Gyandutt Pandey's Musings

Inflation is going down in a Big Way.

2011-12-17T12:43:00.001+05:30

Look at this picture. It states that prices of Liquor is down in a big way. If liquor is down, you can expect other items to follow. :)

~~~ With regards - Gyan Pandey
Sent from my Nokia phone

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Cold weather at Manduadih, Varanasi

2011-12-14T11:29:00.001+05:30

I got down from my coach in the morning at Manduadih station of Varanasi. The weather had changed over night. The wind had chill. People were huddled around fire at the end of Rly platform. The sky was clear and there was hope that day would see some warmth.

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Rickshaw in our office

2011-12-01T18:32:00.001+05:30

I had not seen a cycle rickshaw in our office premises of North Central Railway. So seeing one was a surprise. In the crowd of 4wheelers and 2wheelers a cycle rickshaw is pleasing to the eye.

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The Big Ears of Elephant

2011-11-19T16:49:00.001+05:30

We used to rcecite these lines in childhood:

हथिया रे हथिया तोर बड़े बड़े कान

तोर माई पछोरई नौ मन धान

(Elephant, elephant, you have big big ears. Your mother uses them to take out husk from 9 mound grains.)

This elephant usually crosses my path when I go to my office. Today, I could atch him in mobile camera!

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Self Advertisers

2011-11-11T10:17:00.001+05:30

With ease of putting up hoardings using Flexi Sheet printing, every Tom Dick and Harry puts up hoardings at public places with his face wishing us on Eid, Diwali, Navartri etc. Here the main entery of Collectorate has been used by Self Advertisers. Nothing wrong, for this is the age of self promotion.

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Sankalp

2011-11-09T10:15:00.001+05:30

He looks like a Brahmin. I find him taking regular bath in the Ganges. After ablution offers water to sun standing in Ganges. Them does Sankalp. Goes to Shiv Temple and does puja for 15 to 20 minutes. Pleasing personality has he. ~~~ With regards - Gyan Pandey
Sent from my Nokia phone

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Nargis

2011-11-08T09:57:00.001+05:30

Even though our gardner has become irregular in his duties, Nargis is on time to come to bloom. She appears to be complaining that I do not find time to look at her beauty. With regards - Gyan Pandey
Sent from my Nokia phone

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CHETAK chained by BSP's Elephant

2011-10-10T10:16:00.001+05:30

This is the scene of Ranapratap Chauk at Allahabad.

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CHETAK chained by BSP's Elephant

2011-10-10T10:10:00.001+05:30

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Bodyguard

2011-09-01T13:51:00.001+05:30

I saw huge lines of Cine viewers at Rajkiran Palace Cinema. They had come for the movie Bodyguard. I had impression that such crowds are no more there! Proved myself thorough illiterate socially. :(

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I curse the city for increasing concrete jungle. But Allahabad still has big population of huge trees.

2011-08-26T11:44:00.001+05:30

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Ekka - common man,s chariot.

2011-07-08T10:22:00.001+05:30

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Change in Ganges water level in 60 hours.

2011-07-04T01:05:00.001+05:30

The two photographs of july1 and july3 of Ganges bank at Shivkuti show the difference of water level. On 1st we see a large field of sand before the river stream. On third the whole field is submerged in water. One can find boats going across this increase in water. The Ganges is rising slowly and steadily. No turbulence. No noise. No fury. More like innate nature of Ganges in the planes.

See the full gallery on Posterous

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Conveyor belt for coal transport in disuse

2011-06-29T19:32:00.001+05:30

This steel structure used to house conveyor belt for coal transport from mines to rail head. But it promptly went in disuse. Why? The interests of truckers ensured that the energy efficient system fails. This photograph is from Chass, Bokaro.

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Water risen in Ganges

2011-06-28T12:42:00.001+05:30

I found that in two days Ganges has widened by about 120 meters on the right side of the flow. All fields of vegetable growers, which were abandoned about two weeks back are now submerged along with huts. The widening looks beautiful. In the photo attached a morning pilgrim is offering puja with water to the Sun.

