as well as maple and chestnut. The wildlife in this area include monkeys, baboons, jackals, barking deer and the occasional leopard as well as numerous bird species, the Himalayan eagle, pheasants, chikor and partridges, to name a few.

Surrounded with densely covered forests of oaks and pines, it is also one of the main markets supplying fruits and vegetables to Shimla.

Mashobra is a preferred and relaxing holiday destination because of its utmost tranquility, dense forests and lush foliage, strategic central location and grand panoramic view of Greater Himalayas. It also offers fun-loving people an opportunity to experience Great Adventure Sports. At 7000+ ft above sea level, it is a wonderful place to unwind with very greenish mountains all over. An excellent getaway if you love nature, mountains and all forms of wild life!

A frill of snow-capped peaks surround Mashobra and if the weather if good, you'll actually be able to see the Pir Pinjal range of mountains all the way in Jammu and Kashmir. The Reserve Forest is also great for trekking, camping and picnics. So if nature is your thing, give Mashobra a chance to relax and rejuvenate you completely.

We had been to Naldhera golf course which was developed by Lord Dulhousie, also we had been to Kufri, Jhakoo temple which is situated at the highest point of Shimla and then to mall road which is comprise of upper market and the lower market, in upper market you will find all the branded stores normally which you will get in your city but in the lower market you will get lot of local stuffs at the good bargain if you know the art of bargaining.

We had a plan to visit Dharamshala too as already we booked for 2 nights in clubmahindra resort in Dharamshala but it has become really treacherous journey with small kids so we cancelled our trip to Dharamshala and returned to Kullu and relaxed there at resort for 2 nights and finally flown back from there to New Delhi in the next morning and spend the whole day with family friends and in evening of 30th July flown back to Mumbai and finally on 2nd Aug flown back to my karmshala at Algeria.

Have a very good night…..:)

Regards,

Manoj Kumar Ojha

DAY-51, THAKUR VILLAGE, KANDIVLI(EAST), MUMBAI, 19TH JULY'09 22.54 HRS

2009-07-19T18:22:00.003+01:00

Do we need personal space in married life???

In any relation, whether it is of parents, your child, between lovers or husband and wife. Everyone has own thinking, so they want to live life according to their attitude. It is right that god has created man but he had imparted different thought processes to different people. No two persons are alike in this world and where difference lies. Hence it is important to have a personal space or privacy in married life. A marriage is between two genders and between two different people committed to live together. We don’t marry a perfect person it is the imperfectness of two which later become perfect.

Space and time for ourselves creates a much needed sense of stability and tranquility, particularly in today’s increasingly fast-paced world. As marriage is not any bond which grips the man with its chains. Privacy is essential in married life. two people could know each other in much better manner. As living away for while will tend to realize the importance of the other person in man's life. As always living together the person will not realize the importance.

Privacy doesn't mean hiding something from each other. But it is like having difference in opinion. As after marriage there is drastic change in the life of man and woman. So in some sphere of this married life one may be good, while in some the other. It is not like spending life in aloof. But it is mutual understanding. This shows in actual sense the understanding between the two, which makes the relation stronger. It will turn out to be that bond which is filled with honesty, love and respect, which no storm can break or bend it.

What you think about the personal space in the married life????? Do post your comment…

With love and regards,

Manoj Kumar Ojha

DAY-50, THAKUR VILLAGE, KANDIVLI(EAST), MUMBAI, 18TH JULY' 09 22.32 HRS

2009-07-18T18:00:00.004+01:00

Life, frustration and peace of mind

Woke up with a migraine, tried naturopathy to cure it but all effort went into vain. Intermittently it was raining outside..filled with laziness, settled on a couch, switched on TV to get a first hand news of outer world...essence of freshly brewed coffee giving me soothing relaxation.

I came across lot of thoughts when people think that they are not satisfied with their present state of life, every day of their life seems walking on a tight rope...how to get a peace of mind...what is the vulnerability??? Why its obscure to understand the right desire. Why sometimes life seems Obnoxious??? Why this disgruntlement????

When you are confronted with people who are rude, abusive etc. think of them as your guides pushing you off a miserable path onto a path of your own making. Let them walk the tightrope of the fear, anger and monotony without you. Your wish is command, your days are numbered, It is your life. Dream on and move on.

This may lead you to a peaceful life and you have not to worry about the whims of 10 odd individuals.

With lots of love and regards,

Manoj Kumar Ojha

DAY-48/49, THAKUR VILLAGE, KANDIVLI(EAST), MUMBAI, 17TH JULY'09, 16.45 HRS

2009-07-17T12:12:00.004+01:00

RAIN WATER HARVESTING

Enjoying every bit of rain drop in Mumbai as came from harsh dry 51 deg C temp of Sahara desert.
Its my relaxing time so get plenty of time to play with kids and flex my thoughts. Cup of coffee in hand and rain outside...watching from window as the rain water droplets strike the A/C cover produces a ting tong sound...walls of the society building started becoming green...is it not right for every society to take initiative and utilize this abandon rain water using rain water harvesting technique.
If we all start utilizing this then the water problem will be solved by its own. No need then to dependent on the reservoirs which gives your blood pressure rise when you hear that water is going to be cut for so and so time during the day.

In Mumbai first time BMC is going to use the artificial rain to fill the reservoirs. In this technique what I understood Silver Iodide will be sprinkled on the cloud from a height of 18,000 ft to 35, 000 ft and then cloud will be penetrated with a missile with thundering sound and the spark which ignite the flare of Silver iodide and which in turn melt the supercooled water hanged in cloud and hence started falling of rain.

So main thing is coming for initiative which every we individual to take in our own society to introduce this rain water harvesting technique to preserve this rain water.

Also, if we all use water sincerely in order to save it from depleting fast viz; by closing tap while doing shaving, close tap while doing shampooing etc will definitely save water of this planet.

With lots of love,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-45/46/47, THAKUR VILLAGE, KANDIVLI(E), MUMBAI, FOR 13TH/14TH AND 15TH JULY'09, 22.39 HRS

2009-07-15T18:07:00.002+01:00

Travel from Algeria to India

04.45 am OF 13^thJuly’09 woke up at the shrilling sound of alarm…..initially thought to take another 5 minutes crucial nap but realized in another 15 minutes to rush to airport. A quick visit to washroom, freshen up and rushed to airport to catch domestic flight from Hassi Mesaoud to Algiers…first time in life I saw that in this domestic flight one should sit anywhere as on first come first basis and there is no any sanctity of seat nos.

Finally reached Algiers, wait for 5 hrs at international airport for connecting flight. It’s really very irritating always to wait for something…..next to me an Algerian family was sitting comprising of a young girl, a kid and their dad. We indulge in conversation and they became very happy to converse in English as there first language is Arabic and 2^nd language is French. They didn’t get any correct environment to practice their academic English so, became exuberant to brush up their English with me.

Tried few times to connect internet from the terminal but failed as wifi was not there. 01.30 pm time to board aircraft bound for Doha…nearly 7 hrs long haul flight…leaving behind the air of North Africa, Egypt…Red Sea….entering into middle east in between twice meals served by plastic smile wore air hostesses. Landed at Doha and rushed to Transit desk as we reached 15 minute late and Ahmadabad flight is about to leave as the last call for boarding was announced….rushed to board plane. My Birthday celebrated by the air of 3 continents… 3 hrs flight to Ahmadabad and landed very smoothly at AMD, a quick check fro Swine flu and immigration then transfer to Domestic airport for getting connecting Kingfisher flight to Mumbai. Ahmadabad was completely dry and temp was around 29 deg C. A perfect landing at Mumbai airport on time arrival…lashing of rain outside…..the enchanting smell emanating from the rain touching the earth…the feeling of coming home…the long await by family and overwhelming excitement of reunion with family keeps me upbeat and forgot all the tiredness once both kids were in my arm.

Since last 2 days its pouring outside and news is flashing on the TV that central rail got affected due to downpour, Bigb’s blog states that waist deep water outside his House Prateekhsha. I am fortunate that water clogging is not in our area as the other areas are inundated completely in rain water.

Why there is no happier then home in any place of the world??? Why we found solace in home then any place of the world???

Why we forget all the tensions and stresses when we are surrounded by kids and their innocent talk and caring touches???

Time to retire on bed….

Have a good night with lots of love….

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-44, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA 12TH JULY'09 18.08 HRS

2009-07-12T23:40:00.002+01:00

JOY OF GOING BACK TO MOTHER LAND

You may be millionaire or billionaire in any nook or corner of the world away from your motherland. You may be enjoying the worlds finest luxuries, you may have all the wealth which you never thought of having been in your own motherland...you might be saying openly that you are a very successful persona but at the same time one corner of your mind definitely haunting you that you are not in your motherland...your motherland is calling you. Definitely a kind of guilt popping up on its own on which you don't having any control.

Now the question is why??? Why we all are running after this "Maya" The material....does we brought it when we came to this planet earth???? Do we are going to take the same along with us when we will depart this planet??????

Give a thought onto this and come up with some idea in form of comment.

I personally get a surge of energy when I reach my motherland from anywhere from world. I didn't find the word to describe the state of freedom I experience. The air, the earth, the smell....all the elements completely embrace me like I was in oblivion and suddenly appeared from somewhere.

