FAMILY MEET 2011 AT PUSHKAR

Family get together a new concept started by my parents’ family way back in 1997. Our first get together was held in Mount Abu. Subsequently we had such Meets at different places such as Ranakpur, Nathdwara (3 times), Bhilwara, Rishikesh and again in Mount Abu.
Cherishing the idea my in laws followed the suit. And afterwards we had wonderful Meets at different locations such as Mussoorie, Silvasa, Jodhpur, Pushkar, Udiapur, Mount Abu, Saputara, and Falna.
Though family member do meet during marriages or at any social functions. But to bring all of them at a single platform is a big task. Besides, during family functions, most of the family members are occupied in discharging their various duties and therefore they hardly get time for spending quality together. Especially female members are always busy in kitchen.
Therefore, the basic idea behind such meetings was to encourage participation of all family members so that the new generation can know about their cousins, grandparents, Mamas, Chachas, buas, Phuphas, Masi, Mausa and so on. Member do come from different parts of the world, therefore they do bring rich experience to share with other family members. Lot of learning takes place. The love, affection, brotherhood and sacrifices are shared. Indeed this is an exercise in building great institution in itself.
Normally such gathering takes places after every two to three years. For us three different families are there, so normally after 18 months or so one such Meet happens.
The responsibility of organising such event is taken by any one unit of the family for next summit on last or concluding day of each Meet. This time the whole programme was oranised by Ganpat Kaka at Pushakar, near Ajmer from 13th to 15th August 2011. The meet was from my wife’s parental side so ideally can be called “Bhandari Family Meet”. We are total 119 members and out of this 95 members (both domestic and NRIs) were present at the venue known as “Ananta Resort”, an excellent property with all the facilities one would dream for an ideal location. The Resort made in the Indonesian Architecture, is in the midst of a green carpeted valley, with water bodies, long walk ways, asthetically landscapped gardens, chirpping birds, gives you a serene and tranquil feeling.
The day one started with tying rakhies by all sisters to their brothers and bhabhis. This one hour programme was followed by Title giving ceremony by Singhvi family from KOTA. THEN THE SERIES OF WHOLE DAY PROGRAMME STARTED. LIGHT HUMOUR SKIT, WHO WOULD BE MY DREAM PARTNER, CHESS, CRICKET, FANCY DRESS, SONGS, DANCES AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST LATE NIGHT GOSSIPING WERE THE ORDER OF THE DAY.
The second day was again full of activities, swimming, morning walk, quiz, debate, Presentation on Virasat, were the programme upto lunch. Evening was meant for grand celebration on the occasion of Golden Jubilee Celebration of Gunpat Kaka. The whole programme was coordinated by Kaushal. It was a show of around 3 hours and almost all family members participated in various programmes like drama, poetry, profile reading and so on. And late evening was followed by disco dance by all and sundries. Some of the events which really will be remembered long time to come are:
1. Mimickery by Manoj : Ashok Gehlot and Justice Bhandari
2. Recipe Book : By Usha Bhandari
3. Interview on TV : Barkha Bhandari with Justice Singhvi and Ashok Bhandari (IPS-Rtd)
4. Who will be my dream partner : Presentation by Preksha, Vabhiv and Palak
5. Mimickery by Shail Kothari : Dadisa
6. Songs : Avi Mehta, Tanaya and Jaisal
7. Dances : Gaurv and Anshi, Prachi, Nandani, Arti
8. Presentation on heredity traits : Virasat by Preksha and Prateek
9. Fancy dress with theme presentation : Arpit (Sunny deol), Beenu (Rakhi Sawant), Smt Vandana Bhandari-Sonia Gandhi, Sh Subhash Bhandari : Manmohan Singh
10. Poetries : Sh Mohan Singhsa, Sh Daulat Singh sa, Sh Gulab Singhsa, Sh Shanta Bhandari
11. Chess : Mr Justice Singhvi

Song skit and Debates were notable programmes (peformed by me and Beenu) appreciated by all. Mohan Bade papa added special flavours to debate.

