A Feat of Indian Engineering

A train journey can be an incredibly liberating and exciting experience. One can pass time by reading or admiring the landscape for hours or socialize and chat with the co-passengers or even make friends for life.

Railways were introduced by the British in India in 1853, the first railway line being between Victoria Terminus and Thane and, the Indians have expanded it far and wide since 1947 and made it  one of the largest railway networks in the world, connecting even the remote corners of India. The feat was achieved by the Indian Railway team of engineers planning and creating new lines, bridges, via ducts, stations, etc.

Apart from laying new lines and modernizing the railways, some years ago the Indian engineers designed, planned and executed Konkan railway thereby bringing Konkan into the much in demand coastal railway line. It has attracted attention of the world and British in particular, before independence, who had once planned and later given up the idea of this coastal railway line mainly because of the topography, sub soil and terrain. The Indian engineers overcame these challenges and once again proved that it could be done with some innovative ideas. The Konkan railway serves the coastal towns and cities of Konkan region of Maharastra, Goa, Karnataka and Malabar coast of Kerala; attracting a lot of local and foreign tourists to these states, tourist sites and beaches. They are amazed at the scenery and greenery, especially during monsoons. Full credit should go to the Indian engineers and their resolve.

And once again the Indian Railways and Indian engineers have almost done the impossible by constructing the railway line from Jammu to Vaishnodevi Katra in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Recently the Indian PM N Modi inaugurated the new line. It is a marvelous piece of engineering. Those who have got a chance to see it, give a thumbs up to Indian engineering. Some say the newly built station is as good as an airport.

The facility at Katra station is one of the best in the country, the three platforms itself can accomodate 26 coach trains. the first floor has plush accomodation facilities matching star hotels with cafetaria by IRCTC.

Now travelling by train to Katra, the base camp of Vaishno Devi shrine has become a reality as the railways have completed the construction work on this stretch of the ambitious Kashmir rail link project. The opening of the 25 km Udampur-Katra section is a boon to travellers and pilgrims coming from Jammu to the famous shrine.

The below given photographs will tell you much more.

Tunnel

Tracks on the bridge

Through the via duct

The route passes the inhospitable terrain making it an extremely challenging engineering project. The 292-km Udampur-Katra-Quazikund-Baramulla rain link is vital for the Kashmir valley as it aims at boosting economic prosperity of the region.


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Picture Post:

The ancient & famous temple, Jagannath Puri templ in
Odisha, India.

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‘I found it to be an interesting tale. I love the vividly woven plot which moves seamlessly – all against a backdrop of brilliantly researched mythological facts.
I absolutely love the indepth portrayal of the characters. Bharata is the original strong and silent hero, and the story is timelessly enchanting. I recommend this book.’
-- Jane Rand

The book forays into the life of Bharata who stood tall in the midst of others in Ramayana. The story of Bharata every Indian has grown up with, but did not notice his role in the episode.

Bharata, My Brother - by Anil Kumar Naik

Rs 200

To buy your copy Email: akn929@yahoo.com

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Q & A – with Anil Kumar Naik

Reproduced here is the Mumbai-based editor/writer and book lover, Anil Kumar Naik’s take on books:

‘.......Especially for an autobiography, it has to be as honest as possible. Besides one has to document almost everything without hurting anyone’s sentiments.’

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Anil Kumar Naik : A brief CV

 

Earlier:

Advertising & Corporate Communication

Edited an online Business website & next edited a magazine devoted to Lifestyle.

Authored/Edited:

*Time to be Alone

 - A collection of poems

*Eternal Quest

- A memoir by M R Pillai, Ex-Director of Enforcement, Govt of India.

* From the dust in Kalathur to the sand in Arabia

- A biography of a NRI enterpreneur S B Shetty of Arab-Udupi Group, UAE.

*Bharata, My Brother

- Bharata’s episode from the epic – Ramayana

Regular contributor to global & Indian media

Writes a popular blog on India, World & Current Affairs.

Education & resident in:

Mumbai, India.

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Q. About yourself?

A. I have been married for years and we both are non-materialistic and practical. And like anyone else, a lot of what I do and how I think has been shaped by my family and my over-all life experiences. I am also defined by my curiosity and interest for learning. I love to read, from books, magazines to newspapers, etc from which you get information, imbibe ideas and learn new things.

Q. What do you write best and why?

A. Autobiography, Biography, memoir, etc. Fame is not the only reason to write an autobiography or biography of a person. Actually personal stories, deep insight into what makes someone tick, a description of a person’s life of a few decades are all important and inspiring to others. I love being able to tell the stories of normal people who are making extraordinary changes. I hope to write more of such people.

