Chronicles of a marathon

Some thoughts that crossed my mind when running the Standard Chartered Mumbai Half Marathon 2011. Most of this was created while running and immediately after... took a while to pen (key?) it down

Before starting
Very important to lubricate all joints.Especially for us sweaty people.

A sleeveless vest and shorts may be excellent to run in, but they ain't the best thing to wear when taking an auto at 5.30 am. And the nakedness does seem a bit out of place in Marol, thankfully it ain't that cold. One has to also be dispassionate about what to carry (still regret carrying that stupid pack of biscuits all the way and back home) and always alert of stuff falling of from ones small pockets.

Ah the small joys of knowing the importance of stretching each and every muscle and how to do the same. Thanks striders!

And so it begins, seems like the qualifying times and registration cutoffs have helped. The crowd is much lower this time, I reach the start line within 6 minutes of the gun, this is a new record. Still, thank god for timing chips and stop watches.

While running
First 2 kms are spent sidestepping the walk in the park runners... Dude, if all u want to do is walk, do it to the left please. We may be amateurs, but we still have our internal targets to beat. And if you are walking already, maybe you are in the wrong race.

The 2 U turns, stupid stupid stupid. How can you have 2 U turns in the first 2 kms. Total pile up of the crowd and the momentum breaks. I have done the first 3 kms in 23 minutes and at this pace, it doesn't look like I will break the 2.5 hour barrier this time.

Here comes the Sea Link. And now we have a good rhythm going, the 4th km is done in 6.5 minutes, maybe they put the km marker incorrect... still, we are making pace. Running on the sea link at the break of dawn is something else. The 45 minute early start has helped. It is beautiful and the weather is fantastic. There is a strong urge to stop and admire the orange sky... but no, we have a time to beat!

And are we beating the time or what! Seems like the initial slow pace was all due to the side stepping and the U bends. I am doing a consistent 9 kmph now and the 2.5 looks very possible now :)

As we cross the 1 hour mark, I can almost see the 9 km marker. Think its time to take my first sip of water. By now I am harboring hopes of crossing the finish in 2 hours 25 minutes.

And here we are at Haji Ali. This time, there is huge bunch of people offering water, biscuits, glucose, oranges and sweets. Seems like everyones aping the Peddar road residents. But you guys are the original and the best... salute!

The smart marketing managers at Lucozade decided to offer free bottles to the runners mid way. However, maybe they should have applied their minds a bit on the bottle size. No one wants to carry a 500 ml bottle and run. Soon, there are half drunk bottles being thrown and then there are no takers. Everyones gone back to their favourite carry along, the 200 ml kingfisher water bottle.

Its 14 kms and finally the dreaded Peddar road uphill and flyover arrives. Having run over it last year, this year I take the more prudent approach. After a 14 km run, I take my first walk break. This one is going to last until I ascend the flyover. It wasn't part of the plan, and my rhythm and 2.25 target is gone, but in hindsight, I think this break helped me in my last 3 kms.

My calculating mind tells me that the full marathon lead pack should be crossing me any time soon, I was right, there they are, bang on cue. We meet right on top of the flyover. What amazing pace, you cant help but applaud in awe. And the Indian lead pack is not very far behind the Africans. Its only 8 kms for them yet. 34 more to go!

Its 16 kms now and we have turned onto the Marine Drive. Again the impact of the early start is obvious. This stretch was dreaded in the past cos you are anyway low on energy at this stage and suddenly there is no protection from the sun for a long stretch. However, this time, the sun is milder and at places, the tall buildings give shade. By now, every shade is sought very longingly. A lot of water is being poured on the head.

The first of the Star One cool zones arrives. Brilliant concept, very well placed, very welcome. Thanks Star One

The 17 km marker has come, and there is strong motivation to walk. But I have to keep running. These 3 kms are for the 3 most important women in my life.

Target at the start was to was to cross 17 km marker before the 2 hour mark. We have beat that with more than 3 minutes to spare. Target is now very much in my reach. However, 2 hours and 25 seems out of reach :(

We cross 18 kms at exactly 2 hours and 4 minutes. The 2nd 9 has taken the same time as the first 9. The initial slow pace in the first 9 was as impactful as the 0.5 km walk in the 2nd one :(

The 19th km is the toughest. I have managed to run it, but it took 9 minutes, this is not good. I do the smart thing again and stop running. The body is screaming for nourishment now. Time to take in some glucose.

We are running again. The 20 km marker is crossed at 2 hours and 21 minutes. The break at 19 helped. I am able to run the last km at decent pace. Finally as i cross the line, I know I have done it. The clock says 2 hour sand 34, my stop watch tells me that its 2 hours and 28.5 :). I feel amazing, I feel awesome, I feel ecstatic. In this euphoria, thankfully I remember to stretch. Each paining muscle is done justice to.

