Welcome to our website. Ahmedabad Inside.

Ahmadabad is the largest city in state of Gujarat (there are 28 states, Gujarat is the westernmost one)and the sixth largest city in India has a population of over 3,7 million people. The city is also sometimes called Karnavati , an older name and as Amdavad in colloquial Gujarati . Ahmedabad is the administrative center of Ahmedabad District , and was the former capital of Gujarat State from 1960 to 1970 , when Gandhinagar replaced it. The city was founded in the 15th century by Sultan Ahmed Shah on the Sabarmati river , and served as capital of the Sultanate of Gujarat. The historic center of Ahmedabad is presently a thriving business district. Ahmedabad is mainly divided in two parts, the old city, and new city. The old city has developed rather haphazardly, and most of the roads are narrow and crowded during business hours. The new city has well-structured, wide roads. A wide variety of shops and businesses exist in the city. In addition to its role as a commercial center, Ahmedabad is also an important industrial center, with chemical and textile industries. Ahmedabad is often described as the Manchester of the East, because of its once-booming textile industry. Ahmedabad is a very beautiful city.

Ahmedabad Inside

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.

Ahmedabad Inside

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.

Ahmedabad Inside

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.

Ahmedabad inside

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.

Ahmedabad inside

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Sarkhej Roza

Lying at a stretch of 8 kms on the south western side of Ahmedabad, Sarkhej Roza was the home of the spiritual leader of Sultan Ahmed Shah named Ahmed Kattu Gang Baksh, who was a Muslim religious leader. It contains a cluster of monuments, the origin of which can be dated back to the times of Mughal rule in Ahmedabad. Read on to know more about Sarkhej Roza in Ahmedabad, Gujarat…

It is a platform where three distinctive worlds coexist, namely royal, religious and social. The palaces and tombs form part of the royal world, the mosque constitutes the religious realm and the tanks and pavilions have given rise to the social world. The carved stone grills create an atmosphere of tranquility, thereby serving as a great retreat for people seeking peace.

When you visit Sarkhej Roza, do not forget to take a look at the tomb of Saint Ahmed Khattu Baksh, the spiritual guide of the founder of Ahmedabad city. It also houses the tomb of the Emperor Mehmud Shah Beguda and his queen. Sarkhej Roza of Ahmedabad is renowned for the marvelous buildings that lie within its premises. The architectural pattern of Sarkhej Roza is mesmerizing. The reflection of sunlight creates beautiful impressions.



By Nirav Bhagat

Dada Hari Vav

Built during the reign of Mehmud Begda in the year 1501, Dada Hari Vav is an elaborately designed stepped well. The well lies just behind the tomb of Dada Hari. It is one of the most complicated structures of the Ahmedabad city. The basic purpose of setting up the well was to provide the travelers with cool water and a place for relaxation. To know more about the Dade Hari Vav in Ahmedabad, India read on…



Dada Hari Vav is an octagonal shaped well, which is located below the ground level. This underground well has been intricately carved in the typical Gujarati designs. Made from fine stone work of Gujarat, the well has been drawing more and more tourists year after year. While designing this stepped well, adequate attention was paid to its each and every detail. This is indicative from the fact that, right from pillars to walls to steps, everything has been beautifully decorated. The visiting hours of the well are from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm.



By Nirav Bhagat

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Culture and Trends of Ahmedabad

There is something about this city which is different. The people, the place, the food and the language; they are different in every way. But makes them so unique?
Ahmedabad was a city which was once a small town with not may places to explore other than the national heritage monuments. Today Ahmedabad is a Mega City and has developed in every way; culture, knowledge and lifestyle. All of these three major changes can be analyzed by knowing the youths of the city.

They don't care about what you think about life, they are not worried about attending colleges, they are 24/7 ready with an answer to any question, they don believe in studying hard and still manage to earn well, they are food lovers, they believe in ‘Maja Ni Life’; they are the ‘Young Amdavadis’
Ahmedabad city is full of life because of them. They can be called the makers of the amdavadi spirit. It is not hard to recognize them. In a crowd where you find friends talking loudly with lots ok ‘baka n baki’ being heard, you cannot mistake them to be amdavadis. Dressed in the latest fashion trend with branded shoes and cool shades, they set the beats on the roads with their bikes and car. Always seen hovering around hukka bars and coffee shops, these young bloods knows only one thing ‘to live life to the fullest’.
They are spoilt brats at all. They know how to balance their cultural and social life perfectly. In fact the city witnesses participation of the youth the maximum in all the festivals. It is not even like they don study. They just don study hard because they achieve what they want in life just effortlessly as they are smart and witty. Their college life is the most fun part and there is a lot of talent show off which keeps happening every month. Talent not only in cultural aspect but also in knowledge areas.
When you see these budding future Ambanis one though will definitely cross your mind, what did you do in your young days? Life is way too serious to be actually taken seriously. That is what amdavadis believe today. But are they forgetting that seriousness is really important for a living? Nah! They are just reminding us that life will become very serious if you dint find time to laugh over it.




By Nirav Bhagat

History of Ahmedabad:

Situated on the banks of river Sabarmati, Ahmedabad is located on the western side of India in the state of Gujarat. Ahmedabad city has witnessed the rule of different dynasties, right from Sultanate and Mughal rule to Maratha and British rule. Thus, the history of Ahmedabad, India is very rich. Ahmedabad was the former capital city of Gujarat. During the freedom struggle of India, it served as the home of many prominent nationalist leaders like Sardar Patel and Mahatma Gandhi. To know more about the origin & history of Ahmedabad, read on…


Origin of Name
There is an interesting legend associated with the Ahmedabad city. Towards the beginning of the fifteenth century, the state of Gujarat was ruled by the Muslim Muzaffarid dynasty. Once Sultan Ahmed Shah was standing on the banks of river Sabarmati and he noticed a tiny hare chasing a strong ferocious dog. He kept pondering over it. He approached a spiritual leader and asked for explanation. This learned man said that, it is the uniqueness of this land that cultivates such rare qualities in its people. After having heard this, the Sultan got so impressed that he decided to set up the capital of Gujarat over here and he called this land Ahmedabad.