 

For a writer writing a memoir – Autobiography or biography, the good thing is that mostly the subject is getting old and is equipped with personal experiences, and that there is so much more to write about, especially for a writer like me who delves  in to the past. One has so many memories that you can never run out of material. My two books talk about the small towns and quirky people who inhabit my book and tell their struggles and rise to be successful.

A good memoir – should have elegant prose peppered with a little wit and humour. It should not be pompous, otherwise tends to get a bit vulgar. Should be based on real life experiences and facts. Should be economic in words and focus on the essentials for the benefit of young readers.

Most of the subjects hail from small towns, are easy to observe as people know each other well and are real life characters. In most cases, the major part of the book, I am writing about a village or town it used to be 50-60 years ago, so I need to re-create those times in my writing.  I still prefer to handwrite the first draft of the manuscript.

Speaking at the Book
 Launch at Kalathur,
nr Udupi 

Specially for an autobiography, it has to be as honest as possible. Besides one has to document almost everything without hurting anyone’s sentiments.

Q. What about fiction?

A. Fiction. It gives you a free hand where I can take my imagination to whole new places. And Indian mythology – there is something magical about it for every generation.

Q. Do you believe authors should write more?

A. It depends. One should write as long as there is a meaningful story to be told. If not, just don’t write.

At the Book Launch with
 eminent personalities

 Q. How can one be a good writer?

A. One should tell a good story. If you try to use too many words and too many ideas, you will confuse the reader. It is organized thinking, exposing your inner thinking to the world. They think it has to be perfect, when in fact, writing is a process. The characters have to be appealing or provocative to sustain reader interest.

At the Book Launch with dignitaries
 and AKN's father BG Naik on the stage
  

I have no regrets. I may not have become a great writer but I managed to write good and get paid for it. Now I am also a regular blogger too. I like to do my creative things quiet, in the background. I don't like to show or talk about it.

Q. Apart from writing, what else do you do?
A. I am into media and communication, with special interest in advertising and corporate communication. I love to visualise ads and ad campaign, conceptualise and direct corporate films. And I prefer to write the ad copy and content for corporate communication material which helps make a positive impact for the client. However, presently have almost given it up.

Q. Do writers have goals?

A. Although I do have goals, I don’t feel compelled to chase them. Most creative people feel the same!


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Picture Post:

The famous Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh, India.

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*For more interesting blogs by Aneela Nike

Log on to: www.aneelanike.blogspot.com

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Email: aneelanike@gmail.com

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Want to pen your thoughts? 
Want to write a book?

Do you need professional help to write or edit the
manuscript of your book:
Autobiography, Biography, Memoir, Compilation, etc.

Just mail to: akn929@yahoo.com

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A Sea-side Chat with a Vice-Admiral in Uran

A Sea-side Chat with a Vice-Admiral in Uran

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Below: Oil for all Seasons

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Monsoon brings out the best in nature. And it’s fascinating to spend the weekend in the rains in the midst of nature. I spent a weekend at the sea side shack at Uran, close to the sea, with the rains, sea was in full force and the waves exhibiting its fury. But staying near the sea at Uran Plaza, a sea-side resort was an enjoyable, scary  and an unique experience.

Uran is about 50-60 km from Mumbai by road. Driving during the week-end on the highway to Uran in the rainy season was exciting. A Traveller, mini-bus ahead of us had a fascinating sentence painted on the rear side, in Marathi – ‘Pahu nako, Premath padnar!’ (Don’t look, you might fall in love). Crossing the creek to enter Navi Mumbai, Ulve and Dronagiri; very soon we reached Uran town and then on to Uran Plaza, home to Vice-Admiral (Retd) JTG Pereira, who served nearly four decades in the Indian Navy.

 

Uran is named after the Goddess Uranavati. In ancient times it was called Urvarntavan. During the reign of Peshwa Madhavrao, it was called Uruvan. The Portugese and British called the place Ooran. Uran has witnessed the rule of many dynasties. The Mauryas, Chalukyas, Yadavs, Shilahars, Nagarshahs, Portugese, Marathas and British have ruled over Uran through the centuries. Earlier Uran was not much known to the people. Its only after Navi Mumbai was developed that people became aware of Uran.

I spent a day and a night on a week-end at one of the shacks/cottages facing the sea. The almost nine acre sea-facing plot is home to the Vice-Admiral. He resides in a uniquely designed and imposing house, which merges with the surrounding. It is well laid out and tastefully decorated. He lives here with a band of 12 people working for him. He rents out the rooms and cottages to families, groups and tourists. And they also serve vegetarian and non-vegetarian food to the guests. One can relax by the sea-front in simple but well laid out rooms and dine on some excellent cuisine both continental and Indian. People come here especially for the sea food. An ideal weekend spot to relax, drink and eat, and rejuvenate the mind and body. 

