Cinderella

~~~~
A little caterpillar that I was,

Wriggling out of my tiny cocoon.

In those moments of generous applause,

I thanked God for His divine boon.

Transformed into an color butterfly,

Majestic, with wings tender.

If there is something for which I would vie,

It would be myself, my thoughts inner.

I wish to be an elegant lady,

Charming and priceless.

Modest to the hilt, like dear sweet Betty,

What stands out is my simplistic chicness.

Painting a picture of my hopes and wishes,

I love to weave a dream.

Close to my heart are my beautiful sketches.

Aren't they gems in life's endless stream?

My feet are firmly on the ground,

Yet all I want to is fly.

I am a princess uncrowned,

I have my eyes on the sky.

If there is something lovely,

They are my thoughts.

I'm searching for my prince deary,

For dancing the gavotte.

I'm a girl at heart,

A lady in my mind.

Where are you my dear sweetheart,

In your love I will be blind.

The road ahead is long,

Twisted and turned with challenges many.

I want to be with you lifelong,

As we conquer those milestones glitzy.

I promise to have a heart kind,

Just wish to be enormously generous.

Hope to do some good for mankind,

Would strive my best to drive away the darkness.

In a garden, dazzling with grass green,

Sitting under the rustic old tree.

My thoughts race to be your queen,

I desire to lose in your love, sweet and mushy.

To solve the puzzle of this life glorious,

I would do many a Sadhana.

Your companionship will drive away my loneness,

All I want to be is your Cinderella.
~~~~

I want to be a Cinderella

---

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Sebastian Vettel Wins Formula 1 Grand Prix Of India 2011

Sebastian Vettel, driving the Red Bull Renault, has won the Formula 1 Grand Prix of India 2011. Vettel looked completely at ease, driving from pole position to a victory in the inaugural Grand Prix of India. 

Sebastian Vettel Formula 1 Grand Prix Of India 2011 Winner

For a nation of Billion plus people, hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix was a moment of great pride. And as the F1 engines revved up at the start of the race, the 100 thousand people who had come up to watch the race, looked  up in admiration. 

The start was normal for the drivers at the top of the grid. Vettel retained his top position, to be followed by Jenson Button, Mark Webber and Fernando Alonso. A bit of mayhem among the rear runners resulted in Kamui Kobayashi of Team Sauber crashing out, and Rubens Barrichello needing an immediate pit stop to rectify a damaged front wing.

Race Day Formula 1 Grand Prix Of India 2011

The race slowly settled into a smooth affair with Vettel leading the pack. Narain Karthikeyan, of India, driving for Hispania Racing had gained eight places to be at the 16th place in the initial part of the race. Adrian Sutil, driving for  Sahara Force India Mercedes, had worked upto the 8th spot.

F1 racing is all about keeping your cool in those moments of high speed. It was one such moment when Felipe Massa, driving a Ferrari, lost his cool and came right into the way of Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton's car was damaged and he had to have a run into the pits to rectify the front wing. 

Massa was awarded a drive through penalty. However, just a few laps later, he crashed his car on the kerb and ended up with a broken front wing suspension. The race was over for Massa, while Hamilton was left way behind, having to work his way up the order.

The intermediate stages saw some exciting racing from Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg, and Jamie Alguersuari. In the last of the pit stops, the Ferrari crew did an excellent job to get Fernando Alonso in and out of the pits. The precise pit stop put him ahead of Mark Webber of Red Bull, and on course to a third place finish. 

The rest of the race didn't see much of overtaking. And at the end of the 60th lap, Sebastian Vettel crossed the chequered flag, which was  being waved by Sachin Tendulkar.  It was in a stunning triple crown for Vettel - he had secured the pole position, ran the fastest lap of the race, and won the race.

Vettel Formula 1 Grand Prix Of India 2011 Champion

Jenson Button of McLaren finished second (cheered by his girl friend Jessica Michibata), and Alonso of Ferrari finished third. Mark Webber had to end up with the fourth position, followed by the two Mercedes powered cars of Schumacher and Rosberg.

