What does Independence means in America

From the day i have been in US, i have been fascinated by the different view America provides me. Till now i have not been able to know this country fully. It surprises you everyday. Sometime i think this country has variety just like India. America has embraced people from different countries and cultures. People who look for great future always dream of getting citizenship. Everybody has been given freedom to do what they want. People has been treated equally and infrastructure is best. Whatever happens bottom line is Americans are very patriotic. They respect people and you rather see inequality here. What movies depict about American culture and life is always above the top of world. Like all other human beings American people always seek love and they believe in family. I have always been fascinated by their independence and closeness in family about all topic to s including the taboo topic SEX. I have seen people who are married for 30 years and people who do not want to marry. Basically i believe people in America believe in one thing. Everybody has the right to live the way they want and no body interferes in any body's personal life. Kid and Women have the independence which i have never thought in my life. Kids always love this country for that. I have seen my women colleagues always being amused by the freedom they have got here. Specially if you are from India, you normally think this place is a dream. Also i was not a fan of English movies before coming to US. Once i got new friends, i became attracted towards American movies. The promo just takes your breadth away. They always want to be perfect and they are very professional. Some of the movies have just shaken me and challenged my ideas, thinking towards the world. I have made some friends here who are citizens of America and i have an insight in to their lives. I can proudly say they love their family as we Indians do. I have also noticed Indians in US are not that much open to cultural changes back people in India. They still love the old India, which has broken its shackles after the growing changes. As told by my first landlord, Indians who US are not forward like Indian metro people. I can see the identity crisis in second generation Indians as depicted by Namesake. Every country has good and bad things and America is no exception. But what ever people say this country fascinates me just like the Hindu rituals do to me. God Bless America....

When Ameica sneezes India catches cold

This topic sounds so interesting. I got this article from rediff.com. The analysis in that article was good. To sum it up it showed how American economy affects Indian economy. First it also showed me how borrowing economy works in America. It is called sub prime market. Due to bad credit history lot of people could not take loan from bank. So the people who has good credit history, then take loan from bank and give it to customer who cannot have loan. They have another interest rate so that their principal amount does not goes in to bad debt. Now if the people who have taken loan can not repay, the issue starts. Due to this issue has grown overwhelmingly, the housing loan market in US has seen a downfall. The people who has given loan to these people have also a part of money invested in growing Asian markets. SO to compensate the market these people has to get money from Asian market. So they sell their stocks in Asian markets and so the down fall of share markets in Asian countries, specially India. When dollar depreciates against dollar most IT company and people cry because the whole world knows Indians are plenty in IT companies. So people are unhappy. That's why they say when America sneezes India catches cold.

Chak De India

Yesterday i saw this movie and i loved it. In India very few movies has been made on sports. This movie may not be a total hollywood sports kind of movie. This may npt have moments like Lagaan which binds you to the end for climax but it has it's own moments. This movie depicts two things. One how the Muslims live in a double identity crisis when they fail in delivering just like all other Indians and also how the way this country treats women forget their sports. this movie has really helped me to rethink the way i look at women. In India Cricket rules no doubt but due to this attention other sports are being neglected. This movie depicts that in a good way. The national sport has been lost it's charm and i guess it will take a world cup win to back them in track. I sometimes think people in south treat Muslims in a good way then the north. But the way the digital evolution is growing and India becomes more empowered, i wish India becomes they way it was. There should be completely harmony between the bigger casts of India. Sometimes when the expectations fall people criticize Muslims than their counter part. I think it is time for change to treat everybody equally. Then our country will become for what it was famous for. Also women in India should be empowered. Also people should learn how to treat women with dignity. The world has this problem, fighting for supremacy between the sexes. But i guess in India , womens are sometimes suppressed. May be this age belongs to them. Countries like US,UK and other developed nations treats women with dignity. I guess that is still missing in India but the situation is improving, that's for sure. This success of this movie shows the changes in Indian society. This movie has strong patriotism, the changes in peoples mind and the entertainment. Chak de India.... Do not miss this movie..

Baltimore soaks in Rain

Rain weather sometimes sucks and sometime it gives you pleasure. Since last four days it has been cloudy and drizzle weather in Baltimore. You can not feel like working if you look outside the window. But it is also welcome break from the excessive heat that was flowing since last couple of weeks. You do not have more energy to consume. Some people love rain and i never liked rain. Somehow i think i always loved winter season, do not know why. Due to the hurricane near US, i guess the total country is witnessing the rain. Anyways it is a welcome relief from the heat and tomorrow may be the weather will change.. I am as always optimistic...