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Indian Coffe House Allahabad

2011-06-20T13:06:00.001+05:30

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Ayurvedic Desi Davakhana Khandani

2011-06-19T17:08:00.001+05:30

The doctor and medicine in tent. Found on the side of road in all middle level cities of India. They have their own space in the Health market of India.

Unregulated and disorganised, but looks it is thriving.

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Ayurvedic Desi Davakhana Khandani

2011-06-19T16:50:00.001+05:30

The doctor and medicine in tent. Found on the side of road in all middle level cities of India. They have their own space in the Health market of India. Un regulated and disorganised, but looks it is thriving.

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The Don

2011-06-11T23:48:00.001+05:30

I am not sure if he is the Don of illicit liquor making at the Ganges or not. But he comes to the ghat with confidence. Sits alone in underwear and generally not bothered about the response of others. People around listen to him. I have not seen him instructing the liquor workers. But it appears that they are under his command. I may be mistaken. But I am impressed by his personality whom I prefer calling Jalladva, or the merciless! Look at his photo graphs.

See the full gallery on Posterous

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Dust allergy to Rana Pratap?

2011-06-07T10:07:00.001+05:30

At Ranapratap square the road is being dug for laying sewage line. This has caused traffic congestion and excessive dust. I am getting restless here in 5 minutes. The great Hero must be enduring it all through. Besides, a political party has chained him by its flags. Rana must be really suffering. :-(

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Sent from my Nokia phone

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No government, no Ramdeo, Sun has whole stage to him.

2011-06-05T05:32:00.001+05:30

This is the seen at Ganges in Allahabad today morning. (05.06.11)

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Sent from my Nokia phone

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Camel's saddle

2011-06-03T18:59:00.001+05:30

Camels are used for transportation of water melons, pumpkins and other vegetables grown in the Ganges sand. I had seen them moving but not seen their saddle closely. One day I found this saddle on the sand. It looks simple, yet beautiful. ----------
Sent from my Nokia phone

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Wait

2011-06-03T14:42:00.001+05:30

I found a lady and a child waiting on the bank of Ganges. A boat was parked nearby. The lady had kept her jhaua (semi spherical basket made of sticks of lentil plant) on the boat. Her chappals were on the sand near the shore. They were waiting for the boatman to arrive. It was cloudy and could rain any moment. And the rain started. They moved and took shelter under a boat kept upside down as it was no more needed for the cropping season. Their wait was at ease. No hurry. It was I who was in a hurry to return back home.

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On Load Test of Mobike

2011-06-03T10:03:00.001+05:30

This was the on load test of motor cycle which I saw on way to going office. I am impressed by the prosperity of India. ----------
Sent from my Nokia phone

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Camel at large

2011-06-02T19:15:00.001+05:30

The camel was grazing in the now abandoned vegetable fields on the bank of Ganges. When Avdhesh, the owner tried to catch him for transportation duties, he started dodging and running here and there. Poor owner could not catch him even after long chase!

It was a sight for my enjoyment but definitely not for Avdhesh. ----------
Sent from my Nokia phone

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The lady broom seller

2011-06-01T18:52:00.001+05:30

There was a family or probably a couple of families by the side of road. They were making and selling brooms made of palm leaves. I purchased 3 at Rs 25 with a mock bargaining. The lady who was selling told that they are from Banda and are here on the footpath for 14 months. The life for these people was visibly tough but not miserable.

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Camel and a kid

2011-05-31T10:04:00.001+05:30

It was early in the morning at the right bank of Ganges in Shivkuti. The family including two ladies and a man were busy. One lady were pouring something in a mug. Tea?
The kid of the family was wandering near their camel. Their hut was not fancy but was a comfortable place. I wish I could have spent more time there.

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Illicit liquor stoves at Ganges shore.

2011-05-20T10:11:00.001+05:30

Today I found these 6 Bhatties or stoves used for making illicit liquor. These were on the Ganges bank. I noticed these during my morning walk. Quite neat. Are they not? ----------
Sent from my Nokia phone

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To market.