Interestingly, the Sahara Force India Mercedes driven by Adrian Sutil finished 9th, while Paula Di Resta driving their second car finished 13th. Narain Karthikeyan, the sole Indian driver in the race, finished a commendable 17th, 3 laps below the race winner.  

Sachin Tendulkar at Grand Prix Of India 2011 

Vettel has now won 11 races this season. And with just two races left in this season, he is gunning to win the rest - to make it 13 wins in a season. It will equal Michael Schumacher's record set in 2004.

The last two weekends have been enormously difficult for race drivers, teams and fans across the world. Two weekends back, Dan Wheldon died in a high speed crash at an Indy Race in Las Vegas, USA. And just last weekend, Marco Simoncelli, had a fatal accident at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia. 

The Formula 1 drivers paid a tribute to these great sportsmen prior to the start of the race. 

Most importantly, although race drivers are looked up as Demigod's, we, the mortals, have to drive carefully and respectfully on a day to day basis. At stakes are our own lives, the lives of people around us and those on the roads. Safety first, Speed later should be the motto for ordinary people like you and me. 

All in all, it was an admirable moment for all Indian sports fans. The organizers were applauded for hosting a top notch sports event like Formula1. The race track - The Buddh International Circuit - drew wide spread appreciation from the sports commentators. 

The Buddh International Formula 1 Circuit - India's Pride

The stage is now set for the penultimate race of the Formula 1 2011 season. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is scheduled on the Yas Marina circuit on the 13th of November, 2011. 

With the Championship under his belt, Vettel will be racing for records. However, a battle royale is expected for the second and third place between Jenson Button, Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Mark Webber. 

Until then, India can enjoy its moment of pride for hosting the first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix on Indian soil.

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A Pristine Bride

~~~~

Carrying the nectar of life,

Standing the test of time.

Evoking beautiful memories, full of bliss,

I rumble across the valley, as a serene princess.

Twisted and turned, short and wide,

On this beautiful earth, I love to reside.

I flow for miles altogether,

Since time immemorial, I am a priceless saviour.

Surrounded by mountains calm,

In their shadows, softly I flow.

My water is pleasant and warm,

On many a soul, life did I bestow.

Surrounded by lush green carpets,

I am a travellers paradise.

Spawned a thousand rivulets,

Many a mortal did I entice.

A silent spectator to history,

My existence has been an open mystery.

Ageless that I am, have not become weary,

Never let down anyone, never been dreary.

I have existed for years million,

By Gods grace would do so for another billion.

I wish to protect and create, and evoke a smile,

My existence would only then be worthwhile.

Adored for centuries, I have always plied,

I am my nations pride.

Many a secret, in me, did the men confide,

Yet untouched, Ain't I A Pristine Bride?

~~~~

A Pristine Bride

P.S. These are the thoughts of the Kunar river which rumbles across the Kunar province in Afghanistan. I was attracted to this serene picture. It was surprising to know that such natural beauty exists in a country ravaged by wars for decades.

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Swabhimaan Pride

Moments of Pride, Dark Pride, take me and you over once in a while. Whatever may be the reason, commonly what is left behind are bitter thoughts. 

Each of these situations help the mind learn one important point - Swallow such moments of Pride, It never has any downside.

~~~~

Moments of Swabhimaan and Pride,

Wreaks my mind, colors it amber.

Good and bad thoughts collide, 

The baddies become the winner.

Pride colors my judgment,

Hampers the chain of my thoughts.

The mind is needlessly blunt,

Such moments are dark blots.

It ruins my calm,

Disturbs the peace of my mind.

I wonder if there is some balm,

To resolve these thoughts, hopelessly entwined.

Ending up being unreasonable,

Acting like a hard liner.

I do feel bestial,

What remains behind are thoughts bitter.

Wearing a mask demonic,

The mind becomes self centric.

All I feel later is toxic,

Breaking this puzzle is cryptic.

I may lose a chance,

Never to get it again.

It's the devil with whom I would dance,

It would close many an entrance.

How do I cure the vice?

I need to step back, once or twice.

It would definitely suffice,

To deflate these moments of pride.

Swallowing my pride,

Doesn't necessarily mean losing.

Any sadness will quickly subside,

The mind will be quickly bustling.

What matters most,

Is overpowering the momentous shark.

What is important and foremost,

Is swallowing such flashes dark.

The mind will never hold a grouse,

Everyone will feel a lot warmer.

If there is someone who would lose,

It would be the devil anger.

Moments of Pride are many,

It's important to act calmly.

I will feel a lot happier.

It's me who will be a winner.