NY Journey reminds of India

New York,the city of lights and the city of people. The only place where you can see all faces of world. When i landed in NY, i felt as if i am in Kolkata. Crowded, nobody has time and you feel kind of belongingness. I met couple of my friends and loved the city like hell. Times square looks great in night. All lightings gives a beautiful touch to the sky rappers. Empire state building is so huge as if it sitting on center to look around the NY. I visited NASDAQ,NYSE,Statue of liberty,Brooklyn Bridge and all other places that was to be seen. Sitting next to Brooklyn Bridge is so cool. The bridge that crosses the river, gives you a relaxing weather. When you go near Statue of liberty and see the NY downtown and the huge statue of Liberty, which is a gift from France to US is really remarkable. I am running out of poetic words to express my feelings. Then i went to Randolph to meet my old room mate and also to New Jersey city to meet Debasis. There was a street called India Square, where everything is Indian. Crowd, hotels, the traffic rules are all Indian. You will not feel that you are out of India. The most important thing was watching the Independence day parade in Madison Avenue. Huge crowd, cultural functions and the celebrities. They all make a remarkable parade. I was surprised to the special Orissa cart in the parade. With the song playing "Vande Utkala Janani" and odissi dance in back ground, it reminds you of Bhubaneswar and Puri. I felt as if i am at home. I enjoyed the week end to it's full potential in NY and felt sad when i left the international city of world..I love NY for the way it is..One of the greatest city to enjoy life....

Economy Excites

Lately i have become a keenness towards economy. I do not know why. May be this branch of knowledge keeps me excited about stuffs. Exchange rates, inflation, foreign reserve etc. Lately it has been due to the fact i loved the book that Rexy gave me "In spite of gods". that has fulled the thinker inside me to get involved in the economics. After coming to Baltimore, Tyagu become a new ally in this journey. He pops up questions on me and i have to sit and search for answers. It has added value to me as person who tries to understand economics lately. Anyway the more you read, the more you gain and your horizontal and thinking of the world changes. In spite of gods gave a couple of thought provoking ideas about India, which i am sure most Indians do not know. It made me proud of India and what we have to achieve. The more value chain higher you go, it adds more importance in the world. I am pretty sure, Indian econmy is going to shape better because this is our time...

My Dad My Role Model

When i was a kid, i used to follow my dad. I used to surprise by his calmness and composure, how difficult the situation may be. He never used to show complacency. Only when any one of us will be late to home, he used to worry. Mom will always tell, they are not kids and you should not worry. But dad will never ever listen to her. When i used to reach Berhampur late night from my journey regarding of time, he used to wait in railway station for me. He used to tell mom that things have changed and these kids do not know. Mom will sleep peacefully but dad will be restless. When we used to fail in reaching the expectations, dad will always make sure that we are motivated for the next level. Mom always complained that he could not give time to family. But i never felt so. Lately he has become a family man. During my job search period, he was right behind me like a rock. He never let me feel depressed or loose faith on god. Mom will complain sometime but dad will have always encouraging words for me. He never let money stand as a stumbling block between me and my goals. He has a very good sense of humor and he is famous in his friend circle for that. Till now he makes sure that all are fine. He is very fond of cleanliness and he sweeps our house at least 5 times a day and mom will be angry for that. why do you need to sweep 5 times a day without any reason. He will never listen. Lately mom also has changed. She has mellowed and she has also inherited some of dad's qualities.When i look in the past and the present, i am really surprised the transition my family has gone. Sister is married and really happy with her in-laws who has never let her feel absence of my parents. She has got a dotting husband. Younger brother has continuously excelled in studies and has taken the responsibility when needed in my absence. People say family ties are very important. At the end of the day when you go home and see such energetic people you sleep peacefully considering how good the world is. Dad you are the best and no matter how much i try, it is not possible to come near you in the great qualities you have. Love you so much....

Is Money all that matters

This is the most controversial issue and no body is right here. Some people are greed and some people spends a lot. When i reached US and interacted with people, i saw all kinds of people. One thing is sure, the place and culture has nothing to play the way people spend. It all depends on individuals and their environment in which they are breed. When i came to Baltimore, i saw a striking difference of idea. One of my older roomies was greedy in calculation but he never used to held back while doing expenditure. Here when i joined new roomies, i found a different culture. everybody spends their own and cooks their won. there is no concept of unity or common expenditure. Because somebody stays couple of days in a week and somebody stays four days. they never worry regarding what is needed in the room and how to make it more hygienic. One guy always works overtime as he is paid by hours and he is very formal in his approach. When i look at them and compare with me, i can see the difference. The salary difference is visible and the idea of living life is different. The priorities are different. When i started earning, i used not to spend much. I used to know my limit and spend when needed. Then i started opening my hands when i feel frustrated by my limits. Although the salary is less, still you can be happy by organizing your expenditures. I know one thing from two of my old friends, when needed spend but never cross your limits. Because i have seen the priorities are changing rapidly for me. I do not know how but may be i am changing. Sometimes, i thought of jumping company for increase in salary but i could not convince my self of doing that. May be i am afraid of job security and i am too happy with the friends i have got in this company. So i have given the idea of changing the company though i know it will pay more in other place if i jump. May be i inherited this quality from dad, who is my role model and believe in happiness of heart no matter how much money you have. When i see people with more money they are as happy as i am or less. Even people who earn less are more happy. So i have stopped thinking and comparing about money. Sometimes it crosses my mind but it goes away just like darkness of light disappears bu rays of sun. I know one thing money can not give me happiness as i always want my friends and family to be around me. For me they are most important than anybody else.Money matters but there are something which money can not buy and it is the love and affection which are most important.