Sultanate Rule
Towards the end of the thirteenth century, Gujarat was captured by the Sultanate of Delhi. In the year 1487, the grandson of Ahmed Shah named Mahmud Begada established the outer city wall, so as to protect Ahmedabad from outside invasion. Muzaffar II was the last Sultan of Ahmedabad.

Mughal Rule
In the year 1573, the city of Ahmed Shah was taken over by the Mughal emperor Akbar. Under the rule of Mughals, Ahmedabad became the leading centre of textiles in Gujarat. The son of Akbar named Jehangir visited Ahmedabad in 1617, but found the city to be nothing more than a garbage ground. So, he called it Gardabad, the city of dust. However, Shahjahan spent a major part of his life in the Ahmedabad city. Infact, he also constructed the Moti Shahi Mahal in Shahibaugh.

Maratha Rule
In the year 1753, the rule of Mughals came to an end and the city came under the rule of Maratha generals Raghunath Rao and Damaji Gaekwad. The power struggle between them eventually led to the destruction of the city.

British Rule
The city was taken over by the British East India Company in the year 1818. The year 1824 led to the setting up of a military cantonment. A major development took place in the year 1864, when railway line was laid that connected Ahmedabad with Bombay. These developments brought Ahmedabad in the map of leading centers of trade and manufacturing. In the year 1915, people of Ahmedabad raised their voice for the independence of India.

Post Independence
The post independence period saw the declaration of Ahmedabad as a provincial town of Bombay. On the 1st of May in the year 1960, Ahmedabad became the capital city of Gujarat.


By Nirav Bhagat

Govt bans Chinese magnetic twines for kite flying

Ban comes into force with immediate effect, traders can be held

Ahead of the Uttarayana (kite festival), the state Forest and Environment Department on Thursday issued a notification banning the use and sale of “killer” Chinese twines. The ban comes into effect across the state with immediate effect.

Principal Secretary (State Forest and Environment Department) S K Nanda said the ban has been imposed under the Forest and Environment Protection Act.

“The sale and use of Chinese twine by any person will amount to committing an offence. The trader will be arrested and his entire stock seized,” he added.

Nanda said the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has been asked to launch a concerted state-wide campaign to create awareness among the people, particularly the young kite enthusiasts, against the use of Chinese twines during the impending kite festival.

The sale and use of plastic as well as magnetic thread tagged on kites has also been banned. “The use of Chinese or other magnetic thread poses a danger to the lives of general public and birds, as is evident from the recent incidents in Ahmedabad where a couple of youths died when they got electrocuted while attempting to catch hold of the thread hanging from the electric pole,” said an official.

“This thread can also prove fatal to birds during the coming festival,” the official added.



Nirav Bhagat

Rahul Gandhi to address Youth Cong workshop

All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi will visit the city to address a training programme of the Gujarat Pradesh Youth Congress (GPYC) between January 18 and 22. Among those to attend the training programme will be the party’s office-bearers from Parliament level to the Assembly level.

According to GPYC president Indravijaysinh Gohil, the aim of the workshop is to develop organisation skills among the Youth Congress leaders and acquaint them about the Central government schemes for the welfare of the people so that they could propagate the party’s policies and achievements.

Most trainers will be coming from outside the state, but the youth wing is also looking for candidates from within to train the Youth Congress leaders.

The youth wing has now begun an interview process to screen the candidates.

According to Gohil, the candidates’ educational background and computer knowledge will be among the other criteria for the selection process.




Nirav Bhagat

Kankaria Carnival: corporate social responsibility takes backseat

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has termed the Kankaria Carnival as “an excellent opportunity to fulfil corporate social responsibility”, but the move may not help it much in getting sponsorship for the event — estimated to cost nearly Rs 2 crore. The weeklong fest begins from Friday.

Senior officials in the AMC say that those who approached the civic body in response to Wednesday’s advertisement for sponsorship would need to consult their head offices, mostly in Mumbai and Delhi, but now much time is not left for the event. Secondly, the AMC is not interested in small sponsors and the individual benchmark is in the region of Rs 10 – Rs 20 lakh.

Allaying the apprehensions of dropping the sponsorship idea due to shortage of time, Municipal Commissioner I P Gautam said “there are still seven days left to work out things”.

He added: “The companies can do this much (sponsorship decision) by themselves at the local level.”

He refused to comment on the expenses incurred on last year’s carnival and the fund source.



Nirav Bhagat

Two years on chemistry encyclopaedia in Gujarati yet to reach students

1,000 copies of the work are stocked in the Gujarat University Granth Nirman Board

Nearly two years after the Gujarat State University Granth Nirman Board completed their chemistry encyclopaedia, it is still not available to students in the state.

The two-volume encyclopaedia priced at Rs 800 is the first such work in the regional language. One thousand copies of the book have been stocked in the University Granth Nirman Board, but the students are unaware of its availability.

The project that took 10 years to complete was undertaken under the Centrally sponsored scheme of the Ministry of Education and Social Welfare, ‘Production of Books and Literature in Regional Languages at the University level’.

The encyclopaedia project was headed by Prof M N Desai, former Vice-Chancellor of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, the Gujarat University and the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. The books have also been co-authored by professors C R Vora and N K Shah, both from the Chemistry department of the Gujarat University.

“After the completion of the 1,800-page encyclopaedia, Prof Desai had sent a letter to the Chief Minister in January 2008, requesting him to ‘launch’ the book. While the CM could not give dates then, a week later Prof Desai passed away and the book could not be released,” said Prof Shah.

The encyclopaedia mainly targets students of secondary, higher secondary, under-graduate and postgraduate courses in chemistry.

However, it is also useful for students of allied sciences like biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, botany, zoology, physics, environment as well as academicians and industrialists.

More encyclopaedias in the making

While Gujarat is the first state in the country to bring out a chemistry encyclopaedia in a regional language, the Commissionerate of Higher Education is in the process of bringing out encyclopaedias of various subjects in Gujarati.

“A team of 15 scholars from universities across the state are working on it under the Centrally sponsored scheme (Production of Books and Literature in Regional Languages at the University level),” said Higher Education Commissioner, Jayanti Ravi.



Nirav BHagat

AMC school board to have own website

The Ahmedabad municipal school board will soon launch its website that will, among other things improve communication among the 471 schools. Computers will also be activated in all municipal schools.