~~~~

Deflate The Bubble Of Pride

P.S. This thought has been rumbling though my mind for quite a while, almost for an year or so. One such moment yesterday, laced with shameless pride which was almost conquered by myself, prompted me to pen this poem.

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A Letter To A Politician

Dear Politician,

I have a few questions to you and your breed. (Oops. Did I use the word breed? Isn't that meant for animals? Yes, it is meant for animals and their likes. I hope you have the intelligence to put 2 and 2 together.)

Question 1

Why do you sleep for 4 long years before the elections, and only wake up just when the elections are due?

Are you inspired by the snail which can sleep for 3-4 years at a time. I think you are motivated by them. And you have many qualities similar to snails. 

You are slow and sluggish, and make very dull progress in whatever you do. Maybe this is how you have learned to be horribly slack. 

Guys, why do you drive in a Ferrari, or a Aston Martin? You aren't supposed to be fast. You should be driving bullock cart!!

Useless Promises Are Abound

Question 2

Why do you beg for votes before every election? 

At one end you act like a beggar. At the other end, you spend on money, wine, and food for the electorate, so that they can vote for you. What kind of beggar are you? 

Yes, you are a rich beggar. Yes, you are a moral pauper.

Cheating Victors

Question 3

Why do you disappear after the elections?

Do you take classes from Houdini to make the disappearing act? Houdini was a hero, you are a zero.

Two Faced Politicians

Question 4

Why do you loot public money?

Are you a blood sucking vampire, with money being your blood? Don't you devour looting funds meant for the people? 

Yes, you are vampires. After all, you are so cold blooded, without a hint of warmth. Like the story in the Twilight series, I think we should set some hounds after you. 

Question 5

Why are you inconsistent in your behavior?

At one end, you stop schools and public transport for a whole month. At the other end, you grand child goes to his school, which is conveniently left undisturbed.

You heavily criticize the usage of English language in public places. Yet you send your children to English medium schools. And take personal vacations in England and the USA.

Zero Grey Matter Is Common

Question 6

Why do you fall ill when you are sent to jail?

Don't you take good care of yourself with all the ill earned money? Of Yes, I understand it now. You are misers and do not want to spend your money on yourself too. 

You "fall ill" after being sent to jail, so that you can further leech the public funds by getting admitted into a Government Hospital. And get a stay for free, with complete royal treatment.

Your good friend from Karnataka, B.S.Y., couldn't stay in jail for more than 9 hours. Is he giving you a live demonstration of this idea, so that you too can try it if the need arises?

Hoarding and Hiding Money

Questions, like these, are many. However, we all know that you don't have the ability to grasp many things at a time. The only thing you can do best is hoard money and resources. 

Let me stop here itself, otherwise your tiny grey matter will get overloaded.

If you have answers - sane and logical - to any of the above questions, please write back. If not, please retire from politics.

Thanks.

Vyankatesh

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Rediscovery

~~~~

You were a hidden gem,

In a plethora of stones.

Discovering you my dame,

Was the best of my life's milestones.

I think I know you well,

Yet you are an enigma.

I wonder why we gel,

Is it your beautiful persona?

Listening to you again,

Losing in your words.

We cuddle up in our den,

As if two love birds.

You make me calm,

It's your art mystical.

Holding your soft palm,

We share moments of love subtle.

Your words and ideas mould my life,

Your affection and warmth is rife.

Polish my, my dear goldsmith,

Our love will be a tale of myth.

Exploring your mind is a mystery new,

It's my pleasure, being your beau.

You have rekindled my vigor anew,

Rediscovering you is my dream come true.