After Finishing
You always end up meeting so many people at the marathon.This time, I meet folks from IIMB, office and my trekking circle after the finish line.

I clearly am in the best shape of my life. Not only am I able to stretch after the run, the 2 km walk to marine Lines station ain't as painful.

Learning of the day, "Running with a wet bum can cause severe cold." Seems like all the water I poured on my head went on my back and was soaked by my vest and shorts. Since the sun on the front, the posterior remained wet and cold for the entire duration and even after. Sneezes start within a couple of hours and by night the cold has taken a strong grip and there is mild fever. I am in miserable shape in office on Monday and on Tuesday, I take a sick leave. A small price to pay for an amazing self victory.

Finally, to summarise

  

Bib	Name	Category	Net OverAll Rank	Net Category Rank	Net Gender Rank	split @8.1K	Gun Time / Chip Time
9521	Aliasghar Bawa	OPEN	2131	1607	1952 / 5809	0:55:47	2:33:48 / 2:28:33

Of Marriages

And they keep falling like nine pins. Its carnage, its a bloodbath I tell you. 

Finally, even the last bastion of bachelorhood has fallen... the person whose exploits as a serial wedding attender raised some sniggers, whose life of gay abandon raised some envy and whose parents had almost lost hope in ever knowing his whereabouts. Yes ladies and gentlemen, yours truly is taking the plunge this calendar year. However that is not the objective of this blog.

The objective of this blog is to talk about 2 bastions, that have been swaying and tipping and leaning and trying to fall for a while now. 2 bastions, that are spoken of in reverence, that are the epitomes of bachelorhood, if there is was any such thing. The 2 bastions of bachelorhood of Asian Paints, Pradeep Vedula 'Shastry' and Sabyasachi 'Sabhya' Ghosh.

Former roommates, its hard to tell which one has jinxed the others endeavors of getting hitched. However, one of the two has definitely got the shaadi dev (marriage gods or as they say in Sabhya's town, shaadi deb) pissed. For not only have the 2 been struggling to find their life partner (despite a very passionate effort in this regard), their effects are also rubbing in on their younger and hence less eligible roommates. Infact, legend goes that, at one time, anyone who shared a room with Shastry (including women ;) ) got married within 6 months. However, its been so long that noone even remembers the last time that happened.

Lets first talk about the 100 kg, lean, mean, soccerball kicking machine, Sabhya. At 31, the gentle giant is quite young by bengali arranged marriage standards. However, in the his opinion, he is ready and has been ready since the last 4 years. It seemed to us that he indicated his readiness by buying a fridge. Imagine, which bachelor would waste his hard earned money on a fridge, especially in his nomadic days of house shifting every 6-8 months. Many a moons have passed since Sabhya bought his fridge. It has been the only constant in his life since. Roommates have come and gone, cities, houses and work roles have changed. Even many a potential prospects have come and gone. The fridge remains Sabhya's best companion. It is also his most beloved companion. Sabhya has deep passionate affection for his food and that automatically translates into a lusting for his fridge. However, as materialistic as his reasons may be, I think its time Sabhya commits himself to his fridge. He should get married to it. Self and Shastry have also determined a few strong arguments in favour... a la 10 reasons why Sabhya should marry his refrigerator... here goes

1. It is the most imp thing in his life 
2. He has been found manyatimes craving for his fridge in the middle of the night 
3. Sometimes he dreams of his fridge
4. If stranded on a deserted island, the only thing he wants for company is his fridge
5. Given a choice, he would love to sleep with his fridge beside him  
6. Coz his fridge would say things that women say about men.. like
1. "He can never get his hands off me"
2. "He is always licking and biting"
3. "and drooling at the sight of me"
4. "sometimes i feel i am nothing but a piece of furniture in the room"
7. And finally, Sabhya’s fridge will always live in fear of a new, younger, more voluminous fridge coming into his life…

So that one being settled, we now come to the 2nd object of this blog. Shastry, the man who can eat like an elephant and still look like a rat (imagine how much he must excrete). In his case, there is actually not much to be said. His is a man of modest expectations. All he wants is a extremely fair, fantastic looking, very hawt, totally wife material by nature, awesome cook or all rice dishes, constant food providing, intellectually and verbosely brilliant, Telugu brahmin girl from a good family who will dote on him. Oh, and she should not be from his gothram and the kundalis must match. He is after all a man of simple taste and balanced expectations. We wonder why our tall, dark and handsome friend hasn't found her yet. Well, wonders never cease. However, I have a solution. A la Aishwarya Rai.

The best solution for Shastry is to marry a tree. 

After that, all his bad luck will change and befall on the girl who he then finds. So if anyone knows a nice good Telugu tree from a good family and different gothram, do suggest. A food giving tree preferred. If not for your love for Shastry, then for the love of humanity, and his poor bachelor roommates.

