And it's all over....

It's true. My time at Amherst is close to coming to an end, and I am not happy about it. The quiet and beautiful (in every sense ;))town, so much like my village close to Mangalore, with extremely friendly people, has possibly given me the most fun 2 years of my life. I guess it's my problem that I get attached to every place I live in, but I don't think there was a better place for me in the US than this. What I can only take back with me are the friends I made, for I have made many good ones. And the fact that living alone away from family has made me learn about myself so much more. I don't know if it's easier for others to handle this.. seems hard to me. I hope it's just a matter of time.

India's pride..

The Oscars have always held a special place in my family. I remember catching a few glimpses of it every year, early in the morning before leaving for school, thanks to my mom. I remember actors and actresses acting weird when they received such an award, something they must have been waiting all their life. And when one really does get it, its probably unbelievable! Hence, the screams of joy, tears and gratefulness to the Almighty.
I would not have imagined a day when an Indian would be on that stage. When I was a kid, may be we never made world class movies, and that forced me to think so. Probably, as a kid I wasn't even aware that music categories existed at the Oscars. But, nothing is impossible. And a genius, one of our own proved it. People say he has done much better work, and Slumdog's music does not deserve an Oscar. But who cares, it's his reward more because of all his previous great works of art. Name one person who has been so consistent in his/her field of work - may be Sachin Tendulkar.
"Mere paas maa hai" - might sound filmy, but he summarized everything he had to say in one line. He's our ideal representative, and an idol, never forgets his roots, never speaks more than he needs to, and just gives his best at work. It's one of my dreams to meet him at his studio, and sing in front of him. Hope that comes true!

What joy it was to see him get both Oscars, jumping up and down, giving hi-fis, shouting - that was us. He was just calm. How amazing was it to see and listen to the drums rolling for Jai Ho!!! We really did rock that night!!!

Dr. Saahu on Air India 144

Dec 30, 2008:
"Haan ji beta..Aapki seat hai.. aao baitth jaao. Myself Dr.Saahu... I was the Chief Medical Officer in Chattisgarh, but I am now retired. My brother is a minister there, and so I am still working at the age of 65. I keep coming to my daughter's place here in New Jersey every alternate year."
I was welcome with these words as I sat in an Air India flight back home to Mumbai. I just smiled and looked for another seat, but it wasn't to be - the flight was full! An aged, bald, unshaven man sat next to me, with his demure wife on the aisle. They had supposedly traveled all around the world, with the man claiming to have been spending all his savings on tours. This got me a little interested, as I thought it was a cool thing to do. But, I wasn't sure how much more of the constant chatter I could take :) He finally seemed to settle down; by the way in the midst of all this, I didn't get an opportunity to even introduce my self!
Soon after taking off, sleep found me and I enjoyed a few moments of silence.
Time for some food. The world infamous air hostesses of Air India began serving - food and some cranky expressions. May be they don't get paid, or its just old age I suppose!
Anyway, the food was good, and that's all that matters on a long flight.
Back to sleep. Oh btw, Dr. Saahu had 3 pegs of whisky, which to my relief put him to deep sleep.
Next wake up call - London. We were supposed to disembark, run through Heathrow and get another round of security check done, and get back into the same plane. What a crappy system, I thought and hurled few abuses in my head. And what a racist country the UK is!!! People were being looked upon as terrorists, with bags being checked once though the scanner and twice manually. A lady was asked to drink some water from her baby's bottle. Heights of paranoia!! Wonder why AI hasn't been able to sort this issue.
So, we're back on the plane after wasting 2 hours. I listen to some music before its time for food again. And Dr. Saahu doesn't miss the free drinks - 3 pegs more. Well, this time it makes him talk! I get to listen to another round of his life's achievements and his political contacts and what not. He tells me how great his sons-in-law, and how he advised them regarding their careers. And then finally, he asks me my name!
We reach Mumbai - I'm in a little discomfort as my ears ache(due to the air pressure, and possibly my neighbor!!). We say our good-byes and Dr. Saahu leaves. I get to doing the formalities at the airport, and get out - to get to the domestic airport to Bangalore.
Home sweet home after 18 months, its new year's eve and I'm going to make the most of it!