According to Dr L D Desai, administrative officer of the AMC municipal school board, negotiations are on with three contractors for web designing. Once a contract is inked, it would be sent for board’s approval, he said.

Till then, it will be linked to the official website of the civic body, www.egovamc.com. Desai said the proposed website would contain information like activities of the associated institutions and their teachers, data of 3,914 teachers and other staff as well as student profiles.

He said the relevant contents of the Board’s house journal Vichar Nirjhar would also be uploaded on the website. He said the website will be interactive. Board chairman Manubhai Raval said the website would contain all data that is generally supplied under proactive disclosure, like staff biodata, contact numbers and information on cultural events and pensioners.




Nirav Bhagat

Five arrested for possessing Afghani

The Jamnagar police arrested five people in Rajkot on Sunday for possessing 595 Afghani notes.

Senior police officers said the accused have been arrested on grounds of suspicion, adding that the key accused, one Hanif, who had allegedly supplied the notes to the five, is absconding.

Though the notes, printed in 1939, are of no commercial value because of the post-Taliban regime change in Afghanistan, top district police officers have intimated the Directorate of Enforcement and the Intelligence Bureau.

Rajkot IGP Manoj Shashidharan said: “It is an issue of national security. We are trying to find out how the consignment reached India and what could be the the motive behind it.”

The police said Avesh Memon, an antique dealer from Rajkot had bought the notes from Hanif, paying Rs 1,700 for a bundle of 100 notes. Memon gave the notes to his son, Akram (20), who in turn handed them over to his acquaintances, Jamnagar-based Hemendra Kansara (53), his nephew Dharmendra and Rajkot-based MBA student Sandeep Baldha (24). Akram, Hemendra, Dharmendra and Sandeep were arrested following raids at Hemendra’s residence. Memon was arrested later from Rajkot.




Nirav Bhagat

IIM-A plans multi-crore tie-up to develop clean energy

The incubating wing of IIM-A has been discussing a possible multi-crore tie-up with the corporate sector and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to raise funds to promote renewable energy.

“A multi-crore venture fund for clean energy is in the pipeline,” said IIM-A Dean Professor B H Jajoo at an event at the Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE).

CIIE executives are now discussing how the fund will be set up, sources said.

Chairperson of CIIE’s executive committee Professor Rakesh Basant said, “The discussion is on, but nothing has fructified at present.”

He added, “I don’t know when it will work out, but the idea is to experiment with a situation where an educational institution, a corporate sector and the government come together to create a fund to help entrepreneurs.”

Terming the Centre’s three-year relationship with the MNRE “very good”, Professor Basant pointed out that CIIE is listed as a partner in the Solar Policy document released by the MNRE last month — an ambitious plan to generate 20 GW using solar energy by 2020.

One of the earliest ventures with the MNRE was in 2007 when a national competition for clean energy start-ups was launched, where three winnings team were awarded Rs 4 lakh each to develop their business. “Hopefully, this relationship will grow, partly to result in this clean energy fund,” said Professor Basant.

CIIE launches mentor network to help start-ups
The incubating wing of IIM-A has recently launched a mentor network for entrepreneurs in Ahmedabad, who can fix appointments and attend monthly mentoring sessions with volunteering experts free of cost.

While the Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE) already has a mentor network functioning in Bangalore, setting up another network in Ahmedabad will “hopefully” lead to the setting up of such networks across the country, said coordinator Aditi Gupta. A website – www.mentoredge.com – has been launched where entrepreneurs interested in guidance and discussions can sign up and the CIIE will arrange a mentoring session on its premises. At least 10 persons — ranging from industrialists to consultants to IIMA professors — have volunteered to be part of the network. Their backgrounds range from pharmaceuticals to education to Internet-based businesses. “As part of the initiative, CIIE will also host mentoring clinic once every month in Ahmedabad, which will help entrepreneurs to interact with the mentors part of this initiative and also meet the others,” Gupta said.

“The first one is scheduled to happen on December 19 at the centre itself. The centre is now inviting applications from entrepreneurs from across domains to utilise this opportunity,” she added.



Nirav Bhagat

Gulberg Society massacre: Dy mayor accused of inciting mob

An Eyewitness in the Gulberg Society massacre case has named the former Deputy Mayor of Ahmedabad, Jagrup Singh Rajput, for inciting the mob to attack the locality.

Thirty-eight people including former Congress leader Ehsan Jafri had been killed in the carnage and several properties damaged.

Sairabanu Salimbhai Sandhi told the court that Jafri had called Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Amarsinh Chaudhry, Badruddin Sheikh and even L K Advani for help.

But she was not aware of the response to the phone calls made by Jafri, she said.

Four members of Sandhi’s family were killed in the massacre that day. They included her son Sandhi Mohammed Husain, a student of second-year LLB, brother-in-law Jahangir, and two sisters-in-law, Zarina and Mumtaz.

She said Rajput was standing on the office terrace of one Meghsinh Chaudhary and inciting the mob to attack Gulberg Society.

The massacre took place on February 28, 2002 during a bandh called by the VHP, and supported by the RSS and the BJP, to protest against the burning of the S-6 coach of the Sabaramti Express at Godhra the previous day. Fifty-nine people, mostly kar sevaks returning from Ayodhya, were killed in it.



Nirav Bhagat

Chain-snatching cases: One held

The Ahmedabad Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) arrested one person on Tuesday in connection with the rising number of chain-snatching cases in the city.

The DCB found Sukhvinder Singh alias Captain, moving around suspiciously on a motorcycle, during a patrol.

A search revealed a small metal box in his possession, containing a small cutter generally used by chain-snatchers for cutting gold chains.

Singh told the DCB during his interrogation that he kept the cutter for protection and to thwart off assaults in fights.

The accused also had no registration of the bike and no licence either. The DCB have seized the bike and his mobile.

Incidentally, Singh was previously booked under the Prohibition Act at the Naranpura police station. He has been handed over to the Naranpura police for further investigation.