 

An Ode to my Alto

Wrote this poem on 26th Jan 2010, the day my car crossed 30000kms. Today, when it crosses 40000kms, its time to revist the ode


twas the all fools day of 2006 when we first met, 
on your shiny blue exterior my eyes set

it was the beginning of a beautiful ride... 
a road we took together and swam the tide

i have caused you some harm, you have caused me none
u have taken me places and got things done

when the night is young and the roads are empty... 
the thrill to take you past 120

all those small joys we have shared.... 
those moments of anguish u have had to bear

you have been with me thru thick and thin... 
a real true friend u have been
 
many a moods you have shaped... 
many a thoughts u have braced

and now as u grow old it occurs to me... 
together always we shall not be
 
but u will always hold a special place in my heart.. 
cos u were my first and hopefully not my last

you are and will always me... my first and favouritest car!

 

What an Adventure: Rajgad + Torna

This trek is special like no other. It was tough n long, we were 3 inexperienced trekkers, I fell ill and nature gifted us an amazing companion. Read on....

The Plan

The plan was in Divya's mind for a while. She had intended to do it earlier, but something always got in the way. Finally she asked me and I too got hooked. Thus, on the weekend of 2nd October, we decided to trek 2 forts, Rajgad and Torna, both massive, and about 10 kms apart.

Diyva had done most of the ground work for the plan. She spoke to quite a few of our diggaj trekking friends and the opinion was unanimous. Its a very tough task. The 2 forts are separated by a 6 hour walk, in complete isolation and with the fear of wildlife attacks in the night. We met up to explore all options and I used all my logistics skills to make an efficient plan. We were still skeptical as both of us have trekking experience, but no expertise. We decided to ask other people who we know are good trekkers. We were unsure if we would undertake the trek if it was just 2 of us. 3 days before the trek, Rubens joined in. I was very happy as he is a good trekker and has done a few tough ones.

So finally, Friday 1st October, the 3 of us were set. Initial plan was to drive to Gunjawane (base village of Rajgad) in the night in my car, halt there for couple of hours and start at day break, climb Rajgad, quick lunch and very brief exploration and head off to Torna. Hit Torna by evening, spend the night in the mandir, explore fort in the morning an descend down to base village Velhe. However, on Thursday Rubens suggested we change plans and climb the other way, Torna first. His consideration was the lack of infrastructure at Torna and the story of the ghost of Torna. Since his first point was very valid, we decided to change course, even though we would have to go backwards 20 kms to fetch the car after descending. A lot of the final planning was done on phone since I was travelling to Kozhikode and had a very hectic Thursday

D Day

Here we go

Come Friday and I landed into town, packed for the trip and soon the adventure began. At 5 pm Rubens called saying his holiday for the next day had been cancelled. So he had to apply for a leave and although he was coming, it was a bit messy. At about 5.30 pm, the person from Velhe (Divya had arranged a place for us to stay for the night at the local RSS shakha) called saying please don't come after 11 pm especially since we had a girl with us. Apparently, the road from NH4 to Velhe (Nasrapur - Velhe Road) is swarmed with bandits who rob folks.We were told to avoid it in the night at all cost. This news unnerved Divya quite a bit. Since we had little time to react, we set of at 7.30, deciding to take stock mid way. By 7.30, Rubens and I had set off. Traffic in Powai was pathetic and we finally picked up Divya by 8.30 at Kanjurmarg. Thankfully, here on, it was a breeze and soon we were heading towards Pune.

Hotel Descent

Now came the time to take the difficult decisions. We called a couple of people to verify the story and got mixed views. We were also unsure where the problem was and how far we could venture. Since I was confident of NH4, I insisted we reach till Nasrapur, which is a town 2kms of the highway and bunk there for the night. I was confident of getting some hotel there. This decided, we made good ground and after having dinner at food court, we passed Pune by 11.30 pm. The drive was brilliant as always. Second time I have driven on NH4 past Pune and last time the road was under development. Must say, its quite an awesome drive through Katraj bypass. At about 12.30 am, we reached Khed - Shivapur and while I had enough fuel to reach Velhe, I still decided to stop and refuel. A smart move it was since the very helpful attendant not only reconfirmed the bandits story, but also that Nasarpur doesn't have any hotels, and coincidentally there were 2 hotels across the road. I wonder how much time we would have lost, had I not stopped to refuel there. We stopped at a slightly shady looking hotel (300 bucks a night a room, and i still tried to bargain). Sleeping had not been in the agenda and so the 4 hours we got was a complete bonus.