Beautifully designed home where
Pereira lives amongst nature

During my casual stroll, I was attracted by the unique designed home. It was here I met the Vice-Admiral relaxing and soaking in the serene atmosphere. Smiling, he invited me into his home; and had a chat with him. While shaking hands with him, he said, you are a tough man. I am yet trying to figure out the tough man thing – may be because of my height and build he must have said so. He lives here with a couple of dogs, very protective of its master; who don’t allow anyone to come close to him. Presently he is 92 years old, smart, fit, erect and alert for his age, though he sometimes needs a walker for support. He has a good memory and still clearly remembers his younger days and his days with the Indian Navy.

Cottage we stayed for a
day&night on the sea front

The house is well laid out with good old wooden furniture with black and white photographs of him in uniform with Lord Mounbatten, Indira Gandhi and other dignitaries. He  joined the Indian navy in 1939 and retired in 1979 after 40 years of meritorious service. He informs, he is not in touch with the present senior officers, some of whom were junior to him during his tenure. He adds, the present generation of officers, are really smart, qualified and capable. And informs Indian Navy is a well disciplined force and always ready to meet any eventuality.

As we were talking, the television was on. He was watching the first India-England cricket Test being played in England. He was disappointed with the Indian bowlers that they couldn’t contain or bowl out the English tail-end batsmen. During our chat, he casually inquired as to what sport I played in during my younger days. And as I replied, cricket; he mentioned he played good hockey in his younger days. Even at that age he had a sporty look and appeared fit.

The sea in full fury

He further told me, his father was an Indian from Malabar, precisely Kannur in Kerala and his mother, English. He vividly remembers his days in Kannur, Cannanore and nearby places where he spent his childhood days. His children live in Mumbai, and they visit him on and off. He mentioned about his daughter and son-in-law. He occasionally visits Mumbai to be among his family and friends for festivals and parties. The conversation slowly touched about the new Prime Minister Narendra Modi; he added, he spent some years in Ahmedabad and believes he is a capable man, but Delhi is different? He hopes he will be able to manage. 

The sit-out at the cottages

Uran Plaza was founded by the Vice Admiral and his wife (Late Joyce Periera). The beach resort serves as a perfect get-away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life. The palm fringed resort with refreshing sea breeze; sleeping on the hammock is an ideal place to just forget the world. Though they don’t intentionally publicize or advertise the resort, visitors generally go there through word of mouth. And its a nice place to be right next to the sea. People who love to be close to the sea will love the place. It's simple but enjoyable.

On the next day, Sunday, when I went to bid him goodbye, I was informed by his staff that he had gone to the church in Uran town. I love his spirit and zest for living far away from the Mumbai city  with company of the sea, dogs and loyal staff, and the waves reminding him of his good old days. It seems the sailor in him loves to be close to the sea. He is a jolly good fellow!

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Ayurved clinic- Turmeric Capsules -Immuno-defense
  

MyPost

Oil for all seasons:

Today there are many branded and attractively packaged oils, but coconut oil has been used in India, especially coastal areas for ages. It is a multi-purpose oil, used in cooking, hair care, skin care, massaging and even medication too.

It suits all hair and it nourishes the hair, boosting hair growth, helps to rid of dandruff, dry scalp and providing nutrition and giving a shiny sheen to hair. It is also good for skin care, especially people with dry skin. It tends to keep the skin smooth, soft, supple and glowing.

It's excellent for body massage. People apply it normally or sometimes warm it a bit and apply. Either way it works for your body, hair and skin. A weekly application is ideal.

And the best thing about coconut oil is, its natural. In the coastal states its still widely used. Forget the branded oils, cream and gel, try coconut oil and feel the difference. And it's back in fashion too not only in India but abroad too. A friend living in US told me coconut oil is very much in vogue there.

Amazon
Home appliances 
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Picture Post:

Red Fort in Delhi from where the 
first Indian flag was unfurled
 after Indian gained independence.

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Eastern Mysticism attracts Hollywood

Saraswati, Laxmi & Ganapati 

Be it Buddhism, Hinduism or Islam, it has been attracting celebrities from the west and Hollywood in particular. Actors and musicians have been attracted to the oriental mysticism, culture and music, particularly India, the land of Hinduism and Buddhism. They found solace in it, far from the materialistic world and lifestyle of the west. Some are in search of inner peace.