Nirav Bhagat

Circular bus service on Sardar Patel Ring Road

With the start of a circular bus service on the Sardar Patel Ring Road from Saturday, the residents may not have to go to the central or the satellite bus stations to catch a bus. According to a Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) release, the buses will start from Sarkhej (Sanathal junction), and take clockwise and anticlockwise routes. The buses will stop at all junctions on the SP Ring Road and will be available on an hourly basis. GSRTC Secretary P D Patel said: “If the response is good, we plan to make it a 15-min frequency. The service was inaugurated without any formal function because the ministers and bureaucrats were busy with the Chintan Shibir in Kutch.” The circular route will cover all the 19 junctions on SP Ring Road to enable people reach the nearest destinations in either direction as shown in brackets: Sanathal (Sarkhej/Bavla), Shantipura (Sarkhej/ Sanand), Science City (Sola/Bhadaj), Vadsar (Ognaj/ Vadsar), Vaishnodevi (Sarkhej/ Gandhinagar), Jhundal (Ahmedabad/Mehsana), Sighad (Visat petrol pump/Gandhinagar), Bhat (Indira Bridge/Gandhinagar), Mehta Farm–Gamthi Garden (Nana Chiloda/Karai), Ranasan (Naroda/Chiloda cross), Kathwada (Naroda/Kathwada), Nikol (Nikol/Kathwada), Odhav Ring Road (Soni ni Chali/Kathlal), Karnavati Bungalows (Odhav Rajendra Park/Vastral Road), and others. The service starts at 7 am.

Nirav Bhagat

Friday, December 25, 2009

Innocent Beauty Ahmedabad Bus Stop


By Nirav Bhagat .

Garba Swirl Navratri




here cannot be competition for this swirl!


By Nirav Bhagat.

Project River Front



That's the best view for river-front project from Neelkanth Patang. You can have a full view of Nehru Bridge as well as the River Front Project’s development view up to Ellis Bridge. This is what Nirav Bhagat, an Ahmedabad City , feels about this ongoing river front development at Sabamati River.




By Nirav Bhagat.

Sunrise at Kankaria




A beautiful sunrise shot from Naginawadi Kankaria. Nirav Bhagat has sent this image to Ahmedabad City .


Nirav Bhagat

Raining green



By Nirav Bhagat.

Nehru Bridge night



It’s a lovely photograph of the Nehru Bridge; whish is brightly lit under the street lights, leading to the old city taken from the Hotel Patang. The beauty is furthered by the yellow, and blue, coming from a hotel top sign board, lights reflections in the water of Sabarmati River. AM reader Mehul D Shah has sent the image.

Nirav Bhagat.

Bird’s eye view


These picturesque photos of the Ahmedabad city have taken by an Ahmedabad city ,Nirav Bhagat, from the Patang Hote. One reflects the city’s green quotient then other shows the smooth traffic flowing on the Nehru Bridge over Sabarmati River.


Enter at your own risk.




Ahmedabad has sent these images of the garden adjoining his society developed by AUDA and maintained by Mother Dairy. The electric switch box, at garden entrance that remains open all day long can prove dangerous to people, especially for the children as they unknowingly touch the interior.




Nirav Bhagat

Future of nature




Ahmedabad reader has sent this image and through the image, of this life less (without leaves) tree, he is trying to make a point that what will be the future of nature in this concrete world.

Tarakash.com bags Manthan South Asia Award 2009

Tarakash.com, a Hindi language Information and Knowledge web portal managed from Ahmedabad has been honored with prestigious Manthan Award South Asia under the e-news category. The award was presented at a ceremony held in New Delhi on Saturday, December 19, 2009.



The grand jury’s evaluation of the site noted, “Tarakash.com being in Hindi is a unique website, which disseminates information in a local language using a mass medium like the Internet. Tarakash.com caters that segment of the population in India which is more comfortable in Hindi than English!”

The website was among the two other winners who represented Gujarat in the event and won the prestigious award. The Manthan Award South Asia is organised by the Digital Empowerment Foundation with the support of World Summit Award (WSA) and the Department of IT (DIT) of the Government of India.

The award recognises the best digital and technology innovations to empower communities and is South Asia’s biggest event on ICT for masses, governance and rural development.

This is the world’s first and only infotainment (Information and Entertainment) portal in Hindi. The site is most probably most advance Hindi news site in terms of technology used. As the site is in Hindi, more and more people can read and get benefited from the informative articles. The language used is easy to understand and gasp.



Nirav Bhagat

Speed breaker: A cause of concern.

Whether town planning authority, traffic police or any other relevant authority has concerns of technicality of the traffic while putting up bumps on the road? Or some illegal or private speed breakers are fixed on public roads by people with vested-interest?

Just about 50 meters away from main gate of ISRO and towards Star Bazar (on Jodhpur tekra) there is a big speed breaker. The road is slopping down and has a little turn too. Its being the main road, it may have normal-high speed of average vehicle at this point.

Suddenly a bump comes, anyway the drivers can control and slow down, but that can't be same for all following vehicles on such a clear and sloppy road. On an average, there happening an accident daily at this speed breaker and I am sure very few of them might have got registered.

Actually there is no need of speed breaker at this point as it’s not a facility to the ISRO-visitors or their staffers. It is just after ISRO main gate. Technically, it should not be there.

The movement of the vehicle should be allowed only till rolling down up to foot of the hill. Why it is there? There are a few bungalows are there in a lane adjacent to the speed brakers.

Perhaps, for their sake many people bear the loss as well as damage to their vehicles and many a time suffers physical injury or loss. There is no any sign board reading ‘Bump Ahead’ cautioning the drivers.

Being the style of the road and slope, the glitter board should be over the head. There are no Zebra (meant for crossing a road) marks on the bump and at times it becomes bloody at night.

There is gap in road divider just after the Bump, which is meant for allowing safer right turn to vehicles coming from opposite direction. Actually, the gap in road divider for allowing vehicles to turn to that adjacent lane must to be filled.

The turn for a few shouldn't be allowed on such big and sloppy roads. They are also creating problems for vehicles following them and driving upwards on the hill. They need to go little more up to a safer cut for the turn.

Perhaps, it would have been better if I have taken photographs of accidents at this location. Whose whims will take whose life? If not removed or taken proper action, somebody has to be "Bali No Bakro" for sake of few whimsical.

Note: Though I have neither become a victim of this wild speed breaker nor any personal problems. But I have seen the situation before this bump and after it as I regularly drive on this road. And I do take sufficient care, but what about the innocent people, who doesn't know about all this (Rastey Ka Patthar/the proper thing but at inappropriate place).