Good morning sun - we beat u

As planned we set off at day break and hit Cheladi Phata. Here large boards direct you right towards Nasrapur, Rajgad, Torna and Velhe. This road is called the Nasrapur - Velhe road and is a State Highway. It ends at Velhe and so there is no chance of getting lost. By 7 am, after a 225 km drive we were at Velhe and after parking my car by the bridge, having a quick breakfast (what else but pohas) we set off.

The Climb

1. Torna

• At 7.45 am precisely, we began climbing. From here on, the description gets chronological. The initial climb was a painfully steep incline walk. The sun was out sharp.

  

  All set to roll

•  8.15 am: Man Down: Within 15 mins of the climb, I was struggling.I had already taken 3 breaks and just could not walk. I have trekked in much tougher conditions, I have trekked after nightouts, I have trekked while fasting, I have trekked after long drives. So nothing in this situation was new. Infact I had slept 4 hours, had a descent breakfast and the sun wasn't that hot. This was quite worry some as we had atleast 12 hours of equally tough climb to go. I was even contemplating changing course. Both Divya and Rubens sensed my discomfort. At one point where I gave up, there was a hut 25 steps ahead. Divya took my bag and asked to to walk to the hit. By the 20th step I collapsed again. Finally in hut, we took stock. The diagnosis was indigestion and the cure was to puke it out (Dr Divya). I was fed banana and lot of fluid was pumped in. I was suggesting they 2 continue and was in a good mood to stop midway, open my sleeping bag and take a nap (a la Kamandurg). However, Divya insisted that we stick togetherand worst case, climb only Torna. We decided to carry on and decide on the plan based on my condition. Although feeling a bit better, I was still slow and taking a lot of breaks. Divya was also slow due to the steep climb and poor Rubenswas mostly walking ahead alone, clicking us and probably wondering how the 2 of us would cope the rest of the way. By now Layla had joined us. She was generally staying close to me and breaking whenever I broke. As always, I ignored her.



Never miss a chance to climb a tree - howsoever ill u are

•  9 am: Man still down: While the breaks were getting more spaced out, I was still in trouble. We had made very slow progress due to my speed. Even Layla was getting bored waiting for me. I have even worn my Shiekh outfit to beat the heat. Divya kept asking me to puke. At this time a group of 5 passed us. Through standard trekker bonding we gathered that they had the same plan. However, unlike us there guys had changed 2 STs and 1 Trax and walked a bit to reach here (no sleep). Even these guys saw my state and immediately offered medication. In a moment of desperation, I popped in 2 tablets together (1 antacid and 1 antipuke).
•  9.30 am: Man not that down: Maybe it was the double doze, maybe the banana or maybe just time,

  

  Sheikh Ali, Divya, Gang of 5 and Gunjawane dam

  but I was feeling better. My breaks were fewer and our group was almost at pace with the gang of 5. We now passed a very scenic patch where we could see the Gunjawane dam on one side and Velhe on the other and there was a lot of colorful flowers. Soon we rounded the Zunjar maachi and reached the rock patch. This was the shaded part of the climb. Besides it was rock cut steps, my preferred option. Soon, I was at pace and humming.



Welcome to Torna

•  10.30 am: Atop Torna: We reached Torna along with the group of 5. Layla was with us. A local who took down our names and our plan in a register. He told us it would be a 6 hour walk for us from here to Rajgad. We decided to continue as I felt I could go on. However, we decided to reduce the exploration and set off immediately and also to make and eat lunch enroute. We did however stop some time at the tank to fill up, at the mandir to look around and while I recovered strength, Divya and Rubens went and saw Zunjar Maachi. Considering we were headed towards Bhudala Maachi, almost all areas got covered. Rubens offered Layla some biscuits but she was hardly enthused (maybe cos Diyva licked off the cream before giving it to her). 



Racing towards Bhudala - Ridge starts to the right

•  11.15 am: We had set of to cross Torna towards the Bhudala maachi. By now, I felt completely recovered. I was racing ahead to check my self. Yes I was back. This patch was mainly flat walking. We had a beautiful view on both sides. Rajgad could be seen far away on the left, as could the ridge we had to cross. On the right, towards the back was the Gunjawane dam. Many times we had to pass through towering bushes. However the path was well

  

  The Awesome ladder patch

  defined. Intriguingly, Layla continued to follow us. By now, she had our attention. 
• 12 noon: Bhudala maachi: The group of 5 spent a bit more time exploring Torna. However, they were faster and by the time we reached Bhudala maachi at 12, they had passed us again. This was a tricky descent. There is a steep rock patch, followed by a metal ladder and another steep patch. The group ahead took a long while and so we had to wait. I enjoyed the patch. With our massive backpacks and sleeping bags, it was essential to do this patch backwards, a trick Divya has still to learn. She struggled a bit but we cleared the patch all right. When down, we looked up and saw Layla looking down on us. Clearly she could not pass the ladder patch, we bid her farewell and walked on.