The overwhelming experience of motherland is entirely different compare to your country of residence.

So, now time has come for me to go for 3 weeks to my motherland.."INDIA" on my birthday..the 13th of July'09.

The whole day I am going to dwell from the air of wild Sahara desert of North Africa to the deserts of Middle east to the enchanting India.

Love you India.

With lots of love,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-43, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 11TH JULY'09, 16.57 HRS

2009-07-11T16:56:00.005+01:00

"GO GREEN" IS THE MANTRA TO SAVE OUR PLANET EARTH

I liked this slogan which I read somewhere~

Going green for my children.
I have a dream and it is green.
Peacefully green.
Naturally green.

Let’s go green… let’s go.
It’s all about the trees baby.
My green, your green, our green.
It pays to be green.

We did planting of Sapling yesterday the 10th of July'09 at our base here in the GATEWAY OF SAHARA DESERT, a hamlet called Hassi Messaoud. Here are Pictures~

If everyone of us vow to plant atleast one sapling it will make a big difference towards "GO GREEN".

Need your comment.

Regards,

Manoj Kumar Ojha

DAY-42, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 10TH JULY' 09, 1800 HRS

2009-07-11T15:32:00.002+01:00

Thought of sharing few breathtaking pictures of Sahara which I took from Company's plane in December'08. Hope you all will like it and give your valuable comment on the same~

Regards,

Manoj Kumar Ojha

DAY-40/41, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA 08TH/9TH JULY'09 18.01 HRS

2009-07-09T21:27:00.002+01:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY "PAPA"

The word "Papa" it means a lot to a child. When the child is a toddler he speaks in his broken words Pa-Pa...and its believed that this word "papa" generated for the male parent (father) who also called daddy...dadda..etc. Whole day when mother nurture a child and in evening when Papa comes home after a full day work, child forget his mom and jump into the cradle of Papa's arm. Child find an ultimate solace, security in his Papa's arm. Papa enjoy and forget all the tensions playing with child.Child use to do rock climbing on Papa's chest, reaching on Papa's shoulder on his own is like conquering a mountain peak. Papa use to lift child up and turn him from back to front and front to back completes his necessary workouts which normally people do in gym with weights.

As the time spins into future child grows to a school going kid where he likes to play with his Papa...get his small problems solved, child get completely inundated in love and security of his Papa. Child looks his Papa as a role model and he is the hero for him. He remember when Papa doesn't want to read newspaper on his own use to call him to read English newspaper and when he use to read he developed a liking for newspaper reading and likewise this beautiful habit instill in him. What a beautiful way to develop and nurture a growing child.

Child progresses from School to college but he remains the same old small child for his Papa.

Papa always celebrated his birthday with lot of fanfare and child never forget his Papa's Birthday and with his small savings from the daily pocket money he brought some small gift for his Papa which means a lot to his father as the sentiments attached to that gifts make it very precious.It shows the caringness from a child towards his parent.

Once child got ill and became unconscious, Papa got tensed, called doctor and sat the whole night to keep a watch on his child and finally he got relief when child become conscious after a medication. This shows the utmost care, love and sincerity toward a child from his parent.

Same child when reaches college and completed his professional degree and join some job but still he remain a child for his Papa. He always asks his child if he needs money, if he needs anything then please let him know and without hesitation he will arrange the same. Grown up child has the same values and character as of his parent and he had his self consciousness and he don't want to be a burden on his retired father and very respectfully he denied to take any help.

Time passes by child got married and brought a beautiful wife. And still child remain the same small kid for his parent...as sometime it becomes embarrassing for Child in front of his wife when he is treated by parent in the same kid way.

Child has become a grown up man and got a wonderful job in gulf and he started working intelligently and made a very good rapport with his colleagues and bosses.

It was just 4 months of him working in gulf that one black day he got news from his younger bro that his inspirer, his mentor, his teacher, his best friend, his lovable Papa is no more and left for heavenly abode leaving us in complete void. The space created by him was even not filled by his eldest father figure bro.

The feeling of loneliness, his remembrance always haunted this Child. His father left this planet earth at the age of 64 due to cardiac arrest as he had Asthma.

From then on Child always celebrates on 9th July every year in his solitude the Happy Birthday of his Papa whom he termed the best Papa ever come on this earth.

Child and his father's relationship is very vital in the development and nurturing of a child. The strong bond which created between two makes Child very confident and instill prowess to face the challenges of the outer world.

So. it is always recommended that parent should give time to his child for his better upbringing and overall development.

Have a nice evening...take care

With love and regards,

Manoj Kumar Ojha

DAY-39, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA 07TH JULY'09 23.38 HRS

2009-07-07T23:38:00.003+01:00

COMPLEX, ENVY AND HOW TO OVERCOME IT....

We live in a society which tends to equate our worth with things we have achieved, or with the things we own or have own for ourselves. The main trouble with this way of thinking is that it encourages neurotic pursuit of material things and achievements in the hope that the more we own, the more worth we will have. Envy often begins with such a misconception.

Normally it has been seen that any individuals neighbour possessing more than he does, he begins of getting a complex and feelings of envy. He find it extremely difficult to live with the idea that his neighbour has more worth than he has.

But that is a false notion, for every human being has inherent value by virtue of the fact that he or she is a human person. Our achievements and possessions are not the primary sources of our worth; they make us feel important, but they cannot ultimately give us worth. We came to this planet earth empty handed and likewise we have to leave this planet open handed. If this is true, then we must come to the terms with the ultimate source of our worth and sense of dignity.

If we can have a sense of peace regarding our inherent worth as people, then when we see the possessions and achievements of others we need not respond with a tired and intensely uncomfortable feeling of envy which leads us into all kinds of frenzied activity and ill feeling because we have not come face to face with our own worth.

De-emphasise the value of the envied objects either for yourself or for the person who possess them.

Finally today at Staple centre, L.A,; a musical tribute offered to Late Michael Jackson by renowned artists of Hollywood and the program concluded with the song “ Heal the world”.

I’ll love to get your comments.

With love and regards,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-38, HASSI MESSAOUD, 06TH JULY'09, 23.35 HRS

2009-07-07T07:12:00.004+01:00

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BUDGET FOR A COMMON MAN???

Every year we see finance minister come to Parliament, hold in front of the entrance momentarily, flash his shining Crimson color briefcase to the horde of media photographers and then step in Parliament. As a Finance minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee's it was 4Th term in the Parliament.

All the Channels try to give you insight of budget prior it get tabled. Same thing happened today as one of the channel was flashing "Breaking News" that Buying house will be cheap, income tax relaxation will be there and lot of other greenery they were showing...I don't know what kind of Sherlock Holmes they employ to get the solid news. But once the Budget get tabled in Parliament you come to realize...its mere an eye wash by media Channels to garner their TRP and nothing else.

Now, the big question is how Budget affect the commoner and what does this mean to them? Have you ever realized. Post budget you might have noticed that suited booted lot of Industry honchos giving their analysis on budget and statistics shows in multi crores. But again what this multi crores means to a commoner who always try to grasp something gluing to their TV set.

My thoughts onto budget are as following~

1. From housewives perspective : Concern for increase in grocery items, price of LPG , Increase of price in cosmetics.

2. From salaried persons perspective : Concern for Income tax savings...alas this time they are getting just Rs 85/- per month as a saving. Just Rs 10,000 increase in the limit from last year for no tax bracket i.e.; Rs 1.5 lac to 1.6 lac.

Concern for interest rate on home loan - Nothing mentioned in this budget.

Concern for increase or decrease in automobiles price, fare of Taxi and bus, fees of lawyer and doctor, price of medicines, health care, education etc.

In one hand we are saying that history created as the inflation has gone in minus but on other hand prices are on steep rise. If any direct relation is there between inflation and rise of price then why price is not getting corrected?

In this budget main focus was on National Rural health Mission(NRHM) which aims to provide quality health care to villagers, with the allocation for this United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government flagship programme increased by Rs.2,057 crore. But it is of doubt if its reach will be their to the beneficiaries.

What is your take on this budget? Don't forget to comment on this blog.

Time to go to bed.

With love and regards,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-37, HASSI MESSAOUD, 05TH JULY'09, 21.35 HRS

2009-07-06T07:35:00.002+01:00

IS THIS INSECURITY OR FEAR???

An interesting and a very complex subject I chose to discuss with you all and I’m really looking forward to finding out my thoughts on this by writing this blog. Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that most people fear change. They fear losing their jobs, lack of money, war, ill-health, fear of losing loved ones in fact a whole heap of things that in themselves imply a change of state - from happiness (or in most cases comfort) to unhappiness.

Indeed is this all it is? People fear change because they associate it with a change from good to bad or from bad to worse? Tried to discuss few ~

Fearing change at work: Why? Because they think that their job is already hard and change has previously meant more workload or new systems to learn.

Fearing change in relationships: Why? Because, people are frightened to be on their own, or lose a partner or a family member or a friend.

There seems to be a pattern emerging here… Are people simply focusing on the bad stuff and not any of the good that may come from change? If this is the case, why?

One guess, and it is a guess, would be that we are constantly bombarded from an early age with negative messages about change. We are encouraged to focus on all the bad things that may happen and certainly from our news and media, how things are not as good as they used to be. In fact if we looked at the evidence, there is more money, better lifestyle, more opportunity and better health and health care than there ever has been. So really what is there to fear?