NIrav Bhagat

Sparkling dawn at Jeevan Sandhya

My daughter Khushi is turning 10 this December. Few weeks a go she had visited Jeevan Sandhya, an orphanage, as a part of the school activity! She was so moved and touched by the people she met over there...she went on to announce that this year she would like to celebrate her birthday with them.

Initially I thought it was nothing more than a temporary emotional outburst but, I was wrong, she was serious and we have now planned a party on December 11 at Jeevan Sandhya, for which we are preparing hard. It will be a music and magic night with Pavbhaji and cake!

She is thrilled with her idea and wants to make a difference in their lives! To make her point going a long way, we have planned for our friends on December 13. She has requested "No Gifts" instead donations and charity towards Jeevan Sandhya!

I think this is a touching and lovely thought when comes out a girl of very tender age. We can spread this message around so that more and more people can come forwards with such deeds towards society!



Nirav Bhagat.

Slackness of our civic authorities

This to bring to your notice about the slackness of Bopal village's development where drainage work is going on and due to this all phone and internet lines are dead in the said area. Since then in all 21 days that have already been passed but the work is not going with a satisfactory speed.

All these ordeals make me molest and I would like the concerned authorities to take a note of the civic problems and sort is out as soon as possible. So that we, people of Bopal, can have the feel of being a part of this fast developing city with duly restored telecom and internet networks.


Nirav Bhagat.

Review: ‘Smoke Never Dies’


Introduction
: ‘Smoke Never Dies’ is a short film made by a group of engineering students from Ahmedabad. The film is written and directed by Anish Shah and Mikhil Musale, students of Indus Institute of Technology and Engineering.

The movie features Hardeep Pathak, a student of LD College of Engineering (LDCE) in the lead character. Other actors include Ahuto Sema of LDCE and Master Karan. The movie throws light on the menace of smoking in an unusual manner.

‘Smoke Never Dies’ won two short film awards till date at: first one is ‘Paramarsh‘ at MSU and second one is ‘16th Frame’ at IIT-Roorkie making close to 160 other short films bite dust.




Review: ‘Smoke Never Dies’ is a dark narrative of the life of a person who is completely addicted to smoking. He’s a sort of guy who starts his day with a cigarette and ends it with a cigarette.

He is a loner and doesn’t get acceptance from anybody in society. Frankly speaking before hitting ‘play’, I had no idea about how this movie would change me completely. I was spellbound by the magnificence of the entire story.

The measure of the impact that this movie left on my mind can be stated by the fact that I was lost in the thoughts of the protagonist for the next 30 minutes after the movie was over. It’s a professional work all together.

The dark narration reminds me of some of the Ram Gopal Varma flicks. The music blends with the narration perfectly and makes the viewing tense and thrilling. The cinematography was flawless. The use of camera angles was at its creative best and this is the ‘edge’ it has over every other short film that I’ve seen till date.

Much of the impact of the movie on my mind is because of the natural portrayal of the character by Hardeep Pathak. I think it’s hard to find words to explain the sheer brilliance of this guy.

Master Karan’s portrayal of an innocent boy – with lollipop in his hands – watching someone smoke, who had lectured him on ‘no smoking’ a few moments earlier, and Ahuto Sema’s character of a smoking driver were commendable.

‘Smoke Never Dies’ can be a trend setter in the short film cinema. Set with a modest budget of Rs 500 this movie has proved that budget is nothing in comparison to talent. If you have got the talent you can make a big difference.


I watch the movie every time I switch on my computer. It gives me some kind of new found energy to fight against this social evil called ‘smoking’. Come join us in the fight against smoking. Share this movie with your friends, relatives, family members and whomsoever you know in your life. The movie will surely leave a big impact on the minds of people – especially the younger ones.


Nirav Bhagat.

The Legend called ‘Sachin’

Hi,

I am NIRAV BHAGAT and I am a big-big fan of Sachin. I follow his cricket since last 12-15 years. I use to collect Sachin’s cuttings and books since last 6-7 years and till now I collected more then 3,700 cuttings of this little master.

And I am extremely thankful to team AM, who put great efforts in issuing 28 pager special issue on this legend. First of all, I sincerely and heartily congratulate to Tandilya for completing 20 years in an international cricket. And what a glorious years are those!

During all these years Sachin Tendulkar has the cricketing world at his feet. Perhaps he may never be able to cross Don Bradman’s record of Test cricket’s average of 99.94, but he is the most complete batsman after Sir V Richards. In modern day cricket, he is true icon of world cricket as well as world sports.

As he hold almost each and every batting records in his own name. In other words, we can say that he is ruling world cricket not for 2, 5 or 10 years but for the last 20 years.


During his career at any point of time Sachin doesn’t had liberty like the all time legends have viz Don Bradman, who only played Test cricket during his era and that too mainly against same opponents, Gery Sobers and Viv Richards played for the side that was almost unbeatable for more than two decades.

Steave Waugh and Ricky Pointing always have the advantage of playing for the side that had the greats like McGrath, Warne and Gilchrist. The real question here is, not who is greatest or who is not, but the point is that Sachin is definitely the great among the greatest – who have played all formats of game with over 70 plus records to his credit in the world cricket.

When Tendulkar is on song, there can not be any other majestic sight to realise than to watch him play his master full stoke play all round the any given green park. The spectators at the stadium are on their feet cheering for his hero while all over the world, TV audiences are glued to the screen.

Stadium and boundaries look like as tiny as it can be, bowlers start feeling cold feet finding his is going over the ropes again and again and fielders are made to sweat even in chilly winter conditions.


But whenever he fails to deliver or get out early, critics start dumping him like anything and in those times I really feel a great sense of happiness as it means even the critics want to see him succeed in every encounter. And if once can gaze into his (Sachin) eyes then one can clearly notice a storm waiting to burst out and the opponent are pressed to wear the toll in the next encounter.

And as far as critics are concern, I really feel proud whenever they criticise Sachin as I can feel his pain, the pain which transforms him into the strong solid man. I feel he is the true legend of the world cricket and perfect role model as a sports person in world.

Wish him a very good luck and many bright innings in future which can help India to win many more matches.