2. Layla

Even before our trek began, a black dog start following us. Its usual for village dogs to follow

Layla

trekkers on the regular treks as they know they will get some food from us. I have also heard stories where these dogs act as guides when the trekkers loose their way. However, I have never had a dog follow me in my limited 25 odd treks. As i was unwell and taking a lot of breaks, the dog kept with me (we hypothesize that it could sense I was in trouble). I am not an animal lover, so my usual approach was to ignore the dog. However, it kept with all the way till top of Torna. When we opened some snacks, the dog completely ignored the food, this got us even more intrigued. We started discussing the dog and why it was with us. Divya soon highlighted that it was a female. In a moment of Claptonic inspiration, I named her Layla.

The group of 5 were more keen on acknowledging her presence and petted her a lot, whenever they passed us. Still she ignored them and stuck to us all through the walk to Bhudala maachi. We felt she would head back in due course. She was useful and showed us the correct path at a couple of places. However, at a couple of places she seemed hesitant to continue. When we reached the ladder patch, it was obviously not a patch the dog could do, so it was farewell time. However, after completing the ladder and rock patch, we hadn't walked far when we heard a thud behind, Layla had found a tricky but possible route down this patch. She was back with us. This time, there was no way back for her. This dog from Velhe was going to come end up at Rajgad some 20 kms away. We had now become a group of 4.

3. The Ridge

It was 1 pm by the time we finished the rock patch and began the ridge. Its quite a sight this ridge. One can see Rajgad at the other end and villages on both sides below. However, not a single soul or

The Ridge

Bye Bye Torna

civilisation on the entire stretch. This was the crucial part of the trek. We had taken 2 hours to reach the ledge from the Torna entrance. We now needed to cross this ridge in 4 hours to be able to hit Rajgad before darkness. The distance was 7 kms straight, but with the various hillocks we had to cross, it would be atleast 10-12 kms of walking. Secondly, it was an exposed ridge. For long distances, there was no trees or any shade. The 1 pm sun was bearing down upon us. We decided to keep walking and stop for lunch only when we couldn't keep going. Amazingly, Layla was now leading the way. Wonder how she knew where we were headed!

Finally at 1.45 pm, after half an hour of searching for a shady (my slang for shaded oh grammar Nazi's) spot to eat, hunger got the better of us and we stopped on top of a open hillock, right under the sun, for lunch. Layla had walked ahead and had to be whistled for to join us. Lunch was intended to be well made vegetable, cheese, butter and chutney sandwiches. However, in our exhaustion, we decided to skip butter and restrict the chutney to 1 slice. Lunch making was a perfect assembly line. I made the chutney and applied it on the slices, Rubens opened and put the cheese, Divya being the lady of the group (a title which was later accorded to Layla) had to cut the tomatoes and cucumber and Rubens again assembled the sandwich. We had carried ingredients for about 20 sandwiches. However, hunger levels were low. We only finished 1 loaf of bread and 1 packet of cheese and a lot of the chutney had to be thrown. Since we had not anticipated Layla's presence, all we could give her were bread slices. She ate a few without complaining. We offered her the veggies and cheese but she refused. One of the small joys of the lunch was it reduced weight on our backs. Divya was most happy since she was carrying all the veggies. We also consumed a lot of water and that was the 2nd reason for weight reduction. This, added to the fact that we were now well rested and had also taken a lot of time to eat lunch, meant that we now decided to walk fast and make ground. The group of 5 had long since disappeared ahead of us. We were expecting to pass them somewhere, since their lunch plan was more elaborate one of making fire and cooking Maggie but as we gathered later, they decided to postpone lunch until reaching Rajgad.

At 2.30 pm, we set off again, still a long part of the ridge to be crossed. Bags being lighter, stomachs being full and me being well, meant we made good ground. Its a very intuitive straight route. One has to remain on top of the ridge. Couple of places, it seemed a bit confusing but Layla guided us. The ridge has many small hillocks. Initially we were climbing and descending each. Then we discovered bypasses. Each hillock had 2 routes, one that went over it and one that went flat around it. The bypasses were off the edge and sometimes though thick bushes, but they were much easier. Layla was also happy. As soon as we discovered the bypasses, life was good. The only villager we met during this leg of the journey felt we might not be able to walk on the edge and directed us along the hillock route.