The third day was 15th August, our independence day. National anthem and patriotic songs rendered by Barkha and Usha didi enthralled the hall. This was followed by prize distribution ceremony. A visit to Pushkar Temples was in our itinerary. The Monsoon showers welcomed us in the town of temples and rose flowers. After visit to temples, the sumptuous Rajasthani meal (dal, bati, churma etc) made our day. And our Meet was concluded with a vote of thanks to Chair - Mrs. Kamla Mohnot.

Everybody is looking for next Meet. Yes….to be organised by Shri Mohan Singh sa who simply jumped to the mike and announced taking the responsibility. Great indeed. Hats off to him.

Holi___Festival of colours

We anxiously await the Festival of Holi which normally happens either in the month of March or April. These are the months when winter bid good bye and spring and Autumn set in. Scenting atmosphere and blossoming flowers mesmerise this beautiful earth. The crop is ready for harvesting. And therefore, special significance for welcoming new season and enjoying together.

We all come together, forget our difference and play with colours. This is the only festival when you cannot distinguish between and haves and have-nots. All are equals and everybody enjoys.

With this note, I wish everybody a very colourful, cheerful and happy holi.

BANGKOK TRIP MARCH 2011

The geographical heart of Southeast Asia, the Kingdom of Thailand is more than a pulsating, vibrant tourist destination – it is one of the biggest economies in the region. Heavily export-oriented, Thailand, or the Land of Smiles as it is popularly known, is recognized for the openness of its economy, and willingness to accept foreign direct investment. The recent agitation by Red Shirt was also successfully thwarted.

Thailand today is the world’s largest rice exporter, the second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producer. Having made significant progress in social and economic development in recent years. The current growth rate is around 8% p.a. Unlike its other neighbours in Southeast Asia such as Laos, Vietnam, or Burma, Thailand was never colonized – and the country’s developing, free-enterprise economy is slowly shifting from agriculture to manufacturing.

Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, has been inhabited for around 5,000 years with the earliest civilization believed to be that of the Mons in central Siam, although the first Siam state is the Theravada Buddhist kingdom of Sukohthai.

The land of Theravada Buddhism has had a long tradition of being one of Asia’s most culturally vibrant countries. With miles of extended coastline, Thailand has some of the world’s best beaches, ancient architecture, friendly people and unique cuisine.

The Thai traditional greeting, the wai, involves pressing the fingers and palms together at chest level while slightly bowing the head. The wai is always returned, and performs the twin functions of greeting and showing respect.

My previous posting was mainly focussed on our site visits to various interesting places of tourists destination. Please do visit.. http://mastpradeep.blogspot.com/2010/09/thailand-trip.html.

This trip was meant to be a business trip. Therefore, we were more interested to know about the retail business in Thailand and Bangkok in particular. A team of 20 Real Estate Managers of Reliance visited Bangkok from 3rd March, 2011 to 6th March, 2011. The extensive tour of retail market was undertaken and atleast 20 big properties consisting of super market, departmental stores, speciality stores and hyper mart were studied and tried to find out the reasons for success of retail business in Bangkok. A few questions were framed in mind and tried to find out the answers.


Why Hyper as a format has been successful in Thailand:

i) Meet local aspiration
ii) Both spouse are working : Easy to shop at one go.
iii) Strategically located
iv) USP : Fresh is actually fresh both Vegetarian and non-Vegetarian
v) Ready to cook and ready to serve
vi) Price points : competitive and affordable
vii) Quality assurance
viii) Quick Service
ix) Food court and impulse buy on GF : Major driver
x) Robust logistics


Normally, the stores are located on wide roads, best competitive places, good demographic profile, futuristic development etc.

Government has been extremely helpful and approval process is not so cumbersome.

Now a days Government has become a little cautious due to traffic problems and is encouraging new stores on highways.

The continous research is integral part of their business. Therefore, they have been able to meet the challenge of competition.

Currently the size of organised retail in India is hardly 5%. With economy growing at a rate of 9%, there is very good future for retail industry in India. There will be tremedous surge in employment in this sector.

We had wonderful experience moving around with all team members. Lot of learning in terms of team building, sacrificing, cost saving, new development came into being.

Let us hope for better India tomorrow.