Nirav Bhagat

A harrowing shopping experience of my life…

A couple of days earlier, I along with my sister went shopping for a couple of sarees and dresses. We know most of the good shops in Ahmedabad. And just when we were entering a complex, we came across a market complex called Sree Niketan.

It is located on C G Road, one of the up-market places of Ahmedabad and there are many well known shops for women's wear out there. Hence a lot of women too who wander around and do a little of window shopping at most of the shops in the complex.

Sree Niketan though is not a very well known place but at times you get good pieces there. However, we were aware of its eccentric owner. Nevertheless, we went in assuming that why do we need to bother about the owner. If we find a good piece there then that should do.

We went in and are asked as to what we were looking for. To which we reply casually, "Both dresses and sarees but sarees first." A curt reply from the owner comes in "eno charge lagshe" (it will be charged). With surprise we stared at each other in bewilderment assuming we had heard something wrong or that he was talking to someone else.

We even tried to find a smile on his face just to make sure that he was just joking, but we failed as we didn’t find any. Instead he was staring right at us, firm at his stand. I couldn't believe it and just to confirm I asked, "You've got to be joking, right?!" And he says, "No joking, to see sarees you will be charged." We were speechless.

Dumb founded. I couldn't believe what was happening and because I was numbed and it was too much to handle we left the place saying that it was the silliest thing we had ever heard. But after gaining a little bit of sense and realising what had happened was indeed an insult to possible customer.

For a few hours from then we were fuming (I am still and hence this article). I, however, taught that fellow a lesson the desi (rabari) way, one that he shall remember forever. But I would want to inform all around that there are shop-keepers who have the guts to say something of that sort.

I mean you go to any haute couture store in the posh district of Paris there they would still not treat you like this. For the first time in my life I felt insulted in a true sense. I, of course, shall not ever be buying from that place but will make sure that I deter as many people as I can from doing so.

I hope all the women of Ahmedabad be listening me in the right perspective. I would truly want to see the shutters close down on that shop hurt, angry and annoyed.


NIrav Bhagat

Speed breakers required to check the speedsters

This is to bring to your notice and also a kind request to Ahmedabad Traffic Police to build 4-5 effective speed breakers in our neighbourhood over a 1 km road stretch. The road in context starts from Reliance Petrol Pump (100 feet ring road) passes through Sharanam-10 and has a T-junction at Aviraj Bunglows.


The road has become a speed rage for the spoilt brats, who hardly care for the safety of people (especially kids living in the vicinity) and completely disrespect the peace and tranquility of the area. Considering ever increasing news of driving accidents by the youngsters, we are not sure whether their parents value the life of these spoilt brats or not.

Unsafe road work.

This morning when I was going to office at 11:00 am in my Maruti Alto car – all of a sudden while crossing ISRO main gate – a red colour Verna car stops just in front of my car and I had to stop squeezing my breaks maximum to avoid any accident.
Fortunately our cars just kissed each other and a major collision was avoided. The Verna stopped suddenly because there were two barrels kept on the road without any other sign or signal, before you realise, 10 feet away form that obstacle due to curve on that road.

Luckily there were neither more vehicles following me nor any unlucky pedestrian crossing road. But such incidents can be avoided by using road sign much before you put obstacle on the main road.

I want this message to reach Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner (AMC) and traffic department, so that in future no one has to face such incident that I faced, which pushed my heart beats to an alarming level.


Nirav Bhagat

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Who says we worship cow as ‘Holy Cow’?


Where has the humanity gone in Ahmedabad? A poor cow has been “gifted” with a garbage bag, which can be seen hanging on its right horn near Shyamal Cross Road, Satellite. We must remember that the cow is considered as our mother. How can we do this to our mother?



Nirav Bhagat

Friendly, truthful Amdavadi autowallahs

The most remarkable gift Ahmedabad or rather Gujarat offers to any stranger or even the native of this place is security. If you go to any nook or corner of this country, there is a feeling of women insecurity.

From deserted roads to autowallah (auto driver) give a burning sense of this lack of security. A lot of applause to our law enforcement agencies and the vibrant government help in maintaining the decorum of the city.

I personally came across really sweet and helpful autowallahs here in this city. Being from Rajasthan, I know one fact that if you are a stranger to that place you definitely would get cheated if you hire autos after 8 pm, especially if you are lone woman.

From being polite to arranging chuttas (change), they represent the true image of down to earth Gujaratis. Though the traffic is always freaking out, you would see them all patient and calm. The meter system here is also impressive. No chance of cheating you. Three cheers too their serenity, hospitality and honesty!



NIrav Bhagat

Amdavadis do you have any answers to these…

So many articles have been written about traffic of Ahmedabad. The traffic department is working so hard to bring order to unruly Ahmedabad traffic. But, this initiative of traffic department will not succeed until and unless we, as responsible citizens of Ahmedabad co-operate with the traffic department.

No matter how much fine is charged from the offenders – they will find a way out. No matter how many constables are posted at the crossroads – it will not help unless we follow the rules. In the past one week, there was not a single day when I did not witness an accident.

As the living standard of the people continue to improve so does their buying capacity. With the increasing number of four wheelers and two wheelers on the roads not to mention cyclists it is becoming extremely difficult to drive a vehicle especially during rush hours.

Nowadays everyone's in a rush. It seems they do not want to believe the saying “Better late than never.” What I think is the traffic rules are meant to be followed and not broken. I think it is our responsibility to follow the traffic rules which are for our safety.

I would like to ask the citizens of Ahmedabad a few questions. How many of us follow the rule of wearing a helmet or a seatbelt while driving a two wheeler or a four wheeler? How many of us do not use a mobile phone while driving?

What we do not understand is that it is by talking on the mobile phone while driving, we are not only putting ourselves in danger but other drivers as well. How many of us follow the rule of using the indicator while turning either left or right?

How many of us are willing to wait for the traffic of one side to stop and then drive? Why is it that when a traffic constable stops us for wrongdoing we start arguing with him/her? Why are we not being considerate towards him/her – the poor guy is just doing his duty.

They do their duty no matter what the season is. It takes guts to stand at the middle of a crossroad with vehicles coming at you from all directions. Why do we drive through a red light even when a constable is present at the junction? Why complain then when we ourselves are to be blamed for the unruly traffic?