I’m remembering the book, Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, by Susan Jeffers, in which she states that the real fear is the fear of not being able to handle it. This ties in very nicely with change - if change happens, we are automatically or instinctively frightened that we will not be able to handle it.

So people fear change, because they focus on the possible negative impacts on their happiness and lives and they do not know if they will be able to handle it. I’d be really interested to hear your thoughts on this, click below on the comments link and leave a message.

Regards,

Manoj Kumar Ojha

DAY-36, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 04TH JULY'09, 23.50 HRS

2009-07-05T00:44:00.003+01:00

MONEY, SEX AND HAPPINESS

Aspirations were identified as either “intrinsic” or “extrinsic” how much value one have for “deep, enduring relationships” and “helping others improve their lives” (intrinsic goals) versus being “a wealthy person” and achieving “the look I’ve been after” (extrinsic goals).

The more committed you are to a goal; the more likely you are to attain it. And while achieving most goals brings happiness, that’s not always the case if your motivations are extrinsic — if you’re pursuing money and power.

“The evidence actually argues pretty strongly against this widely-held notion that if I’d just get rich and famous, I’d be so happy.”

When we focus on monetary goals, we run the risk of becoming trapped on the “hedonic treadmill”, working harder and harder to make more and more money. This does not lead to happiness.

Money should be the tool to achieve some higher goal. Be successful, learn skills, and take risks… just don’t do it for the money, do it for something greater: Family, friends, community.

But an excess of money does not mean we have an excess of happiness.

There’s nothing wrong with making money, but basing your life on making money will eventually lead to a life of disappointment. Someone will always have more money than you.

As humans we tend to compare ourselves to those in our direct social circles and those we see on TV. This constantly makes our desire for more and more. Instead I try to compare myself to the world at large. When you do this you may realize how lucky most of us have it. Sometimes you just have to be thankful for what you have and be content.

Read an article which says ~

Good news for folks whose bedrooms have more activity than their bank accounts: Research shows that sex is better for your happiness than money.

After analyzing data on the self-reported levels of sexual activity and happiness of 16,000 people, Dartmouth College economist David Blachflower and Andrew Oswald of the University of Warwick in England report that sex "enters so strongly (and) positively in happiness equations" that they estimate increasing intercourse from once a month to once a week is equivalent to the amount of happiness generated by getting an additional $50,000 in income for the average American.

A recent survey indicates that young people view human relationships, most especially family ties, as the greatest cause of happiness in life.

So, the conclusion is keeping a good family life is the greater cause for happiness.

With love and regards,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-35, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA 03RD JULY'09 23.39 HRS

2009-07-03T23:39:00.005+01:00

WIMBLEDON, CRICKET...CRESCENDO !!!....INDIAN RAIL BUDGET !!!

Today was the day of full of activities, being Friday we work till noon then took a quick lunch and slept for 2 hrs then began Wimbledon...how clinical win by Roger Federer by defeating Tommy Haas in straight 3 sets...then came fiery service at pace of 141 miles/hr of American Andy Roddick...GB's Andy Murray who was much better in return strokes could not keep pace with Roddick and finally lost semi final and Andy Roddick pushed to final...it will be a feat for our eyes to watch the great finale between Swiss Federer and American Andy Roddick.

At St Lucia rain was playing hide and seek and finally India won toss and put West Indies to bat, match got limited to 27 overs due to rain using D/L method. WHAT A FINALE !!! WHAT A CRESCENDO !!! 11 Runs and 6 balls, Pathan was facing bowling and 1 st ball he ran for 1 run and now equation become 10 runs and 5 balls..M.S.Dhoni facing Jerome Taylor's bowling and here goes A WHOPPING SIX !!! Bringing down the moral of West Indies and putting them in pressure. M.S. Dhoni made it finally situation to an ease and INDIA won by 6 wickets and taking a lead of 2-1 in the series.

Today was the day for Indian Rail Budget, Mamata Banerjee tried her best to cater all the areas of the country and proposed around 50 world class stations, ticket availability from post offices and mobile offices, Non Stop trains, more emphasis on hygiene etc. On the other hand Air India didn't kept their promise to pay wages to the employees by Friday and hence they went on 2 hr strike. Its now required to do a serious re-structuring of Air India and introducing the budget flights in domestic sector in order to garner revenues.

Temperature here in Sahara desert rising by the passing of each day, July is told to be the hottest month of Sahara..I am feeling envy as India now facing monsoon and here I am drying up completely in this humidity less place. Come Mid July and I fly back to India for 3 weeks voyage.

Going to sleep.....with lots of love and regards,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-34, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA 02ND JULY'09 22.53 HRS

2009-07-02T22:53:00.007+01:00

BIHAR ON THE PATH OF DEVELOPMENT

For a state where caste identities have played an overriding role in politics, development is inching its way into the political lexicon of Bihar for the first time and all the credit goes to the present Chief minister Mr. Nitish Kumar.

All the new roads, bridges and civic infrastructure he has built in the state and the development is a tangible reality in Bihar. Patna now boasts of a six-lane road (Bailey Road) and Nitish Kumar has managed to re-open several old sugar mills in Bihar, which had closed down during the tenure of Lalu Prasad and his wife Rabri Devi.

Nitish Kumar and his political ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had an edge in this election. Lalu Prasad, whose Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) had the lion's share of seats in the previous Lok Sabha, had been swept off. Not only that Ram Vilas Paswan who was dictating his terms during his tenure in last Lok Sabha and during formation of Bihar government has been completely uprooted. He lost his election from Hajipur from where he once won by hundred of thousands of votes and got included his name in Guinness books of world records.

"For the first time, people are talking about development.
"Earlier, politics and elections were all about social justice and empowerment. In the early 1990s, it was Mandal; then it was the 'kamandal' (Brahmins and other upper castes represented by the BJP) and then the turmoil between Mandal and kamandal. Consequently, development took a beating, pulling the state back by at least two decades.

Nitish Kumar was making a serious effort to improve civic infrastructure, despite the odds and the political red tape. "Nitish is an honest person, but he is part of a corrupt system.

"The law and order situation is better. However, the state still needs a lot of support. Those affected by floods (of 2008) have not yet been rehabilitated”.

The three major development issues that need to be addressed are poverty, electricity and roads. "Things had deteriorated during Lalu Prasad's regime".

By creating more jobs migration from districts like Siwan and Gopalganj to Dubai, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh had to stop.

"It is a catch-22 situation. Agricultural land is shrinking and in districts like Motihari and Bettiah which still have some land left, farmers do not have the money to till it".

Muslims in the M-Y (Muslim-Yadav) vote bank of the RJD were gradually switching allegiance to Nitish Kumar.

"Lalu Prasad has not done much for Muslims. Actually, Muslims in Bihar were quite confused and were in a dilemma since Nitish Kumar is aligned with L.K. Advani," They wanted to give Nitish Kumar a chance due to his sincere effort towards development and finally Lok Sabha results showed the magnificent victory to Nitish Kumar and his development agenda.

The poll violence was to the minimal during the poll staggered to four phases. Voters broke the caste barrier. They exercised franchise to endorse the development agenda, coupled with improved law and order, rather as a pre-requisite for the fulfilment of developmental aspirations that CM Nitish Kumar, leading the Bihar NDA government, went drumming about from any pulpit, or any platform or fora available to him. NDA has bagged 32 of the 40 seats -- 80 per cent.

6 engineering colleges are going to come up in the next 4 months. NRI’s are now taking interest to invest in Bihar in Health Care sector, IT sector etc.

Separate NRI department is getting established.

Nitish Kumar is trying to get Special status for Bihar from the Central govt and for this more than Rs 14,000 crore required for different development programmes.

Wishing all the success to BIHAR.

Here is the Ex President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s Bihar Visit details~

Missile Man?s mantra for Bihar take-off

Patna: In what is being viewed as a major development, probably the first of its kind in the country, President AP J Abdul Kalam, presented | a roadmap to legislators of Bihar | for transforming the state into a' developed one in the next 10 years. ,

Giving a power-point presentation in the assembly before MLAs and MLCs while addressing a special joint session of the state legislature on Tuesday, Kalam asked them: "What will you like to be remembered for? That you have done something for development of the state, obviously"
He asked the state government to prepare a "global human resources cadre". "Prepare two million youths of the state for high value employment in IT, BPO and allied sectors before 2010," he said.

Kalam presented his roadmap? "Missions For Bihar's Prosperity" ? promising that it would increase per capita income of the state from the existing Rs 6,300 to Rs 35,000 by 2010 and Rs one lakh by 2015. "At present, the number of people below poverty line is around 42 per cent of the state's population. It will come down to zero and the literacy rate, currently at 48 per cent, rise to 100 per cent," he said laying emphasis on female literacy.

Kalam's roadmap for development of Bihar was apparently well researched as it fixed targets in the field of education, health, agriculture, infrastructure development and other areas.

It all sounded like the "10 Commandments". "Bihar will be transformed into a dream developed state," Kalam said, adding that there would be no shortage of funds for development as it would get major allotments from Bharat Nirman programme and other central schemes.

