People ask me whether i don't miss home. Considering that India is not in the neighbourhood of western Europe. Of course, i miss home, but not desperately. Yes, there are instances where i so want to be home, but those are a few. Thanks to the internet, i see my folks regularly and talk to them.

Home is always there. I can go there anytime i want and still nothing's changed much. Both the people and the place. The red-oxide floor, the well and my room. Amma asking us what we'd like for breakfast or the sit-down dinners. I do understand that things will change, but you do get my point, don't you?

I remember  the first few times i traveled to Bengaluru from Mysuru. The first thing that i would do was to go around the house to see if everything was the same. I had the impression that i would find things different when i went home. You know, you are not in that place and somehow you tend to think that the table in your room is by the window or not. Then i realized that things will be as they were, that table stays where it always has. I guess this knowledge comforts me to a huge extent.

When the season of jack fruits presents itself, with the heady smell of the fruit wafting in the air, i'm reminded of Mysuru. The chips that are available at stores here in Bengaluru are hard and improperly fried.

A friend used to get home-made jack fruit chips for us. And we made it a point to remind him to do so even if he forgot. That's when i actually started enjoying then.
We used to fight for our share, or rather, for more than our share. I can taste them now. Fried to a perfect level, the sweetness of the fruit, the gentle sprinkling of salt and red chilli powder.

Wow!

I have not lived in a rural setting for more than a couple of days. However my friends during my M.Sc. days in Mysore tried educating me on the ways of peasants and how village life is. This apart, i've been repeatedly told that people from villages migrate to towns and cities in search of money and bread. And labourers are hard to come by these days.

If this is the case, whatever will happen to our agricultural practices. Seriously, if everybody comes to universities, gain degrees and get 'educated' in a sense of the word, who will farm our lands, and do everything else connected to it?

If i'm not wrong, most of our small-scale and cottage industries are also suffering due to this trend (very sad, significant traditions are also lost this way). No wonder, the prices of Ikat sarees have almost doubled in a span of three/four years.

The autowallahs in Bengalooru have changed. Quite drastically. They have the lost the appreciable touch of being friendly to commuters. Quite like the scene in Mysuru or Chennai.

Before i went to Mysuru i used to praise our autodrivers. They really never demanded extra unless it was after ten in the night and they never denied a commuter his journey to a particular place. It's the opposite these days. Not a nice feature, this. Guess this is part of urbanisation, and we'll have to simply accept it.

Now that the festivals are around the corner, i miss the journeying-to-Bengaluru bit. The trains would be filled beyond its brim. And there was this excitement in the air amongst us in Mysuru as that was the apt time to travel back home. More than half the size of my class comprised of outsiders hailing from various geographical locations. We used to cancel classes, in fact my professors themselves did that at times.

On finishing the short visit to one's house, stories would be shared along with eatables brought from different parts of Karnataka. I was always asked to get something prepared in my house. But seriously, there's nothing really specific to Bengaluru in this aspect.

When i see people scurrying to their towns to celebrate the festivities, i'm reminded of my days.

Of late, i've started appreciating film songs from old Hindi and Kannada films. Well, i never bothered listening to them a few years ago. Some lyrics and tunes are really catchy. Maybe it is the melody which makes one want to listen to them after a tiring day.

When i was in Mysuru, the 'fm' channels made their entry into the local airspace. They played only Kannada songs. That's when i began to liking some old music, i guess.

A lot of greenery and very few people around reminds me of the Western Ghats. Luckily, i've been there a couple of times. The lush green that surrounds one, the quiet sounds of the dense forests, the wetness of the damp earth there, describes nature in a most pristine manner.

Few weeks ago, i went around one of the localities on the outskirts of Bengaluru. A lonely road, with no soul visible on it's sides, some bushes and trees lining the road, i was taken back to the verdant locales. Only to see a building after a bend.

Times were good when i was in Mysuru. I've had memorable moments. Then, i had the opportunity to visit a few locations in this geographical area. During the rains. To visit them again would definitely be a delight.

In Chennai, i realized people who drive autos charge exorbitantly. Really. Much more than those from Mysuru do. They see tourists and request them not to travel in anything else but their autos. They demand huge sums which are hardly negotiable. And then finally go back to what they were doing earlier - pick out suitable customers from the crowd on the road.

I had this habit (let's say, i still have, but i've not been continuing this for more than a few months) where i doodled on my skin. Mostly on my left hand. Various objects were sketched, sometimes shabbily. Ranging from trees to abstract stuff (read weird shapes).

It saw a peak when i was in Mysuru. I used to choose various coloured markers (we carried them to mark our glassware in labs) to enhance the otherwise blue or black outlines (depending on a pen i could pick). But, i think i preferred black ink to blue ink.