3.30 pm: The journey was going fine but water was running low. We had enough to reach Rajgad but were worried about Layla. She was visibly panting by now and also taking every opportunity to catch shade. Divya wanted to give her water but the 2 of us were unsure if we have enough to spare. Finally she prevailed and we took some water in the lid of the chutney jar (only option) and gave it to Layla. She laped it up with joy, although there was a slight tinge of the salty chutney in it. After a few laps she walked away, and so we felt she has had enough. However, within 10 mins we reach a small ditch containing water and Layla was lapping away again. This time she had her fill. Clearly, she just took enough from us to survive. This dog was indeed god sent.
We were aware that our trail would cross a road and pass one  lonely hut towards the end. So we

The Forest

were eagerly looking for both these as a sign of us getting closer. We passed through a jungle (welcome break from the sun) and many thick and tall bushes. Layla was a real nuisance in the

The tall bushes

bushes as she would suddenly stop and we would trip over her. Finally at about 4.15, the hut arrived, There sat an old lady bust with some work. She was quite bemused to see 3 trekkers with massive backpacks and a dog. At about 4.30 pm the road arrived. Its a SH that goes from one village to another. ST buses ply on it. Its at the lowest point of the ridge, so we knew that it will be a steep uphill climb from here. Just at the time, 2 villages were passing by on their bike. There 2 were again bemused to see 1 girl and 2 guys walking out of the forest with huge backpacks and a dog. They asked about us and about the dog. We really were a sight, 4 of us.

Us 4, on the road

After the road, the steep climb began and it started taking a toll on Divya. She was struggling now

Climbing again

Hello Rajgad

and both self and Rubens were edging her on. Most importantly, Rajgad was visible now. We felt it would be only 1 hillock away. But when we had to pass 3 hillocks and necessarily climb the 3rd one, Divya gave up and we had to take a 10 minute break. After this, was the last climb to the base of Rajgad. Finally some cool rock patches to climb. It was almost 5 pm now and we were happy to note that we would make the fort before darkness.
Finally at 5.30 pm we completed the climb and were now touching the Rajgad wall. We still had to round this  edge of the fort, go behind and find the path to the entrance door. However, so kicked were we with our achievement that we decided to take a nice break. Layla

Can u see Torna in b/g?

also found a nice spot to take some rest. Torna could be seen far away in the distance in her full and we were amazed that we had completed the toughest part of the trek, albeit in 6.5 hours with about 1.5 hours of stopping. An old lady coming down from Rajgad and asked us for some money. We gave her all our remaining cucumbers and tomatoes. Thus, we were even lighter now. In anticipation of the completion of this leg of the journey, a lot of water and Gatorade was consumed. We were now left with only 0.5 lit in my water pack and 1 lit emergency supply with Divya. The bags were as light as they would ever be on the trek.

4. Rajgad 

We began the last leg of the Rajgad climb at 5.45 pm and exactly at 6 pm, we reached the first darwazaa. We were entering the Sanjeevni Maachi side. Soon we were inside the massive fort. We reached a set of tanks. While there were a lot of fishes in the water, it still looked a bit murky to drink. Rubens and self freaked out in the water, almost taking a bath. The joy of hitting cold water after having walked the whole day in hot sun, is one of those to be experienced things. Poor Divya had to just watch, she catches a cold of she gets her feet wet in cold water. Self and Rubens had a nice pedicure done by all the hungry fishes in the tank. There were a set of 5 tanks but none had water we were confident of drinking. Thus, well washed, we set of towards the main part of the fort. We stopped at a hillock to watch the sun set. It was quite a pretty sight. In happiness, Divya's emergency bottle was consumed.

Until now, the only people we had seen since 11 am were the group of 5 who passed us, the 1 lone villager we found walking on the ledge, the bemused lady in the hut, the 2 men on the bike, and the lady coming down from Rajgad who had taken all our veggies.

We continued towards the main fort. It was quite a long walk and was getting dark now. Rubens being the high energy member of the group, we decided that he should go ahead and try and find a place to sleep and food to eat. Layla decided to go with him, probably she guessed that no member should be left alone.Self and Divya ambled along at the best pace we could. The main fort was still to appear. I was getting a bit worried now since we were very low on water and it was getting dark. We had to get our torches out now. Finally at about 7 pm, we saw people, loads and loads of people. We had reached Padmavati mandir. Our journey, which began at 7.45 am and involved almost 20 kms of walking / climbing, had ended, for the day atleast.

The place was packed. Later we realised that all the 4 halls were packed with people. Some people had to sleep out in the open too. Most had climbed earlier in the day and explored the fort. Some would move to Torna the next day while most would just head back to Mumbai / Pune. By the time we reached, most trekkers had already settled down for the night. Food was being cooked all around. Rubens had once again played superman of the group. Despite his lack of knowledge of Marathi, he had arranged for the food, found 2 spots to sleep and filled up some water. Divya just collapsed on reaching. Self and Rubens had our dinner, Pitle and Bhat, since the Bhaakri was over. Then we had chai, loads and loads of chai. Finally Divya woke and had some food (just as i was getting a bit worried about her). She ate only some, rest she fed Layla. We also decided to give off our 2nd loaf of bread to Layla. So among the 4 of us, she had the best meal. I managed a spot to sleep near the door. Soon Layla came and slept next to me. Later in the night, some folks tried to drive her out, be she sneaked back in snuggled back next to me again. There were many stray dogs on Rajgad that night. And most were petted by the trekkers. But only one belonged to a group and slept inside the temple. Only 1 was a trekker.