The first thrust area identified by him was agriculture and agro food processing. "Triple your food grain productivity," he said stressing that; Bihar had the potential of becoming the rice bowl of the country. He laid stress on revival the sugar industry saying north-Binar is best suited for sugarcane production and suggested creation of Sugar co-operatives, for running sugar mills on the :Maharashtra pattern. He also emphsis on dairy development , food processing and horticulture .This will lead to empowerment of 27 lakh farmers and a business of 100,000 crore," Kalam said.

Kalam said the second thrust area was education and entrepreneurship. "You have a lot to do in this field," he remarked. Kalam recalled his December 2005 visit to the state and the talk with vice-chancellors regarding delay in holding of final exams depriving students of various opportunities; "I do not know how you tolerated it for so long," he that "the VCs has promised to put exam schedules and academic sessions back on track by 2007. "Higher education should lead to employment generation in the state instead of adding to the crowd of job-seekers," the President said. "Bihar should aim for an IIT."

Kalam called for establishment of Nalanda International University with international partnership at the cost of Rs 200 crore. "The focus of the university should be world peace and prosperity ? devoid of crime, terrorism and war," he said.

The other seven key areas identified by him included health care, flood and water mission, infrastructure development, tourism, creation of exclusive economic zones and strengthening e-governance in Bihar.

1 Triple the paddy and wheat output?rice production from 5.5 million tonnes to 15 million tonnes and wheat production from 4 million tonne to 12 million tonnes ? in the next four years. This will double the earning of 25 million farmers. Create sugar cooperatives on the line of sugar cooperatives in Maharashtra which can establish 10 sugar mills in which we can utilise the 100 lakh MT of sugarcane being produced in the state. This will increase the income of 2.3 million sugarcane growers.

Increase the participation of families in Bihar State Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation ? from the existing 2,61,000 members to 7,50,000 members ? in the next three to four-years and spread the programme to all districts of the state. Produce 30 tonnes of milk powder.

Increase fruit production from existing 3 million tonnes to 10 million tonnes by 2010. Increase production of vegetables from existing 7.5 million tonnes to 20 million tonnes during: the same period.

Establish 500 processing plants in the state's 38 districts for storage, processing and food,packaging and marketing in 500 village clusters(PURA clusters; that is, Providing Urban facility in Rural Areas) in Bihar. Each will cost Rs10 crore to start with and the turn-over of the500 PURAs will be Rs 100 crore. Build up cold-storage capacity to the extent of one million tonnes of vegetables and one million tonnes of
fruits.

2 Reduce the number of school dropouts. Develop human resources with value and entrepreneurship. Reach out quality education through tele-education skills training. Ministry of human resources should consider setting up IIT. State government should set up additional technical institutes. The school and university syllabus has to be integrated with entrepreneurship courses so that pass-outs can start small enterprises.

3 Bihar shoud prepare a global cadre of skilled youths with specific knowledge and another cadre for research and leadership. Bihari youths should capture two million jobs iii the IT sector.

4 Set up a world class university in 200 acres at the cost of Rs 500 crore with the help of Buddhist countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand and other partnerships.

5 Introduce mobile clinics in all districts. Super speciality corporate hospitals may be set up.Insurance model for people of Bihar with government providing Rs 3 per month per citizen and the citizen confuting an equal amount. Double the health budget.

6 Recover all water bodies from encroachment .Desilt village ponds. Carry out; dredging of the rivers, create check dams so that water can be retained hi drought-prone south Bihar. Encourage fishing in the ponds. Create 5QO km- long waterways in south Bihar, connecting the South with the northern part of the- state. It will provide irrigation facility to over five million farmers and generate 1000 MWs of power.

7 Improve maintenance of National Highways to international standards. 35,500- km village roads to be made all-weather roads. Quality power with zero interruption.

8 Increase domestic tourism from existing 7 million :per year to 25 million. The number of international tourists should be increased from one lakh to one million by tapping state's religious circuits and improving infrastructure. It will create four million jobs and additional revenue of 10 million dollars per year.

9 Create 10 exclusive economic zones to set up industries such as those of leather, silk, sports, sugar, IT and special tourist products. Each region should aim a turn-over of at least Rs 5,000 crore per annum.

10 A transparent, smart e-governance with seamless access, secure and authentic flow of information crossing the inter-departmental barrier.

Source: Times of India, Mar.29, 2006.

Now to hit bed…..

Good night….. J

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-33, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 01ST JULY'09, 23.50 HRS

2009-07-02T07:45:00.002+01:00

We Can’t Have Two Thoughts At A Time

Today I would like to share this article which is related to Sri Ramkrishna Paramhansa ~

The moment a new thought comes inside our system, it means that the old thought has lost its power or influence over us. If the new thought has entered us, it means the old thought has been renounced because we cannot have two thoughts at a time.
There is a beautiful story by Ramakrishna Paramahansa:

A king who was inside a huge fort was once attacked by an army that was two million strong. The king only had two or three people around him and got very frightened. He told his adviser: 'Two million people, and I am all alone. They will kill me!' The royal adviser said, 'Don't worry, Sir. Open only one door. Surely through one door only one person can come in at a time. As they come in, stand on this side of the door and kill them one by one. Over! Do not try to fight with the whole crowd.'

If we think all our enemies are gathered together, we will start having unnecessary fears. Whether we accept it or not, our mind which is filled with thoughts seems to be our first enemy. Understand: we cannot have even two thoughts at a time, leave alone a crowd of thoughts. Understand very clearly that we can have only one thought at a time. Unless the old thought is pushed out, the second thought cannot come. Any thought that comes in and pushes the old thought out is more powerful than the old thought.

The problem arises when we create the belief that our thoughts are connected to each other. When we connect our thoughts, out of the connection a problem takes shape. Our belief we have some problem is our only problem.

Every moment our inner space is purified by the new incoming thoughts. If we allow this process to continue, it will happen by itself and clean itself also. There is no need for us to clean our mind. All we need to do is just get out — just get out of the system so that the system can proceed on its own.
One important truth we should know is that even if we want, we cannot possess or hold onto our suffering for long. Even if we try to hold it, we cannot hold our suffering because continuously, our thought that creates suffering is also replaced by newer thoughts!

Understand that if you nurture the fact that any suffering can be replaced by a stream of fresh thoughts, then that becomes reality for you. Then there is no suffering. You have the power to bring on a new thought, which proves you have the power to drop the old thought. Allow your thoughts to be replaced. Tremendous awareness, energy and intelligence will happen in your system. Be Blissful!

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-32, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 30TH JUNE'09, 23.50 HRS

2009-07-01T08:23:00.001+01:00

ODYSSEY TO SHANGHAI

Apparently it's more difficult to pack for a 8 days than I remembered. As wife sat in my room folding all my button down shirts so that they didn't resemble paraplegic origami like the first few I folded, my lil angelic daughter and I were looking rather sceptically at the proposed two suitcases I was to use for this little adventure. One was large but not huge, and the other was less than large. It became apparent that some adjustments might have to be made to the packing strategy. God do you really need that many shirts?

After it took two of us to close up the big suitcase, I brought down a scale to weigh the baggage, I imagined I was well over the allotted 20 kgs we were allowed to carry without penalty...only by a little bit. The two bags together came in at 70 kgs ! Including my computer and the stuff in my backpack, I had packed more than my body weight worth of crap. I did some adjustment and packed as per allotted weight accordingly.

Afterwards I showered, shaved, put on some obnoxiously bright clothing, said my goodbyes and left for my next great journey.

It began as all great journeys do, with a smaller and much more manageable journey. I had the good graces to fly out of Kolkata airport.

On the plane to Bagkok...I slept...moving on.

After a brief stop in Bangkok I was on my way again to Shanghai. I stayed up just long enough to watch the ground and Bangkok disappear under the clouds before I passed out. I went under and didn't recover until some mush in a compartmentalized plastic tray was staring at me from my tray table. It was a good start to an otherwise arduous flight, I slept straight to the first meal. My communication with my neighbour was a sort of combination between head nods, guttural clicks, and drooling on my tee-shirt. Sometimes to add inflection I'd scratch myself or roll my eyes.

After another meal and another few solid hours of sleep I began spoken communications with the life form next to me.

We landed without fanfare and I stepped foot on Chinese soil for the first time, it was incredible...how much the International Airport in Shanghai resembled every other international airport in the world. Went through customs, changed some money over, and went out into the massive crowd outside the arrival gate to find a placard with my name on it.

Toward the end of the line a Chinese dude had a little sign with my name on it, he spoke English, well a little bit, with a massive accent, so I decided to just get in the cab and keep quiet for a while. As we streaked out of the airport, sticking mostly to the passing lane, I let the city fill me, the traffic, the trucks with piles of hay between the cab and the cargo, the horns with their high octaves from tiny cars, and the endless squealing of breaks that needed changing.

Everyone had warned us about the smog before we left but my first day here, the sky couldn't have been bluer, dotted with white puffy cumulus clouds. My eyes slid from the right window to the left, letting the geometry of the city unfold into its grids and towers and slums around me. From my vantage point, slightly above the city on an elevated highway, it didn't seem much different from any other city but the one thing that stood out in my mind as a we're not in Mumbai anymore moment. It took a little while for the cab to hit traffic, but hit traffic it did; and one thing I did notice was some odd configurations on motorcycles and mopeds in the city. For instance one might see a motorcycle body with one wheel in front, two in back with a canopy hovering over the rider/driver and a little table on the back. People in this city have somewhere to go, those who can't afford a car get a moped, those who can't get a moped get a moped/bike combination, like an electric bicycle with pedals and a motor, and those who can't get one of those get a bike. I haven't seen a single rickshaw to my complete and utter dismay.