~~~~

Discovering You

P.S. There are people who discover you, and whom you discover. This poem is for someone whom you love to discover, again and again. They have several beautiful mystical qualities, which make the rediscovery a pleasant journey.

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The One

~~~~

So near yet so far,

The door to my heart is open ajar,

Just walk into my life dear,

With you, I won't have any fear.

The distance between us is small,

In your love, I desire to thrall,

Wish my hand held your hand soft,

Your dreams could hold my life aloft.

~~~~

You meet someone by chance. It is this chance which could alter the course of your life.  This someone can be become co-sailor as you fare through the seas - high and low, rough and wild, calm and serene, and indeed long. 

Destiny's job is make our paths cross. Destiny, I think, has done her bit. The rest is up to us. We are yet to do our bit. Are you my someone? Am I your someone?

~~~~

Today you are a someone, 

Tomorrow you could be my special one,

I pray to God, many a times zillion,

All I want to be is your One.

~~~~

Can You Be The One??

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Jaws Of Jealousy

Jealousy streaks through my heart,

Wrenching it deep and sharp.

Pierces stronger than a dart,

The soul convulses into a warp.

The eyes are green,

Wondering what could have been.

Occupied with thoughts, dirty and obscene,

Shamelessly mean, hopelessly unclean.

Sights of happiness evoke sadness,

Moments of love elicit disappointment.

The antithesis is profoud,

The mind is a hound.

Morals are absent,

Not even an iota of ethics.

Such behavior is frequent,

Common are these antics.

Is there any cure,

Would anything rectify this behaviour erratic?

The mind is looking for a saviour,

It just wishes to be more civic.

Comparison is the cause,

The mind makes it a needless hoopla.

Snatch your life out of those killer jaws,

The flowers would bloom...voila.

Comparisons are inevitable,

Yet absolutely avoidable,

The color white turns black into gray,

Everyone wins, one day.

To bury jealousy in a deep grave,

I wish God makes my mind strong.

I pray it will pave,

To a life, peaceful and calm, lifelong.

Jaws Of Jealousy

P.S. The mind tried to explore the reasons of frequent bout of jealousy. Comparisons was pin pointed as one of the most important causes. The poem aims to take a step towards avoiding needless comparisons, thereby averting jealousy.

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A Cell In A Mind Shop

Dear Chetan Bhagat,

It's just been less than 4 days since NRN made his remark about the quality of the students passing out from IIT. This open letter to you is in view of your retaliation with a remark slamming Infosys as a body shopping company.

The debate has since then been raging wildly. Today's open survey on the Times Of India has some 70% of respondents supporting your view.

Since India is a democratic country, everyone has a opinion to express their view. You have expressed your views, and the Janata (as you call the general public at IIT) have expressed their opinion. Let me also take an opportunity to express my thoughts. And let me promise you, I will speak from my heart.

First things first. At the start of the letter, I planned to address you as Chetan. It was just then when a thought crossed my mind - what if my readers ask "Chetan Who??". Well, it's better to be clear and precise. That's why this letter is addressed to Chetan Bhagat.

Coming onto Infosys. What is Infosys - a company whom you have referred to as a body shop?

Infosys is a company which provides employment to 133000+ employees, generating revenues of 6+ Billion USD a year, and a market cap of 33+ Billion USD. 

Do you understand what happens out of this mass credible employment? Well, students in college work hard to get placed in Infosys. It improves the lives of people who work at Infy,  and the lives of their near and dear ones. 

Do you understand these Dollars? Do they awe you? Well, it awes the market. For long, Infosys has been considered as a darling of the Indian stock market. It's a reputation which Infosys has hard earned for itself.