2011-05-12T18:30:00.000+05:30

People carrying Kharbooza crop to market from Ganges shore in Allahabad.

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The morning walk time.

2011-05-08T20:01:00.001+05:30

My son and I were having morning walk in the sand of Ganges near our home at Shivkuti, Allahabad. We had some pause and sat down facing east. The Sun had arisen about half an hour back. Ganges water was glittering likhe molten gold.

We took photograph of each other.

There can not be better time than such morning walk!

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Irrigating with Ganges Water

2011-04-11T21:45:00.002+05:30

The Ganges water is pumped to irrigate vegetables grown in the sand of Kachahhar.

Look at the quality of water of Ganges at Allahabad!

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I should have offered him cold drink

2011-03-09T19:05:00.001+05:30

I was thirsty and asked the shop keeper to give me small bottle of Coke. This young boy was looking at my having cold drink, longingly. I took his photo when he was looking elsewhere. Should have offered him Coke instead.

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Advocates Galore in Allahabad

2011-02-04T10:09:00.002+05:30

You pick one stone and you will find 2 advocates in Allahabad.

The city has given to India some eminent jurists and advocates.

But there is dilution in quality, as may be elsewhere, is here too. It is visible to a layman also.

Scramble for garlanding

2011-01-31T19:50:00.001+05:30

Our Coaching Controller Mr. B.L. Sahu retired. There was a decent function. People scrambled to garland him.

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Men at work on Sewage System

2011-01-28T10:21:00.002+05:30

In Allahabad work of laying Sewage Network is taken up on war footing. There are dislocations in road movement.

Lot of dust in air.

One has to keep extra time margin for reaching at a place as one has to take longer route. All this is tolerable for better civic amenity.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Inflation. Is there?

2011-01-22T13:53:00.001+05:30

I found over crowded super market. People bumping in each other. They have lot of money to buy. Where is the inflation dear?

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Tom Dick Harry Memorial High School

2011-01-09T02:35:00.001+05:30

Every one enters in School business.

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Onion's Rate at Allahabad

2010-12-25T16:35:00.003+05:30

Onions are selling at Rs 37/- per Kg at Spencers in Allahabad today. The quality was good. The salesman told the the maximum selling price at Spencers had been about 55-56.
I do not eat onions, so not aware of the prices in market; but it does not look like it had been Rs 90-100!

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Where has Aaloo gone?

2010-11-24T14:23:00.001+05:30

Jab tak rahega samose main aaloo.
Tab tak rahega Bihar main Laloo.
Where has Aaloo gone? :-)

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Firewood

2010-11-02T15:59:00.002+05:30

These neatly bundled uniform sized pieces of firewood were on the platform of Allahabad. A woman nearby was having one bundle on her head. Bringing firewood to the city must be a business. No parcel booking; so money to defenders of law and order - GRP and RPF.

Anyway; I liked neatly formed bundles. Beauty.

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Naini Lake

2010-10-31T07:15:00.001+05:30

Yesterday I was not impressed by the Naini Tal. But today when the sun rays are lowering on the hills and have almost reached the lake; I am glued to the view from the window of my room. Tea has gone cold.

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Ekka

2010-10-27T09:57:00.002+05:30

Good or bad, we are still sharing road with Ekka (horse driven carriage) in Allahabad.

McDnoald Burger Up Side Down

2010-10-18T17:38:00.001+05:30

I found this ad up side down on the corner of a road crossing. No idea if it is a eye catching strategy or work of men doing shoddy job.

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Standardization of mobile chargers

2010-10-13T09:56:00.001+05:30

I saw a car driver using multi-output mobile charger. It can be used with 6 different kinds of mobiles in use. What advantage mobile companies get by their unique chargers? Why cant it be standardised?