We pulled a few turns, ran a few red lights, and finally pulled into my humble hell hole; the Motel 108 in Pudong District. I rolled my luggage a whopping 12 feet from the front door into my new room on the 8 floor. It's actually not such a bad place, about the same size as my room in Dubai.

I dropped off the luggage and then went across the street for noodles. My noodles were unbearably spicy and I got through about a third of the bowl before my stomach went on the warpath. Something was rising through my bowels and it wasn't happy thoughts. Once I stopped eating the devil's noodles things were beginning the slow decent to normalcy, however, it was fast approaching 10 PM or 9 PM. The important thing is that it was getting late, and a decision was bearing down on me, would I spend my first night in Shanghai resting off the plane ride, or attacking and burning the city to the ground? Finally I decided to venture out in the Shanghai night, with no expectations, loan money to burn, thirsty gullets, and open minds, when I got into the taxi I told the driver where to go, to a street with "a lot of shops where foreigners go." For day one that was good enough for me.

Suddenly a phrase from a Chinese history book popped into my head, in the nineteenth century Shanghai was known as The Whore of the Orient.

I wandered down the street a bit trying to gleam a little insight from anyone sober enough to walk in a crooked line and were given directions to a few of the more substantial good souvenir shops. I moved down the street a few blocks where the sights ranged from a 20 foot statue of an Indian, (feathers not dots) a bowling alley/trance club combination, a Turkish restaurant/Hookah bar and a myriad of Irish pubs, a T.G.I. Fridays, and about a dozen crones offering massages with what I imagine would be the happiest of endings to a blind man. I clearly had stumbled onto Gringo Ground Zero in Shanghai.

There was an epic metal fence around the street corner opposite me, and the inside of what sounded like a hugely crowded establishment was completely obscured by huge shrubs. As I turned the corner a horde of tired looking Chinese woman offering massages came charging at us like some kind of hooker cavalry. I ducked, dodged, weaved and fled in terror and pretty soon I was in the courtyard of Zepatas, Mexican restaurant by day, expat sanatorium by night. I was completely surrounded by large white men looking down the shirts of short Chinese women. Half of the patrons wore suits, and the other half looked like grungy, drunk, and loud. I was happy with the turn of events...and then 80's rock emanating from the bar area.

I stayed on for some undisclosed amount of time before getting into a cab. The cab sped off into the night, through the dizzying maze of a new city on the first night. I made a recap of the night as the taxi flew past the half dozen establishments I'd frequented that evening and after about 17,000 apartment complexes flashed by the windows we were back home.

Soon after I got back I decided it was about time to collapse in my new bed.
Welcome to Shanghai.
Rest of the Odyssey I'll continue some other day.... :)

With love and Regards,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-31, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 29TH JUNE'09, 23.58 HRS

2009-06-30T01:12:00.002+01:00

How to be a Super Dad ???

We don’t need any superman like ability to deal with the tiny tots or teenage children. Just a careful watch and spending time with them makes a significant difference in their development.

Following quotes I like very much~

"Parents are not the only voice in your children's ear, so you better be the best voice, the clearest voice, the most influential voice in your children's ear." - Jay McGraw

"With all of the media influences today, Parents need to have the 'best voice' that really gets through to their children." - Jay McGraw

Positive dad involvement is an important factor in children's healthy development. Studies show that when dads participate in learning, children are more likely to receive higher marks, enjoy school more and are less likely to repeat a grade. Simply sharing books and reading with children can lead to better school performance and a closer bond with dad. Academic success starts long before your children start school and parents are children's first and most important teachers. This close and positive relationship starts early in children's lives when dads and kids spend special time together.

Dads sharing the work and play of raising kids can really make a difference.

Dads are a powerful influence on children's literacy achievement in many ways other than just sharing books. Children also enjoy looking at and reading maps, cartoons, sports cards, project assembly instructions etc. Brochures, newspapers and magazines appeal to many dads and young children as well.

Point out and read environmental print while on excursions with your child. Even the youngest child loves reading the big M for McDonald's and the STOP sign at the end of your street.

Children love to hear dad tell stories about when he was young especially if it's done in a fun and playful rough and tumble way. Dads can talk to children about old photos that tell stories of their childhood. Most children also get a kick out of hearing knock-knock jokes, nonsense rhymes and silly jingles. Listen to stories on DVD while driving together in the car for added fun.

For becoming a responsible and better dad one has to take following steps ~

1. Ask your child~

a) What can I do to be a better Dad?
b) What can we do together to have more fun?
2. Engage in your children's lives. Learn about their day.
3. Ask your wife for her ideas about connecting with your kids.
4. Appreciate that our children need to "Individuate".
5. Learn from others. Talk with your friends.
6. Bring "Best Practices" into your home.
7. Communicate with them. When we lecture we lose them.
8. Understand the balancing of YES and NO to our children's requests.
9. Make a commitment to be your best for your family.
10. Appreciate that you will need to "Adjust the Plan"

Set a GOAL to be a Great Dad, HUG your Child Daily, Tell them you LOVE them ! Get to KNOW your Kids, Set a game plan to SPEND TIME together
Have DINNER Together as often as possible

Hope my understanding of a becoming a Super dad may be helpful to the many.

With Love and regard,

A very good night…

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-30, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 28TH JUNE'09, 18.10 HRS

2009-06-28T18:10:00.001+01:00

Taking care of others or taking care of yourself

The ways we communicate our feelings, beliefs and ideas to others are influenced by our cultural backgrounds, the way we were raised, and sometimes which side of the bed we got up on this morning. Some of us are very mindful of others making decisions we hope will be in their best interests, even if it means sometimes neglecting our own interests. Others of us believe each person should be responsible for themselves, taking deep pride in our own character and independence with a firm belief that others are best served by doing the same. Illustrating the dimension of your personality that determines your independence or your desire to reach out and touch others in meaningful ways.

For people who are ruled by tender-hearted compassion, your more diplomatic response to problems might seem too cool, too focused on fairness and not filled enough with sympathy and selflessness.

For them, when someone's life is on fire, what is needed is not collaboration but rescue. And the person who experiences their life on fire may resent the time you take to contemplate. "I need you, and I need you NOW! This isn't about fairness, it's about the fire." "All deliberate speed" may seem too deliberate and not fast enough, either to the more compassionate or to people in genuine trouble.

At the other end of the spectrum of compassion, those who believe people should take care of themselves may find even your thoughtful sympathies too soft. They expect people, themselves included, to work their own way out of trouble. They are convinced that the helping hand you lend just fosters dependence and is not good for the development of character, either in you or in the person you assist.

Many people, perhaps the majority, will come to appreciate of balancing as a compassionate person. The more they get to know , the more they will admire the thoughtful compassion for others and its compliment in the sensible ways as you take good care of yourself.

Those whom you help will appreciate the way you leave them with their dignity by expecting them to collaborate in their own rescue. Those who are more tender-hearted will find in you a balance they lack; when they've run out of energy because they fail to take good care of themselves, you will still have enough compassion left to lift others out of trouble.

Even the tough-hearted, those who believe people should solve their own problems, might come to admire your tenderness which they don't find in themselves. So the people you help will be grateful, and the people who see your balance between self and others will admire you. Certainly, balanced is not bad at all as a way to be known among your friends.

How firmly committed are you to the ideas and beliefs that govern your thinking and guide your behavior? Some people trust their current ideas and beliefs the way a climber trusts the mountain; whichever way they move, whether the climb is on a familiar trail or over new ground, there is something solid beneath them, something they count on.

For others, new ideas, new solutions to old problems, new beliefs that replace tired convictions are like welcome wind in their sails. They can hardly wait to tack in a new direction and ride a new idea through uncharted waters. If it's new, it's interesting, and they're ready to explore.

Just these thoughts popped up in mind so thought of sharing it with you all. Let me know if any of you agree to these or not.

With love and regards,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-29 : HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA 27TH JUNE'09 23.51 HRS

2009-06-27T23:50:00.002+01:00

INDIAN TOURISM

When we see around the middle east and particularly Dubai we have to learn some lesson from the Visionary full proof plan by the ruler of Dubai. How he took pain to convert a desert into a leisure and luxury land and a tourist attraction. India the vast country we all know even though not able to garner more tourists as per its size geographically. Actually we lack the political will to promote the tourism in India otherwise Plethora of tourist interest places are there in each and every state of India. I think each and every state has to take their own initiative to make their state tourist conducive, develop infrastructure, good transportation system, proper security and information channels.

India is very rich in its culture, India's history goes back at least five thousand years, making it one of the oldest cultures of the world. its chequered fortunes are reflected in the infinite variety of its monuments- forts, palaces, temples and mausoleum.

Its variations in topography and climate make the hundreds of interesting destinations: the scenic hill stations, the old deserts of ladakh, the green valleys of Himachal ,the rain forests of the the North East, the desert regions of Rajasthan, the extensive sun-drenched beaches, the wild sanctuaries......