America makes me confused..

Since the day i landed US, i was wondering about my plan of action. What to do and etc. The more i think about it the more confused i become. Initially i did not like US because of the indifference of people's attitude. I feel bored. But gradually as i started making friends, i loved the place. Some parts of US, say west people are best. they behave rally well. You do not feel like an outsider. As always people of different origins have settled in US but they have made their own group. rarely you see Asians having American friends. very few have succeeded in that. The work culture here is good and people try to keep separate their family and office life, which i admire most. Unlike movies, people is US also give importance to their family and kid. All have equal opportunity, which is another striking factor. Most people go to gym and work out. they enjoy life with out worrying regarding future and savings, which is rare in Indian culture. Sometimes, i get frustrated when i see the difficulty in making friends with people who are born here. Sometimes, i love the cleanness and rules they follow. It excites me and sometimes memories of homeland makes me feel nostalgic. I could not decide whether to stay here for longer or go back and travel different countries. One thing is sure, may be it will take me more time, if i stop worry regarding my stay and enjoy the days as they went. The Namesake movie had given me another aspect of life. It is better to travel along the world and explore different cultures and places. See the beauty of all and being an IT industry is the bonus of that. Depending on clients, you can go to any place and i guess with out going to Australia and Europe, you have not seen what the world means. that's why i do not think settling in US is a good option but still people say that if you settle in US, you can go to Europe easily. But for some reason my heart does not want to settle here. It keeps thinking about India and contributing towards it in a big way. I am thinking og exploring all places in US as soon as possible and move other to some other country. because i am running out of time and once you have a family, people say you need to settle. But is it right? I just want to roam and do not commit and tie up in an relationship. May be i have to motivate who ever becomes my partner to be a free bird like amd and never ever think of settling any where. Just fly like a bird and enjoy the days of life. Till then Uncle Sam is calling me to roam its wonders.

Run Sagar Run

I saw "Forrest Gump"again few days ago and it again motivated me to run. Once i landed in US, i usually have preferred to walk on the weekends and spend time outside. Because i feel kind of restlessness at home in weekends and my mind does not work properly. Once i started running on treadmill, that restlessness doubled. Sometimes, i feel as if my leg says let's run. When i have to sit at home, it is really boring. Because my mind feels with all the idiot ideas and thinks of self destruction. When i moved to Baltimore, i stopped running for two weeks. Since last 3 days, i started running again. yesterday, tyagu called me for a 2.5 mile jogging and i was happy to accept it. It was really a good experience as i never ran on the road and the weather was awesome yesterday. It feel so satisfied when i return home. In India, it is really difficult to run because of traffic, pollution and the heat. may be the heat draws so much calories that you do not need to run.
But here as one has all facilities in hand, it better to involve in physical activities. it keeps you free from tension and diseases. Anyway i am planning to improve my running habit and keep running. As said the more you run the more you know your environment and locality. Let's run......

New Place New life

Since i have been to US, i have been lucky to change my project after 6 months. It has given me chance to prove myself in short duration and visit new places. It also has showed me how to quickly set your life from scratch and began hunting for success. When i came to Baltimore, i was a bit apprehensive of the place. Because of the high crime rate, i thought i landed in a bad place. I joined office and the client place is ok. It is full of contractors, so lot of politics stuff going on. As i brace to face the haunted deadlines and profitability, i have another role to play. Lead the team and make sure that they deliver high end product. I know i may face some difficulty initially but at the end i am going to emerge as winner. I have faith in god and i know with the blessings i will deliver. I got a new friend called Tyagu, a guy who is ready to help me anytime. Again the fragrance of friendship is blooming. Meantime, i am hoping to make some new friends and make this place again memorable just like other places. One thing is sure, with the help of my DL i can visit a lot of near by places and friends. Baltimore is close to a lot of cities of East and i will make sure that i visit all of them. Till then let me keep myself busy in the coll breeze flowing across my room.

Team India finally Rises

Well i know Abhi must be dancing his team play well. First time, i have seen Indian team playing collectively towards scoring such a huge score with everybody contributing. Finally Kumble scored a century. Some times people who have least expectation perform better. Kumble deserved the score as he battled really well and he has been a team player like Dravid. When i saw the score, i was surprised. this only shows one thing. When you believe in success, your potential increases. You think everything is possible. I am thinking Men in Blue will go for 2-0 win and i will ot be surprised. If they can do similar stuff in Australia, it will be a bonus. I left now it for Abhi to give his comments on this..Men in Blue rocks finally.........