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The street dog friendly

2010-10-07T10:49:00.001+05:30

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Dogs resting with lord Shiva

2010-09-28T10:08:00.001+05:30

Hindus are struggling for Rama's temple. But the temples already there are in poor shape and scant respect. This is Koteshwar Mahadev temple. At place where lord Rama worshiped lord Shiva at Prayag while returning from Lanka. Lord Shiva is in august company of street dogs. :-(

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Phaansi Imli

2010-08-26T18:51:00.001+05:30

This is trunk of an old tamarind (imli) tree by the side of road. I see it while going to office. This is named as Phaansi Imli. Its branches (which are no more) were used for phansi(hanging) of the people opposing the British rule.

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Camera shy bull

2010-08-12T10:09:00.002+05:30

This bull was looking straight in my eyes. But when I adjusted my mobile phone to take his photograph, he shifted his head.

Stray cows usually look at you in expectation of getting something to eat. Bulls do not expect anything. Typical show of male independence?

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Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

2010-08-09T15:28:00.001+05:30

These are school children in my neighbourhood having mid day meal.
I wish I could join them someday.

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Traffic jam by cattle on Phaphamau bridge

2010-08-06T17:03:00.001+05:30

In the morning I found Kanwarias (the pilgrims walking barefoot carrying holy water for the lingam of lord Shiva) blocking half the road on the Phaphamau bridge.
In the afternoon it was the turn of the cattle. They also have right of way.
In India common man has lowest priority every where! Lower than cattle?!

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Clouds with elongated prostate

2010-07-12T09:42:00.002+05:30

Clouds are in the sky. Dense, but providing hardly any rainfall in Allahabad.

They look like old man with elongated prostate gland problem. Not able to ejaculate with full force and amount.

I am not sure if this analogy came to mind of Kalidass at any point of time!

Today also looks like just another day.

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Where is Bandh?

2010-07-05T09:50:00.001+05:30

I am on my way to office. The traffic is as usual. City buses and rickshaw-tempos at normal pace. Eating joints are open. People are going to their work. Schools are not open. There may be headlines of Bandh tomorrow, but it is not visible today morning.

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Eluding monsoon

2010-07-03T16:54:00.001+05:30

The rains are elusive. No clouds bearing rains. Even if they are, they go away as they come, without much downpour. Where is Kalidass? Where is Meghdoot?

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Thirst

2010-06-23T16:00:00.001+05:30

These are three kids of construction workers. They are entering my office. Plastic bottles in hand. They are going to get water from the water cooler. The weather is sultry. Sticky heat is persisting for more than a week. Efficiency of human being is at the lowest. No rains in sight. No eastern wind. As if the time has come to a stand still.
The kids are happy, however.

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Naxal menace

2010-05-28T21:36:00.001+05:30

On my sick bed I could concentrate on one article in indian express stating that empowering local police against Naxals, instead of use of military power, is the solution to the problem. I disagree. Today again they blew railway track. Derailed a goods train. Which collided with express train coming in opposite direction, involving death of 56 innocent civilians. I dont know what human right people are going to say about it, but I feel drastic action is called for. Unlike terrorists, Naxals are in jungle. Areas are identified. Air strikes will cause heavy damages to them. No doubt some innocent will die. But that cant be avoided. This coupled with coordinated army action on ground will be lethal for them. This, of course, needs tremendous will power. Something like we saw in operation against LTTE.
With innocent civilians getting killed, and economy badly affected, this is badly needed. Addressing the problems of tribals is also needed in parallel.

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People coming to see sick in hospital.

2010-05-25T21:57:00.001+05:30

Imagine your funeral. You have to attend that many funerals as the number of people you would like in your funeral. If you fall sick and want people to enquire about you, you got to do the same with others' sickness. Social behaviour follows the law of reciprocity. Else you have to be in seat of power to obtain others' attention. People came in large numbers to see me in hospital. They came either because I had deposited enough in their emotional bank account or they were proactive in depositing first. Condition of being bed ridden and dependence teaches a lot. A great exercise in gratitude and understanding. You get overwhelmed - dont you?
I write this when it is solitude. All have gone after giving me food for thought.