The Indian tradition of hospitality together with the variety of destinations and a well developed tourist infrastructure make India an ideal venture for holidays, business meetings, Medical tourism and conventions.
It require a focused attention to develop this nation as a tourist friendly then that day is not far away when INDIA will be on the top of tourist map.

With lots of love and regards,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-28, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 26TH JUNE'09, 23.32 HRS

2009-06-27T06:41:00.002+01:00

MICHAEL JACKSON AND CRICKET

It is in my gene, prior to start of the day I like to get a dose of Indian news on Indian channels.As on routine I was hearing a piece of news and suddenly Breaking News Flashing started showing that the KING OF POP is dead. First I can't believed it, rubbed my eyes twice and again with wide open eyes read again and again but it was cruel truth.I felt completely melancholy. Switched to another channels like Sky News and Fox News to get more info regarding "Michael Jackson's" demise.
My first introduction with MJ was long before when Thriller was making a wave, one of my friend brought his cassette and we played and I personally found his voice was unique, music was very good completely thrilling but have to confess was not able to understand his accent. I searched and arranged lyrics book for Thriller and then enjoyed his each and every work.
I became ardent fan of MJ and collected almost all of his Cd's and DVDs. I have not seen anyone dancing even closer to the similarity of MJ. He seems like a rubber who can move each and every part of his body.

Our Bollywood own Mithun Chakravarthy was on demand that days as he try to ape MJ's move.
MJ will always be a bright north star in Music world. I personally felt very saddened. Miss you MJ and I know no one is going to feel the void created by you.

As it was a Friday, I slept in afternoon and wake up at 1800 hrs, took a coffee and switched on TV to see ODI Cricket between India and West Indies where India won a thrilling victory by 20 runs. A superb century knock by Yuvraaj has brought India in a commandeer position. But when West Indies started batting a point has came when there was feeling if match should not turn in favor of west Indies but Men in Blue has done their clinical job and finished off nicely.

With love and regards,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-27, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 25TH JUNE'09, 23.21 HRS

2009-06-26T00:01:00.001+01:00

LOVE AND PEACE

Heard news from all over world and particularly in Asia and middle east that one or another country's suicide bombers are blasting themselves and killing innocent people. Suicidal terrorism has increased manifold in the recent years. Why it is happening...under what despondency any individual agree to blew themselves...its real matter of analysis and study...is it happening due to lack of political will in different country...why brainwashing of any individual to do this heinous act of suicidal attack?
I believe it was Isaac Asimov who wrote, "Violence is the last resort of the incompetent."
World Peace is the most urgent issue facing humankind today. Terrorism is a more urgent problem now than are disease, crime, illiteracy, poverty, natural disasters, and the disintegration of the world's Eco-system. World Peace is even more important than the campaigns against political tyranny and the suppression of human rights and freedoms.
How can this be? Poverty, starvation, and disease mean painful, inhuman living conditions for millions of humans everywhere. Crime, murder, and political torture by humans against humans seems unnecessarily redundant when added to the suffering caused by floods, hurricanes, volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, auto accidents, lightning strikes, and the occasional meteor falling on somebodies head.
This isn't a time for despondency. It is a time for optimism. This isn't a time to look backward with regret. We need to look forward with hope and purpose and commitment. Now isn't the time to let political setbacks drain our resolve. It is the time to remember that progress doesn't follow a straight line. Setbacks are a natural part of gaining ground.

Hope very soon world peace should prevail.

With love and regards,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-26, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 25TH JUNE'09, 05.30AM

2009-06-25T06:20:00.003+01:00

AGONY OR SAY PAIN

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me” (Psalm 50:15 NKJ).

When troubles come, if you’re like me, you try to figure out what the problem is, and how it got started. Those two things are usually simple to detect. It’s the why that’s more complex and harder to understand; at least it is for me.

Psychogenic pain presents as real physical pain caused by a psychological problem. This means the pain is caused by any individuals mental or emotional issues. And experience of this Psychogenic pain is not less than the physical pain as it triggers the same symptoms what one experience in physical pain. One has to understand why it happens....why one feel so down??? What is the direct relation between pain, agony and joy....

Its better to take some time to reflect on your own painful experiences, to admit to yourself that your emotional pain is real, to recognize that countless others face similar circumstances, and to allow yourself some modest optimism that you may be able to grow beyond the pain.

To live life without negative thoughts, depression, stress and escape behaviors is to live a life in true freedom. A life free of hurting others, free of shame, guilt, fear, free from hollow resolves and one failure after another is priceless. Few may find it !

As explained by a pain management guru~

"Pain, even agony, is no more than information before the senses, data fed to the computer of the mind. The lesson is simple: you have received the information, now act on it. Take control of the input and you shall become master of the output."

How to reach the state of contentment and peace if anyone of you know please send their opinion......

Have a nice time.....

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-25, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 23RD JUNE'09, 21.16 HRS

2009-06-23T21:14:00.003+01:00

DETERMINATION

We know the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming of it.
If anyone determine with full dedication it is very much possible to achieve the goal.

Three key attributes to accomplishing personal goals; desire, dedication and determination or simply the three D's.

The three D's are at the forefront of any one's success; whether in a person's personal or professional life. Now if these people: the amputee, the overweight lady, the blind man, and the older man, were told that they had to be able to maintain an average waistline, run 1.5 miles, do some push-ups and sit-ups and had three years to train for it, do you think they'd be able to accomplish the challenge? Seems like a silly question doesn't it?

Just as many of us have the desire, dedication and determination to succeed in the personal, professional, spiritual and emotional facets of our lives; we must also use the three D's to succeed in the physical fitness facet of our lives. When physical fitness is made a priority in people's lives people can make good progress towards success.

You gotta do it. This is the whole concept behind Nike's ad, "Just Do It." Dedication is what separates the common from the champion.

"The will to win is the most over-estimated phenomenon in sport. It's not the will to win – everyone wants to win. It's the will to prepare to win that makes winners."

What about you? Are you willing to work hard to win? If your Coach were to ask you to do some extra drills after practice, what would your attitude be?

Someone put it this way: Success is 90 percent perspiration and 10 percent inspiration.

To be a champion in life requires developing a balance in every area of your life – the physical, the mental, and the spiritual.

Feeling very sleepy....have a very good night...

With lots of love,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-24, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 22ND JUNE '09, 23.21 HRS

2009-06-22T23:20:00.002+01:00

FRIENDS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE IN OUR LIFE~

When we were very small, we realized that having friends was important to us. Some of us even had imaginary friends or our beloved pets became our intimate pals. Sometimes, even our teddies and other stuffed animals snuggled with us at night and listened to our dreams and secrets. The need for friends continued as we grew into our teens and began to find our own identities. Friends were a big part of forming our personalities and supporting who we had become. As adults, it is still important for us to have friends. Our spouses often are our most intimate friends. But friends, outside of family bonds, can be our greatest comfort and allies.

Interestingly, a recent study by Pennsylvania State University revealed something that men and women have probably known for a long time. Men and women react differently to stress in a social context. Men have a tendency to either go off by themselves or engage in a highly competitive sport with other men. Women seek each other out and commiserate, either engaging in a group project (charity work or the old fashioned sewing circle) or just a confab together (going for coffee or having a girls night out).

Regardless of gender, friendships help lower our blood pressure, our heart rates, and our cholesterol levels. The Nurses' Health Study at the Harvard Medical School concluded that, for women, not having friends was as bad for their health as obesity or smoking. In fact, friendships can help us live longer, and they can most definitely help us manage stress.

Friends offer acceptance and emotional support. They also help occasionally with the practical aspects of day-to-day living.

I am remembering my childhood days when during summer holidays my friends use to utter different animal sounds from outside my house signalling me that they are waiting outside of my house. I use to pack quickly my bathing towel and swimming trunk and slowly go out of the house without telling anyone in house.This I had to do as I was not permitted to go out during summer and that too in noon.We go to a near by "Talaav" ... Water Pond where we put a competition that who will go much farther and pluck a Lotus flower and come back fast. I learned my swimming from that Talaav using football bladder or using four wheeler's tube. It was an amazing experience doing that things and when we return home it was a sure to get a scold. I never tell lie to my parent whatever I did I use to narrate them so I use to get less scold but next time again I do the same act and it was my luck sometimes get caught and sometimes not.

Today in this hap hazard busy life when time is not enough even to take lunch properly.So, it is ridiculous to imagine how to meet with your long lost friends.The horse of my imagination was galloping and an Idea popped up in my mind if and iffen technology should become advance of that stage where when we should be able to Video chat one should shake hands by purchasing credit for 1 min for USD 10 or so....it will be of great advantage when friends at both ends can feel the human touch....any scientist or inventors...any take...pl let me know how you guys like my idea???

With lots of love & regards,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-23, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 21ST JUNE'09, 23.21 HRS

2009-06-21T23:18:00.008+01:00

FATHER, DAD, PAPA...YOU CALL BY ANY NAME....!!!