Some of my friends considered this dirty and i was offered books in which i was to try out my drawing abilities. Some even came forward to allow me to colour their hands. One in particular warned that i'd contract some infection due to this prolonged abuse of my skin. That piece of advice was hardly given any attention.

Anyways, these days, i hardly use a pen on my dermis. But, i'd assume that some of those sketches were worth a look.

When i left Mysuru, i didn't bother to estimate the frequency of my meetings with my friends from there. I'm glad that Mysuru is simply a three hour journey from Bengaluru. We see each other about once in two months. We talk regularly. But to spend time in their company is nice.

Inshallah!

luxury and noise

I made a trip to Mysuru last month. I had to pick up some documents from the University there. KSRTC runs Corona buses from Bengaluru to Ooty, and i got into one of them. These are the AC, deluxe buses and that was the first time i got into a deluxe bus running between Bengaluru and Mysuru.

The seats were pretty comfortable, and i was ready to settle in for a nap. Meanwhile, the conductor snapped open an LCD screen before me. I then, realised that they'd be showing some movie. The idea of me sleeping amidst bursts of noise, dialogues and music was lost somewhere.

Of all films presented to the public by the Kannada film industry, the conductor had to show Nanda Loves Nanditha. An unmentionable, meaningless film. I was shocked. I so wanted to tell the conductor to play some other film or none at all. Some people on the bus actually enjoyed the film. No wonder the film was declared a hit.

I, never, in my lifetime, thought that i was to watch this film someday. Could KSRTC please make note of the standard of Kannada films that are showed in buses? There are plenty of good, watchable films. The of impact made by such Kannada films on non-Kannadigas can be disappointing. Their opinions of our films can turn out to be pretty bad.

We had Computer Science in fourth sem, M.Sc. The same old input, ouput languages, introduction to programming languages was part of the curriculum. Aren't we all taught this stuff in primary school? We were studying for an M.Sc degree and we were to answer questions like 'What is a MODEM, how does it function?' Wow!

The only interesting bit was that it was held in the Department of Computer Science, where nobody knew us. It was fun, making trips to this Department in our vehicles. You know, some twenty two-wheelers speeding towards the other end of the University campus. This lady who was assigned to take class for us was new and hardly had any experience. I pity her, for she withstood all our pranks, the nonchalent air that we carried with us and the disinterest we showed.

We did everything we could. There was not a single class when i paid good attention. We slept, read novels, talked, text messaged each other, scanned through Lodish, drew caricatures, the like.

There was this incident. I was sitting in the last row, and was feeling very sleepy and slept. I had a undisturbed nice nap for fifteen to twenty minutes. I woke up and yawned to find everybody staring at me, including the lecturer. I wondered why. Sleeping in class was nothing new to us. After class, i was told that S (who sat beside me) was questioned as to why i was sleeping. S sincerely replied that i was unwell. That was when i woke up and stretched myself, like i had no care in this world.

I don't know whether the lecturer (bless her) believed S or not. I don't think the story was accepted.

back to bengalooru

I wanted to come to Bengalooru for 2 reasons. I was and am tired of being ill. I'm not totally myself since one month or so. I've swallowed so many pills, than i ever had; during my stay in Mysuru. And two; after realising that my blog still had it's readers, i wanted to come back to blogging.

Therain has been constant in Mysuru, since the past week. I started complaining, when i used to get wet riding to and fro from the university to my hostel; clothes hung out for drying, always used to get soggy. After a couple of grunts, i shut my mouth. It had to rain day in and out, if we were to enjoy the fan, a glass of cold water on a hot day during the middle of a scorching summer, and if we want to buy grains and vegetables at reasonable prices. Nature does teach mankind!

Anotrher thing that cheered me up, is the Strand Book Sale that's happening at Basava Bhavan, near High Grounds Police Station. I was waiting to visit it, and i did. Good books at some discount till this sunday, the 12th of July.

Yes, M.Sc. is over. And i'm back in Bengalooru. Now arises the big question, 'What's next?'. Only time can tell me.

missing out on something

She is in her hometown now. Her temporary place of stay misses her quite a bit. The department, those friends, faculty - everybody will miss out on something. Something, very insignificant. At the same time, they'll send her messages saying that they miss her. They miss out on her energy and voice.

kannada and slang

I was quite amazed to note the difference between the Kannada spoken in Bengaluru and Mysuru. 140 kilometres and a three hour journey can create some variation. I've picked some slang (some is an understatement), much to my mother's chagrin.

She wants me to use those words that i've grown up with. But, the atmosphere is Mysuru makes me use the local words. Me, i've started with slang, like we've known each other for a long time. By slang, i mean the better part of it. To some extent. I make it a point not to use it front of the people at home. You see, i don't want nasty words coming my way.