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Hand bringing to ICU

2010-05-25T14:34:00.001+05:30

This is my left palm. The background is of Allahabad Railway Hospital ICU. Yesterday, night This hand had violent involuntary movement for 5 minutes and thereafter it stopped. The palm and fingers stopped obeying commands of brain by about 90 percent. Railways acted pretty fast and took me to ICU. Lots of tests. Lots of blood taken and medicines injected through both the hands. Scans, x-rays, MRI etc. So much of activity and drowsyness of medicines that I could not brood on the possibility - what if the left hand gets permanently disabled?
My Hindi blogging gets a pause for about 10 days or more. Let me see if I am forgotten. :D
(posted from hospital bed. Using right thumb to type on mobile phone.)

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Ekka at Naini Railway Station

2010-05-22T12:37:00.001+05:30

On the narrow road in front of Naini Railway Station a line of Ekkas was waiting. On enquiry I found out that a train from Satna side was to come. Pilgrims come and get down at Naini and go to Gau Ghat on the other side of Yamuna river. The Pandas there arrange religious tourism of Sangam area.
This poor horse (or mule) must go to heaven after leaving this body for he has helped so many in their religious karma.
May God bless him.

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Participation of Railway Employees in Management

2010-05-17T16:04:00.001+05:30

This meeting of PREM group is held quarterly. The idea is to make employer a model employer and employee a model employee. I have seen and participated in this ritual for decades. The main benefit is that employee-employer dialogue is open in cordial atmosphere. Union leaders are humane. But for the posture they have to take, they are amenable to social informal interaction.
(Photo of Union had Officers leaders in meeting)

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Shubhi's Drawing

2010-05-13T14:06:00.001+05:30

Shubhi is young daughter of our Senior Divisional Operations Manager Mughal Sarai. Very nice color paint work by her. I can not resist putting on blog.

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Sweets and Coins

2010-05-12T20:37:00.001+05:30

It was a function of fulfilment of some big wish. The boys were dancing on the road. Ladies were holding plates full of sweets. They were singing and throwing sweets on the road of procession. Some one was throwing coins intermittently. DJ was churning out loud music.
As soon as sweets and coins were thrown, young boys were leaping to collect.
Typical Indian celebration, I must say!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Kanvariyas in Vaishakh

2010-05-10T10:09:00.001+05:30

Kanvariya undertake their journey from one Shiv temple to other in the month of Shravan. But this Vaishakh is adhik-mas (extra month) and a few Kanvariyas are seen now in usual attire and carrying holy water for Lord Shiva.
In the picture they are seen coming to Shiv Kuti temple.

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Social Activism - Encroachment Removed at Ganges Ghat

2010-05-07T09:47:00.001+05:30

I had reported of encroachment at Ganges Ghat of Shiv Kuti in the previous post. Today morning we succeeded in its removal with the initiative of people and support of police. Thanks to all and the God. My wife is very happy. So am I!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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A cause for Social Activism

2010-05-05T07:07:00.001+05:30

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Today morning we found the at Ganges Ghat of Shivkuti, some resident has made a waste water ischarge line from his house to the steps of the ghat. He has also partitioned the ghat steps to carve out his personal area.

This has issues of encroachment of public land and also involves environmental degradation.

We (my wife and I) are thinking of making a police complaint against the unknown as no one is telling who is the culprit.

What best can be done?

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Boys High School and College 1861

2010-05-04T11:25:00.002+05:30

This school must have been one of the earliest efforts of Englishmen in education in Allahabad/India.

I am late for office and stuck in traffic jam near school. All sizes, shapes, weight and colors are there in the boys coming out of the institution.

Then there are all kinds of vehicals waiting for them. There are some parents too.

It is long time I had been to a school or had some interaction with children. I am stuck with trains, rakes, wagons and engines. What a lousy way of spending day after day!

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Eternity

2010-05-03T06:16:00.001+05:30

Morning 6 am. All are active at the Ganges. Day has started. But, except for these 2 dogs. They have all the time till eternity to act and react!

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Zero Effort Cycling

2010-05-01T16:12:00.002+05:30

I have an itching to buy a simple but useful bicycle. Might like to see entire Allahabad on Cycle.
But I saw one man doing zero effort cycling. He was hooking on to the back of a trailer carrying logs. Pretty dangerous. No? I can not think of doing such heroics myself!