Father! - to God himself we cannot give a holier name. ~William Wordsworth
My role model was my dad who was a very disciplined and a self made man. I miss him terribly as he was my mentor, my guide, my friend, my counsellor and my well wisher who show me the correct path which I followed religiously.......the VOID created due to his untimely demise is unbearable. He was pillar of strength for our family.
“Until you have a child of your own . . . you will never know the joy, the love beyond feeling that resonates in the heart of a father as he looks upon his child. You will never know the sense of honor that makes a man want to be more than he is and to pass something good and hopeful into the hands of his child. And you will never know the heartbreak of the fathers who are haunted by the personal demons that keep them from being the men they want their child to be.”
I got fatherhood after 10 long years of our marriage so, who will better know about the child and a dad's relationship. Again I become daddy of my little angel Son. My joy had no bound in becoming proud dad of 2 toddlers. I have developed a very good relationship with my children.
It is due to career perspective I have to live alone temporarily. I am missing by each passing day the mischievous acts of my children....the contagious smile...the tight hugs..kisses......their very sharp observations of each and everything...their lot of queries...feeling helpless for not being with them but always connected with them...hearing sweet voice of my little angels makes my day.
The bond, the affection, security and comfort my little angels get when I take both of them in my arms.
Here are my two little angels who are 5500 miles away from me. Lets see permanently when I'll be there with them~
Aastha in a jubilant mood on a slide.

The wanderer Aaryan at his full might.... :)

Time to bid a very good night....

Love you all....

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-22, HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 20TH JUNE'09, 23.38 HRS

2009-06-21T00:17:00.001+01:00

COLLEAGUE , FRIEND OR FOE…I DON'T KNOW…..??

"Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; so does the sweetness of a friend's counsel that comes from the heart."

I landed on 22^nd Feb'97 in UAE when I joined an Oman based co for carrying out its project in Dubai. After completion of this project got transferred to Oman for carrying out company's other project and In the course of my career, I made a friend who was my colleague, he was more than a brother to me, but as the time passing by I don't know what confusion took place between us or he get influenced by other co-worker and hence sabotage of our friendly relationship. Actually he was surrounded by lot of sub-ordinates and he may get influenced against me. I tried my best not to let the situation slide.

At lot of instances I gave time to cool down. Not responded in the heat of the moment. Instead, waited until situation become calm to start a discussion.

I Looked at the situation from every angle. What was my colleague's intentions? Did I played any role in the problem? Tried to analyse myself. Before confronting with him, tried to identify his motives, as well as any steps I could have taken to avoid the situation.

When a friend's counsel cuts through the confusion and unwinds the threads of heartache, anger, frustration and unrest, peace and order takes over. Understanding prevails. And even though the situation doesn't change, I change for the situation. My mind is able to set itself upon a solution and my heart is able to rest in God's grace to get me through it. Sometimes I just need affirmation; I just need to know that what I see in God's Word is what He intends for me to see. I need validation; I need to know my actions are not simply self-serving, that my thoughts are pure. I want to deal with people with the same grace I've received from Him. I want to stand strong in His righteousness without being pious or condemning. I want to rest in His peace without warring in my soul. I want to know what to avoid so I do not fall into temptation.

Any of you have gone through this kind of phase, if yes, then please share over here.

With love and regards,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-21, HASSI MESSAOUD, 19TH JUNE'09, 21.18 HRS

2009-06-19T21:17:00.005+01:00

DAD N ME

At times remembrance flow out like a lava from the dead volcano. A child who always be the apple of his parents eye remember his childhood where how he was, cradled in the arm of parent...“The toddler craves independence but…fears desertion.”

I remember that old days when anything required, either it is any object or emotional support always my dad was there like a God. It was the time when normally child try to do something on his own and get scolded by their parent but it was adverse in my case as when I try to do something I get an encouragement from my dad and if anything wrong then he explained me very lucidly about its pros and cons.

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.He always use to tell me that ‘You’re the most wonderful boy in the world, and you can do anything you want to.’ Growing up in my dad's shadow has given me self confidence, built me to take my own decision. He was better than thousands of school teachers.

The neat habits which he inculcate in me still I cherish that. He was my role model. Never I have seen him smoking or boozing or had any affair, he was a pure vegetarian a very good dad and a very good husband for my "Maa". I do understand for becoming good dad one has to be good husband too and that instill the good values in the children. Child learn what they observe in their house.

I admit my dad has always supported me financially as well as emotionally. I too never ever taken any undue advantage of his liberty and used my senses before doing anything. I was trying to become independent and finally after completion of engineering when I joined a company in Mumbai he was overjoyed and his joy has no bound when I informed that I got an overseas assignment.

He went to heavenly abode on 09th June'1995 and left all of us completely deserted from his love, smile, his aroma of presence.

I remember each and every moment spent with him from the time I got my senses.

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.”And now I am father of 2 little angels one my 4 yr old daughter and other 23 months old my son. I am trying my best to instill the same values in my kids what I received from my dad.

I love you dad. You are the best dad of the world...keep showering your blessings on all of us from your heavenly abode.

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-20, HASSI MESSAOUD, 18TH JUNE'09, 2058 HRS

2009-06-18T21:18:00.001+01:00

Contrary to popular belief, we don't know much. As individuals, as a species, our information isn't great and there is so much out there that isn't clearly understood. And all those who state otherwise, or who never admit to having their own shortcomings, shouldn't be taken seriously. My information isn't perfect, yours isn't perfect, your neighbours and friends isn't perfect.

But that's the beauty of it all - all that's out there to discover, to invest ourselves in new knowledge and discovery, and creating new and better ways of doing things. As we progress, we easily understand that yesterday's thinking was perhaps foolish, or short-sighted, or simply flat out wrong. Our fast-paced society has no time for yesterday, and the best practices spread around the world like wildfire. We learn, we grow, and we move on.
"Like water, this rising tide of data can be viewed as an abundant, vital and necessary resource. With enough preparation, we should be able to tap into that reservoir -- and ride the wave -- by utilizing new ways to channel raw data into meaningful information. That information, in turn, can then become the knowledge that leads to wisdom." ~ Les Alberthal
The idea is that information, knowledge, and wisdom are more than simply collections. Rather, the whole represents more than the sum of its parts and has a synergy of its own.
Information, knowledge is like a tidal wave which is available everywhere only required to tap into the reservoir.

Feeling very tired due to heavy workout and signing out...very good night... :)

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-19, HASSI MESSAOUD, 17TH JUNE'09, 2345 HRS

2009-06-17T23:45:00.003+01:00

Safety index of any projects govern that how it follows the HSE norms and in what better way its interspersed in the employees.

It has been found that in all the projects HSE requirements are forced by the HSE advisers and employees doesn't try to understand the consequences if any thing goes wrong if they don't follow the correct safety practices.My understanding is that if all the line managers and supervisors follow the golden safety rules then it is possible to avoid any untoward incidents.

And wherever it is followed and people makes the safety paramount that projects succeeds. Normally in the gulf HSE practices followed strictly in Oil and Gas industries but sorry to state

that still it has to come up to the international standard in India exception some large Petrochemical and Oil and Gas industries.

Here is a picture "Ghajini in Making"~ :D hahahhaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Enjoy........

Have a good night......... :)

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-18, HASSI MESSAOUD, 16TH JUNE'09, 2140 HRS

2009-06-16T21:20:00.004+01:00

Same routine...following the production, meetings, planning for resources, reports and finally day off..badminton and gym to force myself to the extreme to get tiringly tired..the pain which gives happiness.

Finally India could not saved even the little chances of glory and lost the match with SA. What I believe cricket has become now absolute commercial shop and not remained only a game...all the players subjected to sever hectic schedule playing different country matches and hectic IPL, they didn't even get proper rest and went to play T-20 matches.

Today booked complete tour of Himachal Pradesh which we are going cover in 10 days sometimes in July'09.

Daily use to talk to the little angels and it gives me immense pleasure and a heavenly feeling, also feel melancholy of not able to be with them.

Is it the life demands??? Not able to decide the journey of life taking me into which way??

Good night.....

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-17, HASSI MESSAOUD, 15TH JUNE'09, 2106 HRS

2009-06-15T21:05:00.005+01:00

Life is full of happiness, sorrow, material, lonliness, love, desire, void.

I remember Wordsworth's famous poem "The Daffodils," taking on the subject of being alone:

"I wandered lonely as a cloud"……………..taking this I thought of searching words to describe the lonliness~

when on my bed I lie

In void or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude...

Above us everywhere are stars, Beneath us only constellations.

Five billion miles away when a galaxy dies

it pretends like a snowflake falling on water.

“Pray that your loneliness may spur you into finding something to live for, great enough to die for.”

Sleep is becoming heavier than anything it willing to transport me to the world of dream…a 4^th world full of illusion…let me live there for a while….good night.

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-16, HASSI MESSAOUD, 14TH JUNE'09, 2345 HRS

2009-06-14T23:45:00.002+01:00

Hi....

Day started coolly, fabrication shop, office, reports, spools, meeting, heat in between lunch and finally close of the day. Evening started with India Vs England T-20 super 8 match but aghast India loses by just 3 runs. Makes the mood completely melancholy. But remembered that yes Cricket is the game of uncertainties. One has to delve deeper to know where Team India went wrong who was the world champ in T-20 matches
Success is bounding from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.”
Following ghazal line I remember always~
"Peshaniye hayat pe aise ho bal pade, hasne ko dil ne chaha magar aansoo nikal pade:.
Love you all...fingers are saying that we too got retired hurt so please give me break...so I have to give break to my fingers....