My friends at Mysuru swear that i learnt Kannada there. (they are exaggerating). At the same time, all my thought processes occur in English. Same as before. It's obviously acceptable to string distinct words into a sentence in English than to bumble something in Kannada. We, people at Bengaluru are accused of neglecting Kannada. That's nothing new, isn't it?

a drizzle that ended

It started drizzling. No professor was in sight. They were free for some time, until somebody turned up with the attendance register.

Lunch boxes had been polished clean at that point of time. Filled with fresh enthusiasm, she ran down to the quadrangle. Standing by the fish tank, she held her hands up. With her palms cupped in the hope of catching a few rain-drops. She looked heavenwards, it was cloudy, indeed. She waited for the soft drops of water to flow along the fold lines of her palm and collect in the centre.

The others appeared with helmets in their hands. She was then reminded to do the same. She rushed to the main door, unlocked her helmet, and ran back, again, to the classroom. On placing the wet helmet on the nearest chair, she skipped outside.

The rain had weakened. Looking skyward, she so wished it would rain hard. A feeling of wetness was essential. Perhaps, to drive away the compressing humidity. Minutes later, the raindrops vanished completely. They were held in the dark and heavy clouds. 'Will they pitter-patter again?', pondered she.

This wish filled her heart, as she stepped into the classroom with a heavy heart. Somebody asked her, 'Is it not raining?'. She shook her head slowly, with gloominess writ on her face.

sultry environs

Mysuru is hot these days. Summer is beginning to set in(or it already has?). The environment is so dry and pale. It looks sultry at the department. There is absolutely no shade of fresh green anywhere. Any sight of something pleasant and cool is absolutely welcome. Moreover, the dust cloud, raised from the movement of vehicles, settles on leaves. Making it assume a pale colour.

In addition to this, we have theory classes in the afternoon. We groan and grumble against it, to no extent. The professors join us too. In vain. They are helpless. Having to keep my eyes open during the afternoon session requires a lot of effort. Any amount of water does not help me.

I automatically take the to road to my Department without my knowledge. I simply ride along those roads. I might sound silly, but this indicates that i've aclimatized. I whoop in joy when i discover that i remember some well-known roads and places. I know, i'm still in the process of learning. But, i'm glad.

This week was quite bad. I had quite a bad fall. The wounds still haven't healed, but the pain had considerably reduced. Before that could end, a dratted cold caught me. My left hand was unmovable(?) for three-four days.

I started to say this, it requires a lot to stay apart from your loved ones, especially in trying situations. Shams, i'm sorry i said that it's a wonder to stay in a different city.

back to blogging...

It's quite a long time since i've posted something. A few people have peeked into these pages, and have reminded me to continue with blogging(this is something that elates me, i mean people actually look for something new). I am overjoyed!!!

Some told me me that my voice was to resound in Mysuru. Well, that is pretty exaggerated(very, if you ask me). I shooed the statement away, initially. Only, to find it true to some extent. My voice is the loudest in my Department(needless to say, i know). But my classmates, and my seniors were astonished! I, now can say that they've adjusted to my tone.

I was happy that a private radio station set up shop in Mysuru. They do an okay job, here in Bengaluru. But believe me, the same station puts up a very shabby performance, every time, i tune in. And everything goes mum after about 10:30/11 in the night. I'm used to some background noise while i'm up working in the dark. Can anyone tell those responsible this?

Mysuru as, Bengalooru, was facing rains too(sorry, both go together, i can show my affection towards the latter in this way atleast.)

Everything's fine here. Except the same thing, homesickness(God, will i ever come out of it!!) It pains me every second to be away from home. Father always tend me to go philosophical, every time i feel terrible. At times, it does work. But thinking about the same, thoughts shift to those involving my parents, and i end up feeling terrible.

People, here, i don't know much about them. But, surely my classmates are the friendly type. But, my acommodation, that is something that i need time to adjust. Everything about it has to be compared with that of at home. And the comfortable feeling is not there. I know it's ridiculous. Nothing can equal home.

On the other hand i still think that i can find myself another place. Something better, according to me. I've checked quite a few places in the locality where i currently stay. But, something else could be worth checking.

Or am i foolish to look for something else. I want something better.

Inshallah!!

by the araLikaTTe

My department lies beside the araLikaTTe, in one corner of Manasagangotri. As in, it is at a stone's throw from my department.

Mysuru is hot and humid, according to me. I now, say that i've adjusted to the climate.

It is also a favorite hang-out of ours. We chit-chat there, our lunch boxes are opened under it's shade, a few ladies from my class practised a song at the araLikaTTe. I'm already showing it some affection. Is it because of it's close proximity to our dept.? Perhaps, that is the reason.

The araLikaTTe is something that i really like about that place. It's supposed to be a century old, and bears some historical significance. Nevertheless, it remains one of the places to be in. In my regards.