NEW YEAR BEGINNING 2011

With the fast India becoming part of globalization, most of the urban Indians celebrate the last day of previous year with great fun followed by parties, drinks, dance and so on to welcome the New Year. However, I had different idea this time. I felt these parties are artificial, you have to smile, drink and dance even if you don’t like and you to behave like a pre programmed machine and act in a particular manner.

Hills have always fascinated me. Shimla has been my favourite haunting place. The the long deodar trees, the welcoming pines, green carpeted mountains, diamond glowing glaciers and scenting air always add charms to this lovely city. But above all, what inspires you is the innocence of local habitants, their mannerism, beautiful and lively interaction and optimism towards life and that always have a magnetic effect on my imagination. I wished to go to Shimla, but due to extreme cold weather, we decided to opt for the Valley of Rishikesh.

Along with with Kaku’s family and Raju’s family we made programme of this holy city. Of course, Raju joined us after much persuasion from Kaku. But he will now admit it was worth.

On 30^th December, we headed for Rishikesh from Chandigarh via Nalagarh, Nahan, Ponta Sab and Dehradun. It was raining heavily when we started from Chandigarh and passed through deep forest of Shivalik hills. The beauty of hills was mesmerizing. After having a small break at Ponta Sab, we reached Rishikesh at 2.30 pm. Our hotel, “Ganga Resort” a venture of GNVL is situated on the bank of Holi river Ganga. We checked in and without wasting a single minute, came out to enjoy the serenity of nature. My eye could not believe that a place could be so beautiful. You have direct access to river from the porch of our hotel. Stadium kind of sitting arrangement at the bank of river from Kailash Ghat to Ram jhula has added special significance to this place. So one can spend whole day watching the pure transparent water flowing.

Of all the main river valleys of Garhwal, the Bhagirathi valley is perhaps the most beautiful, for deep glens and forest of deodar, birch, oak, and pine flank the river here. Legend has it that when Ganga descended from heaven to earth, Lord Shiva received her in his matted locks, releasing her slowly, or else the sheer force of the flow would have washed the earth away. Indeed the forest of Garhwal could well represent the locks of Shiva.

Seventy kilometers downstream from Devprayag, at a point where the Ganga meets the Chandrabhaga, stands the holicity Rishikesh built above the very last gorge that the Ganga must negotiate before entering the plains. Rishikesh is a cool, beautiful, restful place, with a kind of benediction in the air. The serene east bank of the Ganga is home to a string of ashrams, centers of Vedic and yogic learning, meditation and herbal medicine. The mighty Lakshman Jhula spans the river, dwarfing the habitation on either side.

Facing our rooms was the deep forest of Himalayas. The small temples from the midst of trees were giving a serene happiness in our mind.

Because of winter, Arti time was about 5 o clock at the Greta Mandir. We crossed Ganga by a boat and reached Geeta Mandir for evening prayers. Lot of Diyas were lit by students and teachers of Parmarth Ashram. The devotional songs and bhajans were all were in the air. And Ma Ganga was flowing in its own current giving blessing to all its children.

Next day was a fogy day. We went for an excursion towards hill side. We tracked for around 1 km, but due to rain had to return from mid way. It was 31^st evening, so Arti had to be very special. I just closed my eyes, listened to the Bhajan and lost myself in the divine mystic of nature. Small speech was also given by one Sadhvi for making new commitment in the new year.

1^st Jan, 2011 was a sunny day, a perfect day for rafting. We started from Shiv Camp for onward journey to Ramjhula, an 18 km journey of 2.5 hours in raft. There were around 5 to 6 places where water was rapid and was taking quick turn and twist and that was the really attraction of raft journey. Kartik, Arpit, Kshitij and Kaku did not lose the opportunity and jumped into the icy water when challenged by the raft master.

The evening was again spent at the bank of Ganga for prayers and this is the place where I enjoyed maximum and got real spiritual pleasure.

On 2^nd jan. we all returned back to our home towns. However only one thought is still in my mind. Sacred and pious Ganges gives lives to millions of people, running through thousands of kilometers at different places. Some people pray it like Goddess, some people throw their garbage in it, but it keep on flowing without any complaint and gives its blessing to all. Can we learn something from Ma Ganga?