After an interrupted, disturbed but very much necessary rest, we got up at 5.45 am. Target was to climb up the Balle Killa to see the sun rise. A lot of trekking groups we waking up to explore. We set off by 6 am. Balle Killa is a fun climb. There are a lot of interesting rock patches. However, there are railings for support and so the thrill is reduced. Layla was sleeping, so we didn't bother her. We reached Balle Killa top by 6.45 am. We had missed the sun rise. But the view was awesome. We were at the highest point of the fort. There are some beautiful  water tanks on the Balle Killa. The remains of the palace are also seen here as could Torna and the ridge route. We were sitting and soaking the beauty and enormity of the place when we saw Layla coming. How she had found us on this massive fort, I don't know. But she did, and she came near us and sat. And the group was 4 again. After spending more than an hour exploring the Balle Killa and chorvat, we set of back down. 

Back in Padmavati temple at 8.30 am, we had breakfast of pohas. Most trekking groups had left by now. A few were headed to Torna (these were the 3 day plans, only us and the group of 5 had done a 2 day plan) while a few were headed back down. We met the group of 5 again. They had been in the temple all along, but we didn't spot them in the crowd. They were also headed off. They had to catch the 11 am bus to Pune from Gunjawane so they were in a hurry.

Most interestingly, as soon as we reached back in the temple, Layla disappeared. Initially we though she was hanging around outside being fed by the other trekkers. However, when we stepped out, we didn't spot her. I was anyway fretting about the farewell. We would have to take a vehicle from Gunjawane and it would be difficult if Layla had followed us till there. Once again, this dog had amazed us. How she knew that it was time for her to go off alone, I don't know. All 3 of us regret not having a proper farewell with her. I will never get my self to love an animal. But Layla is the closet it will ever come to.

At about 9.00 am, we too packed and set off for descent. We passed the Padmavati lake where tons of trekkers and revelers were having a blast (bath) and took the chor darwajaa (please note that the Gunjawane darwajaa is closed) and could see the group of 5 about 30 mins ahead of us. We decided to do a fast descent. I was worried about finding a quite transport option to Velhe and hence driving back in the evening. Night driving, after one of the toughest treks of your life ain't recommended. The descent was again good fun. There are some cool rock patches. Divya in her exhaustion gave up trying to learn reverse descending and we also didn't push her. All we wanted was to make time. And make time we did. On our way down, we met a lot if groups going up. It's interesting to see people at different speeds and gauge who will be in trouble reaching up.

At 10.50 am we reached Gunjawane village. We had completed the descent in about 1.5 hours. On inquiry, we were told that the Pune ST is about to leave and that can drop us half way to Velhe. We just managed to catch the bus. The group of 5 were not in it. They would have probably got an earlier vehicle. The bus dropped us at Magrasani, where, within 5 minutes, we got a Trax to Velhe. My fear of delays in getting transport to Velhe had been unfound. By 12, we were at my car at Velhe. We all changed and also had a good time washing up at the well (cold water after a sun soaked trek). By 12.15, we had set of towards Mumbai. I have a tradition of carrying a Dairy Milk Silk to all my treks. This we open to celebrate the trek when we have reached up. However, this time, we forgot about the chocolate on Rajgad and could only remember it while descending. So, as decided, we celebrated in the car. Ofcouse, we couldn't finish the chocolate and had to carry some back home. Another first in my treks.

Superman Rubens

We had lunch enroute and took the scenic NH4 to Pune and from there, the expressway to Mumbai. By 5 pm (less than 48 hours), we had dropped Divya at Kanjurmarg and were home. This trek will remain in my memory for the shear endurance we put in, for what we managed to do, for Divya's leadership, for Rubens boundless energy and enthusiasm, for my bout of illness and finally for Layla.

The politics of development

Starting with the standard disclaimers... below are my views based on my half baked research, knowledge and gut feel. Hopefully there are no factual gaps. If you wish to disagree, please do it in a civil manner.

Bihar goes to polls next week and a lot of us are keenly watching these elections. The opinion that the Nitish government has performed is almost unanimous. Will this help them win a 2nd term, we have to see. One might say it was easier for Nitish, considering that the state was rock bottom in the development index. However, I would differ. The culture of the state towards lack of government ownership to development was amazing; even faking news acknowledges this. Getting this state machinery moving is some task. My personal opinion is that not only will the JD-U win, it will win handsomely. And this is in no measure due to the BJP. And despite fighting alone, Congress will gain seats. This is the beginning of the end of Lalu.