With love and best wishes,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-15, HASSI MESSAOUD, 13TH JUNE' 09, 2358 HRS

2009-06-13T23:57:00.001+01:00

Wake up with the shrilling sound of the alarm as today was the first day of the week so it was sure that day is going to be a little hectic.
Donned in coverall and the safety gear went to the office. Outside mercury was rising up to 44 deg plus with the scorching sun. Here heat is entirely different from what one experience in India. There is very less humidity and the climate is almost dry. It is told that Sahara desert having the highest temperature on this planet earth during summer. Life at Sahara desert is very tough with harsh climate and barren soil.
Had to take few snaps of our base so hooked to the safety harness and went up to the 23 metres using man basket of a crane. View was completely white due to sharp sun rays but managed to take few aerial pictures.
When I was hanging on the man basket of the crane I was remembering travelling from Hassi Mesaoud to Hassi Remel by company’s chartered flight and you can’t believe that the view was very pathetic at some places and eye pleasing at some place.
Its parched, forbidding landscape took shape thousands of years, but even today, the Sahara is constantly changing. It is a matter of study that how the local caravaneers survive this harsh dry climate?
Even though living in this desert I thanks to the God that we got all the amenities to survive and lead a better life till whatever time we are here.
Liked this quote on Sahara desert~
“If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara desert, in 5 years there’d be shortage of sand”.

Now time to sleep…wishing you all a good night…

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-14, HASSI MESSAOUD, 12TH JUNE'09, 2105 HRS

2009-06-12T21:05:00.007+01:00

It was a weekend even though we work half day as it is normal in oil and gas industry to work in weekend as it directly related to production, schedule of the project.
As yesterday I told that today I am going to discuss related to unfaithfulness in a relationship. So, here it goes~

INFIDELITY~

“It is necessary to the happiness of man that he be mentally faithful to himself. Infidelity does not consist in believing or in disbelieving; it consists in professing to believe what he does not believe.”

~Thomas Paine

A spouse's unfaithfulness is the most painful experience that can be inflicted in marriage.

Some feelings that are prominent when a couple experiences cheating in their marriage include:

Shame, Guilt, Blame, Anger, Hurt, Disappointment, Rage, Embarrassment, Forgiveness, Jealousy, Lust, Resentment, Denial, Mis-trust.

Nothing shakes a marriage to its core like an extra marital affair. Nothing. Not money problems, not interfering in-laws, not poor communication, not kid burnout and not colliding careers. None of these come even close. An outside affair blows through a marriage like a tornado. It turns everything upside down and inside out. Most of all it leaves trust, sacred to any marriage, in shreds. Rekindling that trust is essential but it’s difficult, tricky business.

Why are extra marital affairs so common and are they really insurmountable? Are so many marriages that bad that its inevitable that one or both partners stray? Probably not. Really bad marriages are the minority. But so are the really good ones. That leaves an awful lot of marriages in the middle, just idling along on automatic pilot. It’s these relationships that are most vulnerable.

Hurt feelings covered over by anger are another reason affairs happen. The spouse who cheats is very often acting out an anger from within their marriage. This doesn’t mean they are justified in doing so. It means their ability to deal with feelings in a less hurtful way is flawed. It is never a good idea to cope with or try to solve a problem in your marriage by getting involved with someone else outside it.

You need immediate action, a commitment between you and your spouse to change your relationship around immediately. Focus intently on what your marital commitment must mean. Make a firm decision to start today with a new vision, one full of hope and renewed confidence that with diligent effort and focus will offer you a wonderful marriage.

Start your relationship from scratch, and try to set your sights on learning new skills and attitudes. Replace the sadness of your marriage with a firm determination to make it work with love.

If you want to suggest something then please post your comment.

With lots of love.....Good night...:)

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-13, HASSI MESSAOUD, 11TH JUNE'09 23.40HRS

2009-06-11T23:39:00.003+01:00

Got up in the morning with the whirling sound of generator which was running far away and near the fabrication shops.Thereafter as usual routine. Base manager returned from his leave.

Yesterday I was discussing about the purpose of life.Is it the mantra of success lies with professionalism domain or in all sphere of life.Child goes under peer pressure to perform well.And if at any point of time they fail in their exams then they may take some drastic action ..even to end life.So, my question is life is only worth for these exams...why parent doesn't counsel their ward that failing is not the end of life instead its an stepping stone to the success. Theory apart, every parent must encourage their ward to do something which interests them...viz they may excel in music, sports etc. For becoming successful in our professional life even we stretch our limit beyond our control and which makes the blunder. So, one has to workout in such a way that even carrying out their hectic work mind should be stress free.

The main mul mantra of a successful life live within of each self and only every individual has to uncover it.
As the time is running out I am gonna discuss a bold subject tomorrow which is called Infidelity as I read and seen lot of regarding it but no personal experience.
Time to go to bed....good night...:)

With warm love and regards,

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-12, HASSI MESSAOUD, 10TH JUNE'09, 2330HRS

2009-06-11T00:14:00.001+01:00

Same routine work another day and another time frame with another zeal passed by.

Following quote is my fav~

"When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than my talent for absorbing positive knowledge."

-Albert Einstein

One can come across lot of people those are busy for nothing but they will pretend that they having lot of problems and they are very busy.
Within our personal life, from time to time, various disturbances (sometimes small - once in a while really big) appear. Again, we fight them. We label them as bad. But they are ultimately good. Very good. Because they cause our evolution. They make us bigger. Stronger. And they introduce us to dormant powers we didn't know we had. Like the forest, the curve balls of life clear out the old to make way for the new. And better.

Nature's a great teacher. And just as it runs under a series of immutable laws, so does profession. Along with life.

So, believing into the facts from the sacred Gita - Whatever happened in the past was for good, what is happening now is for our good and what will happen in the future will be good for us.
Heard so many Orators on life philosophy. But what best thing I found that everyone including me says proudly that yes I have read this and that books but none of us can confirm that we are following the teachings which were conveyed to us though their books.
What you say??? How to cope up with day to day life?Do you need some sort of developed program to guide your inner being to act into meditative direction.
Just give a thought that what is the purpose of life?? Where we all are heading for.....we will discuss all these later on...now time to bed...a very good night... :)

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-10/11 HASSI MESSAOUD, 9TH JUNE'09 22.52HRS

2009-06-09T22:51:00.007+01:00

8th and 9th June'09 was very hectic since had been to Algiers on 8th morning visited there one paint manufacturer and our paint sub-contractor to get the feel and expedite the paint delivery as our painting work is getting delayed at Hassi Messaoud base and in all these the whole day has gone. Returned to the hotel-took shower and came down to take a stroll on the street as nothing much was there so came back to the hotel took dinner and went to sleep since its already midnight.

Today-9th June'09 in morning had been to US embassy for my non immigrant visa and finally I got it after that went to Blida 50kms away from Algiers to inspect Diesel tanks which are getting manufactured at our vendors facility.Came back directly from Vendors facility to office in Algiers and immediately to hotel at 03.30pm took my brief lunch, checked out of hotel and rushed to airport for coming back to Hassi Messaoud. So, finally I am back and now writing this post at my ease.
I remember following quote by~MARK THORNTON

"Our hectic schedules are crammed with crises, to-do lists, issues marked urgent and overflowing in trays... Far away from everyday events, at your core, lies a place of quiet, calm, serenity, and stillness... Feeling connected to life and your core can be an everyday and effortless activity."

How, why, when and where we have to carry out meditation. Lot of pundits has suggested their theories but what I feel that doing a " SAVAASAN " for 10 to 15 minutes before going to sleep on the bed will definitely help in a great way and relaxes your mind as well as soul. It provides a good deep sleep within minutes provided its done in A proper way. I know its really very difficult to take out time during the days, may be day time suits to somebody but normally what I have observed most of the people feel good to carry out this "Aasan" just before going to sleep.

Also, reading book like "THE MONK WHO SOLD HIS FERRARI" by Robin S. Sharma gives a lot of inner thought to improve our mental condition.

Well I am not here to give any lecture but I have shared my personal feeling.

Let me know guys how and what you feel regarding Meditation.

Time to take a deep sleep after Savaasan.....:)

A very good night.........:)

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA

DAY-009 HASSI MESSAOUD, ALGERIA, 7TH JUNE'09 2352HRS

2009-06-08T00:09:00.004+01:00

Today's day went as usual..reviewed our planned and actual production and found that we are ahead of the planned production so, that was one solace. Its my third consecutive year when I was not along with my wife for celebrating Anniversary.Only wishes exchanged on phone but today made a resolution that from now onwards we will not miss any anniversary.

Fine... tomorrow morning have to go to Algiers for some official work and my flight is there at 6 in the morning and will be back at base on 9th June'09 evening.

I was going through the development analysis of state Bihar and found that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has done a marvellous job and brought Bihar on the path of development and thanks to the technology and his initiative that he is accessible on the click of a mouse.

Bigb I am really a big fan and admirer of you but sorry to say that I didn't kept patience and lifted these few pictures from your blogsite as these pictures were originally clicked by you while shooting for "PAA" yesterday at your shooting studio~Let me too share this with the netizens~

Now time to go to bed as tomorrow will be a hectic day.

Good night.........:)

MANOJ KUMAR OJHA