HAPPINESS

Responsibility Vs Attachment

After sad demise of her son a woman was mourning for days to gather and not allowing his body to be consigned to the flames. She had faith in God and was convinced that her son will be live again. Lord Budha happened to visit her village and she went to him and prayed for life of her son. Lord Budhha said, “yes he will bring life to the dead body if she can bring a glass of water from a family in whose house there was no death”. She came back empty handed but realized that life and death is the rotation of nature and this invariably happens.

Once my boss asked me to give him a pen in the hotel lobby. I immediately gave him a branded pen which I was having in my pocket. He said, “please give me a pen which kept in the folder of hotel room.” I changed the same immediately. He smiled and remarked, “let us not possess those things for which we become possessive”.

Now let us come to Jain religion which preaches us a theory of detachment of life from worldly things (away from “Moha and Maya”) so that one can remain happy and attain a state of “Moksha”.

I really do not know why I have narrated these incidents. But somewhere the meaning of all these incidents is to remain happy in whatever circumstances we are placed.

Now the moot question is, is it crime to remain happy? Is it necessary to remain in a state of shock? Is it necessary that you should abdicate all your hobbies, all your friends, all your company, all your preference, simply because you have a responsibility towards your family, your spouse, your children, your parents, your brother and so on. Why people time and again remind you your grieves so that you always remain traumatized. Why do people themselves do not want to forget their sorrows if somebody genuinely trying to keep you away from negative thoughts. Why do we always take the positively steps of our loved ones in the negative direction?

I really do not have any answer to these questions. The other day, a psychologist visited my office to give us a lecture on “Happiness”. Her answer was the best way to remain happy is do what you like, give time to yourself, peruse your hobbies, give some time to society. You will be fulfilled with your desire to get a state of self actualization. And ultimately you will be happy. But how to do that is again a question?

I have feeling you should be responsible, play your role, but act like a doctor. Being in a sad state and making other sad every time is not the answer.

Thailand Trip

Thailand Diary (14^th to 22^nd aug 2010)

There was a clash between mind and heart. Kaku was insisting for my visit to Thailand. I was not keen in view of the schools of kids. However, Beenu said that she cannot refuse the invitation of Kaku, a nephew of rare qualities. Finally I gave in. While Kaku was on telephone from Bangkok, I booked tickets through Clear trip, a fabulous offer from Thai Airways.

The time difference between IST and Thailand is 1.5 hours. We landed in Thailand at around 5.30 pm on 14^th August, 2010. Took a metered taxi for Sukhmit Soi 16 and reached Sommerset Lake at 7 pm. We were welcomed by Adi, Anju and Kaku by Arti and applying Tilak on our forehead. I could see the joy on the face of Adi seeing Arpit and Kshitij (Chachas) with him.

After freshen up, we had sumptuous dinner, had lot of gossips and went to bed at around 1 am.

Next day (15.8.2010) morning we planned our trip for Dream Land. Dream land is a place where one can easily spend the whole day for various excursion activities particularly enjoying rides of various swings, photography’s in various postures and eating out. This place is quite similar to that of Essel World in Mumbai. But it has certain USPs like 4 D Theatre, Stunt Shows, and systematic approach with lot of lined trees and shrubs. We returned home at 7 pm and had our dinner in an Indian restaurant called “Saras”, a pure vegetarian restaurant being run by a Rajasthani family.

On 16^th August, 2010, we went to Safari Park, again a whole a day affairs. The Giraffe, Zebra, Loin, Tiger and innumerable animals and birds really please the eyes of all the nature lovers. Here, one can enjoy the various animals’ shows like Elephant shows, Sharks shows, Monkey shows, Bird shows etc. It’s really amazing to see the water animals performing at the tunes of their masters.

On 17^th we opted for city tour. We took a cab and went straight to a Wat pho ( a conglomerate of various temples dedicated to Lord Budhha) within a single campus. The main attraction is a huge statute of lord Buddha in reclining posture. We also saw a Thai Royal Palace from outside and went to Gem Palace (a must she world’s biggest jewellery store) at the instance of our taxi driver. Our next destination was the Paragon Siam Osian Mall. This is a high end Mall, where world’s best brands are housed and beyond the reach of common man. In basement they have created a marine park along with a 4 D Theatre. They have created a marvel, a complete museum of marine life in an area of around 40,000 sqft in three basement levels.