I have read your book - The Five Point Someone. Disappointingly, I don't remember the name of the protagonist. But ask someone out there on the street - a father who saved and invested his money in Infosys - only to see its returns fund his child's education. He will never forget Infosys.

What does Infosys do? Let me take a few examples from the Infosys website.

Have you flown the Boeing 787? I bet No. It's still not available on the market. But if you do sometime in the near future, have a thought for Infosys.  They have played a role in it's making. Wanna read more?? Catch it up, right here.

Have you heard of Electronic Health Records? Well, it's a dream in India. But yes, Infosys has succeeded in sharing a blue print of that dream for a county in the United Kingdom. And it's mass scale implementation would improve the life of millions of people seeking help from public health care providers. If you are interested, you can read here.  

Have you heard of Finacle? It's a banking product from Infosys implemented across 73 countries across the world. It helps in managing 390 Million accounts and 289 Million customers. If you are crunching numbers, let me tell you that it's 4.2% of the worlds population. Awed?? I hope you are!!

Body Shop huh? You must be crazy!!

Examples, like these, are numerous. Let me tell you what Infosys does in one single line - It solves business questions. 

And it makes people happy. As an example, a client shared this compliment with my friend who works at Infosys - "We like your solution. It has made our day." I'm taking the liberty to share his personal moment with you. 

If you think that the work executed at Infosys is not exciting, I would urge you to think again.

What does Tata Motors do? They manufacture trucks. Not an exciting work, huh? Let me remind you that these are the very trucks which brings home the food that you and me eat.

What does ONGC and Reliance do? They drill for oil, and help produce energy. Not an interesting job profile is it? Hope you remember that this is the energy which helped you turn on your laptop/iPhone/computer and make that remark.

I trust you remember the saying which they taught us in school - "No Work Is Small."

And if you would have learned the structure of a human body back in school (much before you studied at IIT), you will recall that the most important parts of the human body are the heart and the brain (the mind). 

The mind is an integral part of the body. And if you think Infosys is a body shop company, you can also note that it is a "Mind Shop".

It's a place where you can engage the services of best minds. These best minds would be eager to help you with your business. And in case you are interested in ideas for selling your next book, you are most welcome to 44, Electronics City, Bangalore.

Best Regards,
Vyankatesh 

P.S. And did I tell you that the guy who received a compliment today is my friend and colleague? Like your views, all opinions mentioned above are my personal opinions. You may agree or disagree.  But a fact is a fact - The mind is the one of the most important part of the body.

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Moonlight Romance

The vast skies,

Decked in blazing crimson,

The sun sets, in reprise,

The moon rises on the horizon.

The radiance fades slow,

God ushers in a blanket dark,

To make our lives glow,

The tender moon appears over the arc.

The reflected beams from miles far,

Light up the sand and sea,

In my hand is a guitar,

To sing a song, and welcome my lady.

My life seems bland,

In your absence,

Will you make it grand,

With your beguiling presence?

You walk in the room,

Shimmered bright, glimmering flame,

My heart does bloom,

I adore you, my dame.

Your attraction is intense,

Your demeanor supreme,

You impress me immense,

You are crème de la crème.

The wait is over,

As I walk upto you,

I feel a lot warmer,

In the presence of lovely thou.

Holding your soft hands,

I whisper words of love.

We walk into the vast sand,

With blessings from Him above.

The wind blows into your tresses,

Fluttering them across my eyes,

I want to be with you for ages,

Never to say any goodbyes.

Jewels are many,

Diamonds are few,

Reasons are many,

Why I bind to you.

Your gait is mesmerizing,

Alluring darling, graced with fragrance intense,

You leave my heart churning,

My passion erupts immense.

Looking into your eyes, deep and dark,

Our ecstary ignites in a spark,

You set me in a trance,

Never should this end, our Moonlight Romance.

Can we have a Moonlight Romance ?

P.S. This poem is for Tisca Chopra. 

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My Princess

Glittering Diamond, Priceless Pearl,

Shining in the dark night.