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Blogging while walk on Ganges bank.

2010-05-01T06:28:00.003+05:30

This lady has day start. Taken plunge in Ganges water. Is walking in water to island with empty Khnachies (cane containers).

She will bring back vegetables.

(Posted while returning from walk in Ganges sand.)

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Patting on own back!

2010-04-27T17:05:00.001+05:30

We are having an important meeting. One gentleman is patting his own back profusely.
It reminds me of Hambone cartoon in Business Standard today. Hambone has injured himself. Comment - "Patting yourself on the back again, Hambone?"
There are many Hambones around!

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Shiradi Sai Baba

2010-04-24T17:05:00.001+05:30

Something peculiar happened. My confidential assistant gave me a statue of Sai Baba recently. It was a decade back one of my dear employee had given a book on Sai Baba. Today, it was not my choice, but I landed up in Sai temple. Puja was going on. It lasted for considerable time. My attention shifted from being inquisitive to indifferent to boredom to meditative musing. Sum total was I felt good.
I can not say I am converted into a Sai bhakta. But I have become more inclined to think about his phenomena.

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She sparrow near her nest

2010-04-22T19:25:00.001+05:30

I had assumed that Sparrow family had moved away. But it was not so. Only the sound of baby sparrows had become less louder. The parent sparrows have more time to move around.
Once I saw she sparrow near the electric junction cover under which her nest existed. I was thrilled to see her.

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My grand uncle breaks hip bone

2010-04-20T11:59:00.002+05:30

He is 74+. Shri Satish C Pandey. Weak. On the top of it has right leg's hip bone broken.

A wire will be inserted by operation. Will be bed ridden for a month. Saw him as soon as I came to know.

Found that bone breakage is lesser problem. The bigger problem is breakage of Sprit. He has to be revived from depressive thoughts.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Camel the vegetable transporter

2010-04-15T18:54:00.001+05:30

Download now or watch on posterous

VideoC.mp4 (696 KB)

Camel cuts water current of Ganges and goes on the islands to bring vegetables to shore.
From shore it is transported by trolley.
One trip of camel takes about 45 minutes. How much he would be bringing in one lot? Guess!

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Railway week awards.

2010-04-13T20:51:00.002+05:30

Today was Railway Week function in North Central Railway. There was speech of the GM and distribution of awards and shields.
I just sampled the function. There must have been lots of scribes. They come and report as per the given matter. A blog probably can do better reporting and promotion. And may be more prompt. Sad. Our Chief PRO would not give me any favours given to scribes. :-)

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Road side barber shop

2010-04-08T10:09:00.003+05:30

This road side barber shop fascinates me. The barber has one chair, one bench, a mirror and a cloth to give shade from the sun. That is all.

I find the barber always busy. His rates may be low but he must be earning in quantity of business. I never feel like going to shop for hair cut. May be worth calling this man at home even at enhanced rates.

I remember Sitaram nau of my childhood days. We kids used to sit in front of him on a brick one by one. Though very efficient and fast, he never listened to us on our preferred 'style' of hair cut. :-(

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Goddess Ashtabhuja eats footpath

2010-04-06T10:23:00.001+05:30

Hanumanji is nominated god of land grabbing in Hinduism. But other gods and goddesses are not much behind. Goddess Ashtabhuja has eaten up the footpath hundred percent near Allahabad High Court.
The great mother, forgive me for blogging these photos and do something to the land grab in your name.

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Ear to Telephone

2010-04-05T10:02:00.002+05:30

On my way to office I am reading Business Standard. Hambone cartoon is amusing.
"Anything I tell her goes in one ear ... And out the telephone!"

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Ten seconds with Nattu Pandey

2010-04-04T16:46:00.001+05:30

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Nattu.mp4 (689 KB)

Nattu was about to leave home to catch train for going to Bokaro. He was aware that he was going on a journey. How can a 10 month child know?
Here is a 10 second video of him before his leaving. Nattu Pandey is back to his village Phushro. Near Bokaro.