18^th was scheduled for Phuket. We took early morning flight of Air Asia and reached Phuket at 9 am. One should be careful while taking luggage in Thailand because check in luggage also cost you dearly. We were booked at Hotel Furaexclusive, a 3 star hotel with swimming pool and all amenities. This hotel is at a walking distance from Patong beach. Hotels in Phuket are very good and quite reasonable. In the afternoon, we went straight to Patong beach. The sun was blooming and temperature must be around 36 degree Celsius We could see lot of Firangis lying bare clothed enjoying sun bath. We hired two long chairs with umbrellas to take shelter in.

We came back to Hotel at around 4.30 pm and relaxed there for about 2 hours. In the evening, we were booked for Fatasia Show. This is an splendid show of man and animals in perfect harmony. The auditorium with a capacity around 2000 persons is nearly full. Besides this, you have plenty of other activities before entering the mail auditorium including games and food. You need to have a minimum budget of Rs. 3000 per person while visiting this show. Show lasted for about one hour and we came back to our hotel at 11.30 pm

19^th was the second day of our trip and we took conducted tour of city. Our guide Ms Mimi was a charming lady with permanent smile on her face. She showed us best locations of Phuket like Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Kata View Point, Phuket Town, Handicraft show rooms, Activity Park etc. At 2 pm we bade good bye to our guide, had lunch in an Indian Restaurant and came back to Hotel. At about 5 pm we again went to Kata beach, a pure white sand virgin beach. It’s like heaven on earth. You can completely relax here.

Evening was meant for city trip. While kids opted to stay in Hotel due to tiredness, we went to see the night life of Phuket. We straight went to Bangla Market. The area is cordoned off for vehicular traffic and you can see vibrancy of pubs, bars, music stores, coffee shops and of course road side kiosks. The experience was exhilarating.

The next day i.e. 20^th was scheduled for Phang Nga Bay and surrounding island trip. The trip was booked on arrival at the Airport of Phuket where you have chance of getting good discount. The tour operator pick you up from your hotel on appointed time and take you straight to the Jetty. This trip is awesome. The small islands, lagoons, hills, caves and greenery in the mid of sea is just not forgettable. We took a few snaps of the James Bond island where film “Kaho na Pyar hain” was shot. As usual Beenu took the full advantage of the scenic beauty and delighted me, the Cameraman. Many modals will be envy of Beenu’s poses. The trip came to an end at around 5 pm with vote of thanks.

We took opportunity to have one more round of market and Patong beach in the evening as we had sufficient time for taking flight to Bangkok. Impulse buying was a must. We flown to Bangkok at around 11 pm and landed Bangkok at 12.30 am. Kaku and Anju were waiting for us. The house was fully decorated with Balloons and candles. Cake with beautiful icing was waiting for Arpit’s birth day celebration. Hats off to this couple who took so much interest and pain for the birth day celebration of Arpit to whom they love more than their own brother.

21^st was our last day in Thailand. While, kid went to Pantim Plaza for shopping of gadgets with Kaku bhaiya, we went to Chatu Chat week end market. This is a special market of handicraft and day to day needs having around 35000 shops. It is like big field where you have multi lanes, multi roads and multi shops where one can spend full day shopping, still not able to cover the full market.

Early morning of 22^nd was our departure day. Thailand is a Bhudhist nation, one will surprise to see the huge, gigantic statute of lord Vishnu of Samudra Manthan. A country where all religions are equally respected. In India, if we do that, our pseudo secular politicians will say we are converting our country to a saffron state.

Many many kudos to Kaku and Anju who made our trip one of the finest one and the most memorable one. They also extended all help, support, when hell broke with the news of sad demise of Gullu in an accident on 21st late evening, an IIT graduate, nephew of Beenu. Hats off to them for showing so much compassion, composure, warmth, affection and I am run short of words.....the great marvels of Gordhansa.