The traffic of Ahmedabad is not going to improve until and unless we, as responsible citizens of Ahmedabad, start following the rules. My earnest requests to all my fellow co drivers – please follow the traffic rules and help in improving the traffic of Ahmedabad.

Nirav Bhagat

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

IMA’s virtual university, global education

magine all facets of your life – school, work, health, leisure, and spiritual etc – monitored and assessed from birth-to-death through one comprehensive “system”. Under the banner of “Global education”, such a system is evolving.

Education has been redefined and recreated by the Indian Management Academy (IMA) sans traditional boundaries. Dr G D Singh, the IMA founder & director, has created waves in the education industry by catering opportunities for the global community.

He has vowed that the world has no boundaries today and is open for all avenues and opportunities. With the effect of globalisation, the need of redefining education has been addressed to.

With global education, the traditional goal to develop the intellect is replaced with an emphasis on attitudes, values, habits and social behaviors. “The world is indeed one global village” “…we must dedicate ourselves to the reform of our educational system for the benefit of all – old and young alike, affluent and poor, majority and minority”, says Dr Singh.

Further adding he said, “The search for solutions to our educational problems must also include a commitment to life-long learning.” “…life-long learning will equip people with the skills required for new careers and for citizenship.”

The IMA has shown a vital interest in redefining global education with the launch of IMA-Virtual University and 10 new verticals for the benefits of students all over the world.

It has now launched courses in all avenues which are about to sweep the world of the floor. The IMA courses help nurture the managers, technology professionals, healthcare professionals, hospitality managers, fashion enthusiastic, para-medicos, dentists, sngineers, journalists, event managers and law makers.

No stone has been left unturned by Dr Singh in order to make these courses valuable to every individual at the same time cost effective. You name it and you get it with the IMA.

NIrav Bhagat.

My Lovely Ahmedabad

Baby gets his heart back inside


Ahmedabad: The little heart beating outside on the week-old boy's body was gently but firmlytucked inside.


Cardiac surgeons at the UNMehta Hospital performed the surgery early on Friday morning wherein they expanded the cavity and put the heart back in its place. The child is reported to be critical and will be closely monitored for the next four days.


Medical spokesperson Dr Kashyap Sheth said that the four-hour long surgery was performed by a team of 12 doctors which included paediatric cardiac surgeon Dr Amit Mishra, himself along with cardiologists and intensivists.

The child was born to Harish and Kailash Parmar in Saraspur with a congenital condition called Ectopia Cordis Totalis and was admitted with severe infection in UN Mehta as his heart precariously beat to the beats of life outside his chest. Since the covering membrane had ruptured, the doctors had put him on high dose on antibiotics to bring down the infection.

"Since the infection could be brought to minimum safety levels, it was decided to carry out the surgery. We created more space in his chest cavity and adjusted the heart in its right place. It was checked that his heart is beating well and is not pressured inside the cavity", Dr Sheth said.

Doctors said that while the first step of putting the heart back has been successful, he will have to be closely monitored to check whether the body accepts the heart inside. Specific tests will be carried out and his activity checked regularly to ensure that his heart adjusts back inside his body.

"Next four days are critical. Please pray for him", his father Harish pleaded even as he expressed his happiness over the sucessful completion of the first surgery.

Baby's protruding heart tucked inside body

Attack on Asaramji Ashram-2,

7 Wonders of India: Adalaj Stepwell

Mahatma Gandhi's House at Sabarmati Ashram

Teen Darwaza


These arched gateways were built by Sultan Ahmed Shah. These gateways were meant as the royal entrance to the Maidan Shah or Royal Square. From here the Sultans used to watch the processions from the palace to the Jama Masjid.

Sidi Saiyad Mosque



The ashram - which was founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1915 - is arguably the biggest tourist attraction. It lies on the serene stretch of the Sabarmati river and was referred to as the Satyagraha Ashram during the lifetime of the Mahatma. It was from here, in 1930, that the Mahatma began his famous 'Dandi March' to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the British. One can see the three wise monkeys and many more of Gandhiji's teachings at the premises. The ashram today continues the work started by him and has a handicrafts centre, a handmade paper factory and a spinning wheel factory. The humble cottage where Gandhiji lived 'Hridaya Kunj' - is now a small museum displaying his few possessions. It is preserved as a National Monument. In addition to this there is the Gandhi Memorial Centre, a Library and a Sound-and-Light show that offers an interesting display of the Mahatma's life and teachings.

Sabarmati Ashram



The ashram - which was founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1915 - is arguably the biggest tourist attraction. It lies on the serene stretch of the Sabarmati river and was referred to as the Satyagraha Ashram during the lifetime of the Mahatma. It was from here, in 1930, that the Mahatma began his famous 'Dandi March' to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the British. One can see the three wise monkeys and many more of Gandhiji's teachings at the premises. The ashram today continues the work started by him and has a handicrafts centre, a handmade paper factory and a spinning wheel factory. The humble cottage where Gandhiji lived 'Hridaya Kunj' - is now a small museum displaying his few possessions. It is preserved as a National Monument. In addition to this there is the Gandhi Memorial Centre, a Library and a Sound-and-Light show that offers an interesting display of the Mahatma's life and teachings.

Kankaria Lake





Kankaria Lake is another tourist attraction of Ahmedabad. The Kankaria Lake is a circular lake constructed in AD 1451 by Sultan Qutub-ud-din. Amongst the places to be visited in the lake is the island garden at its centre with a summer palace known as Nagina Wadi. Lush green parks, an aquarium, a boat club, a natural historical museum, and a zoo surrounding the park make the lake a place to be seen in Ahmedabad. The 'Bal Vatika' or the children's park makes it a great picnic spot and attracts tourists and localities from Ahmedabad alike.

Jhulta Minar



This is quite an unusual structure. Jhulta Minara or swaying minarets are a part of the mosque of Siddi Bashir and can be swayed by applying a little force at the topmost arch. One of the minarets was partly demolished by an Englishman in his endeavours to unravel the mystery of the swaying minarets. The mosque was obviously built by master craftsmen and the crucial mechanism that causes the vibration is still a mystery. The other interesting fact here is that these minars stand the test of the rumbling trains that pass not very far away from them.