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Shiv Kuti Panda - Gen Next

2010-04-01T19:01:00.001+05:30

The regular panda was not there at Shiv Kuti ghat. His daughter and son were sitting under the umbrella. The son was younger. I saw an old lady came after snan in Ganges. The junior panda gave her chandan, akshat and kusha and started reciting Sankalp - Om... Jamboodweepe, Aryavarte, Bharatkhande...
Great! The panda tradition will live for at least one more generation through this 12 year old boy!

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The city of wide roads and spacious footpaths

2010-04-01T13:54:00.001+05:30

Allahabad, I am told, used to be the city of wide roads and spacious footpaths. No more. Footpaths have been progressively eaten up by encroachments. The roads are gasping under asthma of unruly traffic, pot holes, illegal diggings etc. It appears that entire traffic system is developing multiple clots and would need several by pass surgeries. This may be the condition of all Euporean (of U.P.) cities by and large.

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Pumpkin on the Ganges bank

2010-03-31T19:26:00.001+05:30

Lot of pumpkin (kohandha or kooshmaad) is coming from Ganges sand. It is grown on the islands of Ganges and brought to shore by boats. Then people carry on their heads in baskets made of stems of arahar (pulses) called Khanchi. Do you relish eating pumpkin? I do not. I only like it in sambar when I eat idli. Come to Allahabad to see it on the banks of mother Ganges.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Sparrow Pandey the Karma Yogi

2010-03-30T16:18:00.001+05:30

The He Sparrow is love able character. I come in the morning to office and find him at work. He gets feed for new born hidden in electric cabinet. She Sparrow usually remains in the nest. Mr Sparrow Pandey is still on job when I leave for home in evening. A great Karm Yogi is he!

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Sparrow said "I love you"

2010-03-29T14:04:00.001+05:30

There is a sparrow family out side my chamber in office. They have made a nest inside electric cabinet. Their kids are constantly making their feeble noise. Sparrow seniors are always busy arranging their feeds. The He Sparrow came in front of me in the corridor. Was speaking in friendly tone. Constantly. He allowed me to take out my mobile and posed for a photo. As soon as I took the photo, he flew away.
Sparrow was probably saying - I love you.

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Maharajin Bua - the Dom of Rasoolabad

2010-03-21T14:21:00.000+05:30

Twenty years back when I was giving fire to the pyre of my grand father at Rasoolabad, Maharajin Bua was the manager of ghat.
After 2 decades I find a memorial for her. I am told that ladies of younger generation are managing the ghat now.
Women empowerment in such unthinkable professions!

Rasoolabad Ghat on Ganges.

2010-03-21T11:30:00.001+05:30

Huge crowd for funeral of a high ranking High Court Official. Lot of vehicle. All adding to the gloom. Pyre is burning. And at other bank of Ganges, life as usual. People bathing. Boats going here and there. Cattle grazing. One fisherman catching fish. Life is continuous. Death and funeral just dots. Just events.

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Girl swimming in Ganges.

2010-03-20T10:37:00.001+05:30

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Video.1.mp4 (834 KB)

I found this small girl swimming effortlessly in the Ganges. Person like me who does not know an s of swimming was very much in awe. How she learnt? What will she be in life? God bless her.

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The vegetation on the banks of Ganges

2010-03-18T13:21:00.001+05:30

The summer has not set in. There is enough humidity in the sand on the bank of Ganges. As a result, there is variety in vegetation. Have a look at some of the shrubs.

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Slow moving Goods Train

2010-03-15T19:05:00.001+05:30

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Video1.mp4 (929 KB)

A freight traffic manager hates to see a goods train walking when it is supposed to run.
This goods train is supposed to run at 100kmph. But is is limping. It is reaching Allahabad yard where it is going to halt. Still, the speed should be around 30 to 40kmph.

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Coffee art

2010-03-13T13:21:00.002+05:30

Went to Big Bazar basement coffee shop. The coffee was good.
The best part was the design on the top. Ramesh ensured that the design lasted till the last. Excellent time waste for 1 hour with my friend Ramesh Kumar. Meeting him once in a while is real stress buster - I hope for both of us.