My scintillating star, My girl,

You showcased your might.

A radiant beacon bright,

Your elegance ripped through the night. 

I earned to lose in your sight,

With you .. my passion does ignite.

I missed you hopelessly,

Without you, I was lonely.

What's special abouy you missy?

It's your halo - jazzy and glitzy.

You enthrall me, my siren,

Enamor me beyond my senses. 

You are my addiction,

You are My Princess.  

My Princess

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Formula 1 Grand Prix of India

Formula 1 is a sport, like football (soccer), which has an universal fan following. 2011 will be a special year for Formula 1 racing fans across India as the race makes its debut in India.

Formula 1

For years, F1 races were primarily concentrated around Europe, with a race or two across the Atlantic, and a couple of races across Asia and Australia. Asia was modestly represented by races in Japan and Malaysia - thanks to the likes of Toyota and Petronas.

In recent years, F1 racing in Asia has become more popular - with races being held across Malaysia, China, Turkey, Singapore, Japan, Korea, and Abu Dhabi. India will join the elite club of countries hosting a F1 race this year.

Formula 1 Ferrari 2011

The Formula 1 Grand Prix of India is scheduled on 30th October 2011. It will be conducted on the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, just outside Delhi.

Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix Race Circuit

The circuit has been built at a cost of approx 220 Million USD. The circuit has a length of 5.137 KM's and the race will have a total of 60 laps. The sound of the F1 engine revving up would be an absolute thrill for race goers!!

Coming to Formula 1 2011 season itself. The season is almost nearing its end, with just 5 more races to go. The Driver's Championship is almost decided with German Sebastian Vettel, driving a Red Bull Racing just 1 point away from winning the Crown. He has had an exceptional year, winning 9 of the 14 races this year. He has never finished lower than 4th this season.

Sebastian Vettel - 2011 F1 Champion

However, the next few positions are wide open, with Jenson Button, Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber and Lewis Hamilton fighting it out race after race. This battle should continue well into the last race. F1 race goers in India can hope to see classic driving from these guys.

Friends Off Track - Rivals Off Track

Michael Schumacher to deserves a mention. He is well into his 40s, yet is driving like a champion. Put him into a Ferrari, and he can give Vettel a run for his money.

Michael Schumacher

Check out the entire set of race drivers below.

F1 2011 Race Drivers

Among the teams, Red Bull Racing Renault is all set to win the Constructor's Championship, thanks to their two drivers - Vettel and Mark Webber. Ferrari and McLaren too have had a good season.

Vijay Mallya's team - Force India Mercedes - is doing really well. They are currently placed 6th in the chart. Mallya's strategy of buying a team early has paid of really well.

Formula 1 Force India 2011

Two Indian's are a part of the races. Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandok have been racing this year, but are yet to score any points.

Another thing closely associated with F1 is Glamour. A host of celebrities are expected to attend the race. Among the talking points will be the WAG's of the race drivers. 

Lewis Hamilton Nicole Scherzinger

Among the more famous ones is Nicole Scherzinger, of Pussy Cat Doll's fame, as Lewis Hamilton's girlfriend. And you have Jessica Michibata as Jenson Button's lady love.

Jenson Button Jessica Michibata

You can also have Indian beauties, like Deepika Padukone, representing Force India and setting the track on fire.

Deepika Padukone

All in all, the race promises to be an exciting one. Since its the first F1 race in India, it is bound to get attention. I can hope that it puts India on the map of the racing fans across the world, and help is increasing the tourism revenues.

If you are planning to visit India for the race, you can catch out the Event Time Table right here. The race is scheduled immediately after the Diwali festival - the Festival of Lights - and it can be an interesting experience for someone visiting India for the first time. If you are interested knowing more about the location of the race, and some exciting places to visit, this link will be very useful.

An important point to remember is all this hoopla is to remember that F1 racing is only for professionals. Young kids and men & women should not attempt to replicate the racing skills of Schumacher. Just drive slow and safe. Enjoy the race.

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