However, my opinions aside, if JD-U indeed does better and Lalu poorly, it will be an epic result in Indian democracy. It will firmly establish that the politics of development works and Indian polity has matured, right from Gujarat to Bihar. And that my friends is the best news one can hear. As the shrewd Indian politician will realise that no longer can he be reelected on vote bank politics, or by dividing the people on caste and religion or by making smart coalitions. Instead, all he needs to do is some work and bring some development.

The trend started with Delhi and Gujarat, both states where the incumbent has taken a 3rd term recently. Delhi is case in point. It was a BJP state in early 90s, much before the NDA was formed. However, since 1998 its been Congress all the way. In the last assembly, Shiela Dixit won 42 of the 70 odd seats, no mean feat for 2 time incumbent, in an urban and bipolar state, where the opposition is strong. Clearly she is riding the metro wave. I will not be very surprised if she gets a 4th term too. A lot of work has happened in the CWG and corruption allegations apart, the people seem happy with the government.

Modi may have won his 2nd term (he had inherited an incumbent government already) due to his politics of religion, but no one can deny his next victory to be a result of the development the state has seen under him. A lot of people who have been to Gujarat in last 2-3 years, swear by the highways, the power situation, the business environment, the lack of bureaucratic hassles etc. A lot of industry is enthusiastically moving to Gujarat. No denying that the opposition in this (yet another) bipolar state is weak, but that's again something Modi can take credit for.

Even Naveen Patnaik's second term, despite breaking off with the BJP, stinks (for want of a better word) of a state voting back a government that worked.

The evidence is too stark and wide ranging for any astute politician to miss. I hope it has made some impact already. It's debatable as to weather we are already seeing this in the policies of some state governments (TN and Haryana are examples I can hazard). However, I so wish I am right on this one. Maybe the time has come for the politics of development in the Indian democracy. Quite a refreshing change that would be, right?

My generation

I am a youth of the 21st century
I only see what's in my face

I have a shot attention span
And love the media for manipulating this

I have opinions on all issues,
as under thought and under researched as they may be
After all Ignorance is bliss

And who has time after PS3

I believe in presentation over substance
after all its so easy to judge it
who will dig the fact when all one does
Is applaud and go home and forget

I believe online petitions n good intentions change the world
since they are so convenient to do

Its better than cribbing from my armchair
which also i love to do

I generally take out my frustration on innocent call center execs
and any other meek around
And believe consumption is the solution
To everything that's sad and unsound

I am the youth of the 21st century
there is so much I wish to do
but then, all I can do is write this poem
because I Suck, honestly I do!

of consumption and the environment

Some thoughts that have been churning in my head since a while now, think this a good forum to voice them

A lot of us are aware about our environment and do our bit in trying to sustain it. I used to hold the elitist view that the urban educated upper middle class is most environmentally conscious but this view has since changed. Infact, unintentionally as it may be, I feel that we are the biggest culprits.
The charge that I levy against all of us is unchecked consumerism and consumption. Please do not misunderstand, I am not proposing that we all give up our indulgences and live an austere lifestyle. However, we certainly need to check our consumption.

How much of what we purchase do we throw? Every object that we purchase has consumed some natural resource. That apart, there are always a few byproducts in the production process. And the most criminal of all, completely wasteful packaging. I have never understood why corporations give so much packaging. In many cases, 90% of the packing is waste, only 10% is protecting the product and keeping it perfect for consumption. Chocolates are the biggest culprits (industry wise) in this area. There seems to be an unfortunate perception that the bigger the brand, the more elaborate the packaging should be. Even something as simple as a shirt comes with equal lengths of paper and plastic.

The point I am trying to make is that every single consumption is impacting the environment. This does not imply we stop consuming. But can we please be more measured in our consumption. What is the point of having one car per family member, that too in a city like Mumbai, with its public transport? Shopping to improve one’s mood should be a crime punishable by law (kidding). And just how weak is your constitution that you need mineral water in Mumbai? Do you actually need a new mobile every 6 months? The idea is to buy and consume what one genuinely wants (and one has every right to want a Europe holiday or a bigger car or an AC in the living room) and what one will genuinely utilize. Any article that will be not be used adequately should be avoided. Another idea is, given a choice, to prefer articles which are less packaging intensive. Once the corporations see this preference, they will automatically look for more innovative, less wasteful solutions. Another area is the wasteful Indian culture of gift giving. Most of the gift giving is pure formality and leads to passing around of useless articles which are finally junked. Why can’t we all move to vouchers and wish lists?

I am not trying to start a revolution here. Nor do I intend to preach. I may be more guilty of the above charge that a lot of you. However, it is an idea that is worth a though. Please consider the above and make your choice. If each one avoids an avoidable consumption, we would have probably prevented production of 1 additional object and helped sustain resources longer.