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Uninor

2010-03-12T10:03:00.003+05:30

I have no idea if Uninor - the mobile communication brand targeting the young/lower middle class youth - is a dictionary word or not. I am also not sure if this brand will succeed in hyper competition of established brands. But looking at the characters in advertisements - simple, intelligent and in no way vulgar/flashy/posing; makes me identify myself with them.

No idea how the brand is performing.

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Morning with manure

2010-03-05T08:04:00.002+05:30

Early morning at the bank of Ganges. There are 4 to 5 people filling poly propylene bags with black natural manure. They are working fast but are not in hurry. Looking at me taking photograph one of them tells other - have a look, you are getting photographed! The other one adjusts his thick spects, looks at me and grins!
The bags of manure will be taken to islands for vegetable cultivation.

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Flowers, pollens and allergy

2010-03-02T07:43:00.002+05:30

With spring we have flowers blooming. With flowers we have pollens and small insects flying around. They affect our smell tissues and the skin.

Itching and breathing problems are by products of this beautiful season. You can not escape that. It is late in the night and I am unable to get sleep because of these by products and mild fever.

Mosquitoes have started breeding. They may soon add the misery. Oh, brother, if you look outward, you have little respite. Look inward and peace may be there.

Try meditation to get sleep dear.
(Posted in morning next day)
@@@@@

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Seat belt.

2010-02-26T10:44:00.001+05:30

I dont usually travel on front seat in road vehicle. So using seat belt is not in routine. But today I am travelling with my son in the front. I am insisting him to tie seat belt. He resists. Using seat belt in a car is not in Euporian (of Uttar Pradesh) culture.
Any way he puts on the seat belt reluctantly.

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Traffic unruly as ever

2010-02-25T10:26:00.001+05:30

It is near Allahabad High Court. Vehicles get parked both sides of main road. Sub Way not made use of. Traffic jam ever. Policemen ineffective always. Administration most ineffective at the door step of Judiciary!

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Ladies cleaning new rice

2010-02-21T21:30:00.001+05:30

Ladies at home were busy today cleaning the new rice recieved from the village. It was full of dust and small stones. I suggested them to throw away the small pieces. They wont do that. Small pieces would be used for making Idli.

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Icons of modernety

2010-02-19T19:02:00.001+05:30

A thought process in a book suggests that Akbar, Kabir, Ramanand etc are icons of modernety.
By that logic Ram, Tulsi, Shivaji, Ranapratap etc are icons of ancient and retrograde India. Such intellectuals may be in limelight and may get attantion, but the land would be richer without them. :-(

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Daily wagers' wait

2010-02-17T09:57:00.001+05:30

About 100 daily wage earners wait in the morning near rail under bridge at Teliyar Ganj for prospective employers of the day. Not sure if all of them would be getting picked up. Are they the most disadvantaged of the unorganised sector of labour market? Cant say. I feel they must be earning around 2 to 2.5k a month. Is there a path from their position to middle class? May be. But one ought to have middle class qualities of thrift and saving even with such small earning, I suppose.

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Here is Himanshu

2010-02-16T17:42:00.002+05:30

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Himanshu Mohan is our Chief Communication Engineer. Has hands set on computor and other high tech stuff. but is not a blogger.

Writes good (excellent) in Hindi.

Do not pay Bribe

2010-02-15T19:12:00.001+05:30

Often we come across the boards and posters suggesting not to pay bribe. I am in a position where situation did not arise to pay. And it is purely personal ethics not to take. But what about the chap desperate to get his legitimate work done?
I do not talk of the people wanting unethical or illegal in exchange of money or favour. But your legitimate work - driving licence, ration card, land papers, pension release...
I may be sounding cynical. But when one of my seniors (who once had been a C.V.O.) told me that people by and large, do not want to pay bribe, but given a chance, they will accept readily; stumped me.
I find parallel in dowry system. No one wants to pay, but most want to take!
Is that not so?

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Shiv ji ki kachehari(Shiva's Court)

2010-02-15T14:33:00.001+05:30

This is a place with scores of shiv lings under one roof. It is in Allahabad near my house. Used to be in shambles but now in much cared and tidy shape.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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