Buddha

Earlier it was the popular musicians like Beatles; international actors have now taken over from popular musicians to explore religions across the world like Judism and especially religions that originate from India.

Besides the glamouratti of Hollywood seem inclined to adapt to Buddhism – a religion that propagates peace and detachment. Some of the actors who have shown keen interest are Richard

Richard Gere

Gere, Steven Seagal, Brangelina, Uma Thurman, Robert Downey jr and Sharon Stone. Richard Gere and Steven Seagal are close to the Dalai Lama and visit him occasionally.

The first time Indian religious elements and Hinduism cropped up in the international entertainment area was when Beatles’ guitarist George Harrison evinced an interest in Hinduism, sitar and Indian classical music. A believer of Krishna, he turned vegetarian and introduced the Hare Krishna mantra. He was close the famous sitarist Ravi Shankar. Later many of them like Madonna, Huck Jackman, Russell Brand and others explored the India mystics, scriptures, religion and tradition.

Krishna & Radha 

Julia Roberts, the pretty woman with an attractive smile took the entertainment industry by surprise when she revealed one day that she had converted. ‘I am a Hindu’ – announced Julia Roberts, who is believed, converted during the making of the film – Eat, Pray & Love. She is a practicing Hindu. She and her entire family – her husband Daniel Moder and three children – Hazel, Phinnaeus and Henry, go to the temple regularly.

Julia Roberts

Many have been drawn to the east. Kate Hudson has embraced the various teachings of Buddhism. And the Buddhist influence in her life has been her mother Goldie Hawn. Sharon Stone has converted to Tibetan Buddhism. Jewish-raised Sarah Jessica Parkar has been drawn towards Buddhism. Keanu Reeves and Orlando Bloom are rumoured to be a Buddhist.

Madonna

Whether it is to find inner peace or experiment or study the different religions, India continues to attract celebrities and others, who come here in search of peace and go back enlightened and richer. To some India continues to be a land of mystery, the religion, culture and tradition is a strong magnet which attract them here.

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Want to pen your thoughts? Want to write a book?

Do you need professional help to write or edit the manuscript of your book – Autobiography, Biography, Memoir, Compilation, etc.

Experienced Editor/writer available.

Just mail to: akn929@yahoo.com

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The Romance of Writing

Writing may be old-fashion, but it has its own charm. Many famous writers still prefer to write the first draft by hand. People who still prefer to write by hand realize the romance of writing.

From typewriter to desk top to laptop, notebook, etc; the good old days of writing by hand is just a memory. The romance of writing is gone. Years after typing on the pretty Remington regular and later Remington portable and then years later came the desk top and after a few years arrived the laptop; I find I can hardly write by hand. My writing has gone from bad to worse. With the introduction of ATM card, even writing self-cheque seems stone-age! The neat and cute writing has gone for a toss and now I scribble like a doctor’s prescription note, though I still love to write the first draft of my writing or article by hand.  I may sound old-fashioned. And then technology takes over in the form of laptop, with neatly formatted text.

Apart from this most writers relied on the Oxford or Webster dictionary. And even this has been replaced by the know-all Google which at times tends to re-educate you. Even kids refuse to touch the good old bulky dictionary and trust the Google. Earlier one had to just have paper and pen to express one’s thoughts or ideas. It gave a sense of achievement. Then came the typewriter, often messing your fingers with the black ribbon ink, trying to set it right, with strokes and markings on the face as a camouflaged commando on a mission. Even the pretty young secretaries were done away, with no distraction to the bosses!

Then years later arrived, the new age of technology in the form of desk top, PC for short, with the CPU unit, monitor, keyboard and mouse. It was a bit confusing for the un-initiated, but much faster and smart. As one is about to get hold of the working of this gadget, lappy, the laptop made a grand appearance. Like the old portable typewriter, it is small and a compact unit encompassing the CPU, screen, keyboard and mouse. And the beauty is the sleek devise can be easily carried around. You can play games or listen to music too while sitting on your table or travelling. Now we have the tablets which double up as the laptop too.

 

No doubt the technological  inventions have brought in progress and change with internet, emails etc; but the present generation will truly miss the romance of writing, and also the art of expressing in letters which conveyed one’s feelings of love, happiness, anger and sadness. The gadgets have made things easy and fast, but writing by hand is different. The romance has gone forever.

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Want to pen your thoughts? Want to write a book?

Do you need professional help to write or edit the manuscript of your book – Autobiography, Biography, Memoir, Compilation, etc.

Just mail to: akn929@yahoo.com

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