Jama Masjid (ahmedabad)




Jama Masjid is the principal mosque of the Islamic era, situated at the heart of the city. The mosque was built in the Indo- Saracenic architectural era and is said to be the most beautiful mosque in the East. The mosque has 260 pillars supporting 15 domes arranged symmetrically. A special feature of the mosque is the Muluk-Khana, or the Royal Gallery, which is a platform standing on pillars and enclosed upto the roof with beautiful stone work.

Hatheesing Jain Temple



Embellished with intricate carvings and built in white marble, the Hatheesing Jain temple is one of the best ornate Jain temple in Ahmedabad. This temple was built in the nineteenth century by a rich Jain merchant. This profusely decorated temple is dedicated to 15th Jain tirthankar or Jain Apostle- Dharmnath.
Built outside Delhi Gate by Sheth Hatheesing, this is the best known of Ahmedabad's many ornate Jain Temples. Built of pure white marble, it has a paved courtyard surrounded by an imposing row of cloisters containing 52 shrines, each with an image of a tirthankara, profusely decorated with rich carvings, one containing the marble image of the 15th tirthankar. The temple is a two-storied structure with elaborate porches on three sides and front porch crowned by a large dome. It was designed by Premchand Salat and is dedicated to Dharmanath, the fifteenth Jina or Jain apostle. It was built at a cost of Rs 10 Lakhs, a sum unimaginable in those days.

Calico Museum Of Textiles


The textile industry is large in Gujarat and the Calico Museum depicts the importance of this industry. The Calico Museum of Textiles, widely regarded as one of the finest textile museums in the world was constructed in 1949. The museum has five centuries of the finest fabrics spun, woven, printed and painted in different parts of India. It also has a collection of marble, sandstone and bronze icons and busts split in two thematic section - galleries for religious textiles and historical textiles.

Bhadra Fort




The Bhadra Fort of Ahmedabad is another place to be visited in the city. The place is a venue for Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations in Ahmedabad. This fort of Ahmedabad fort has a temple devoted to the Mother Goddess, Bhadrakali; hence the name Bhadra Fort.

The huge and grand Teen Darwaza (Triple Gateway) is another place to be seen in Ahmedabad. Teen Darwaza servedthe purpose of a royal entrance to the Royal Square of the Bhadra Fort.

A walk through the city….

Ten months after landing at the city of Ahmedabad, I grabbed the ‘first opportunity’ to be part of a ‘heritage walk’ organized jointly by the IIMA Media Cell and AMA (Ahmedabad Management Association). We (fourteen) ‘WIMWI’ians joined another 6-7 candidates at the scheduled time of 9.30am near the ‘Roopalee Theatre’, just ahead of the ‘Nehru Bridge’.

The co-ordinator of the programme, Mr.Yatin Pandya – an Architect, Author and AMA Faculty by profession – started off with a small stint of history of Ahmedabad, “The city of Ahmedabad was named after its founder, Sultan Ahmed Shah, who reigned from 1411- 1442 and it has historical antiquity back to 5000 years…. The Mughals took over from the Sultanate dynasty in 1575 and ruled for two centuries….. Later it came under the Marathi occupation till 1818 when the British finally took over….. Ahmedabad played a pivotal role in the freedom movement of India…. The city has a lot to speak about the wonderful mixture and integration of Islamic, Hindu, Colonial and Modern Architecture……”

He continued, “In 1861, Ranchodlal Chotalal founded the first ever textile mill in the city (the second in India) fighting against all odds….. a city where the climate didn’t support the production of cotton or related materials….. a time when the city didn’t even had a proper transport system; neither a railway station nor a seaport (the nearest port was 60kms away)…. and finally when he imported his machinery from the U.K., the vessel did sunk a bit in the shallow water and the machinery was brought forward to the city using ‘bullock carts’…. the engineer who came from Britain (for installation and setup) had to fight both malaria and plague….. and so on… However, the sheer determination and hard-work paid off in little time… and in less the 20years numerous other entrepreneurs joined the industry and Ahmedabad was known as ‘The Manchester of the East’……. Gandhiji encouraged workers from Bengal to join the industry and the workers with also brought patriotism along with their skills and one of the first movements against British Raj was started from here….. It is noteworthy to mention that Gandhiji had started his ‘Ashram’ (which later became the central point of Indian freedom movement) not far away….”

“Also, the same person - Ranchodlal Chotalal – was instrumental in constructing the city’s underground drainage system way back in the 1880’s…. though initially people couldn’t succumb the idea of waste water moving under their territories and resisted to it, later the same people realised their mistake and ‘garlanded’ him with flowers after the project completion. It is remarkable to note that even now 40% of Indian cities don’t have a proper drainage system, let alone underground sewage disposal…”

After this small intro – which also covered the various architectural splendours and dimensions - we started our ‘walk’ to explore the (old) city’s life, culture, values and architecture. The first place we visited was Sidi Sayyid Jaali – the 15th century mosque renowned for its Islamic architecture of mesh work. The palm tree mesh (jaali) work of the mosque is widely accepted as a symbol of Ahmedabad itself, and little wonder this was selected as the ‘logo’ of the ‘Well-known Institute of Management in Western India’. The mosque is named after Sidi Sayyid, a slave of Ahmed Shah and there are some interesting folk-stories relating to the same. The uniqueness of the architecture is the mesh work, which allows the sunlight and air to pass through, and it is designed in such a way that insiders can see the outside world, whereas the outsiders can’t see what is happening inside. Later, we found out that this unique ‘mesh’ work can be found throughout the architectural splendours in the city. According to Mr.Pandya, this projected the smooth integration of architecture (whether being Hindu, Islamic or Colonial) in accordance to the climatic conditions of the ‘hot’ city. He later showed us two examples of Colonial architecture – Mangal Giridhar and Vijilighar which also had unique features in the design of balcony and without the front ‘verandha’s – the designs adopting to the climatic conditions. The features of the architecture contradicted the modern glass structures, which is clearly unsuitable for the climatic conditions of the city and consumes a lot of electric energy – a scarce resource in India.

We moved on to the nearby Bhadra Citadel, the first structure constructed at the founding of Ahmedabad city (1411); and very nearby to that, there was the palace of Azam Khan – one of the most efficient and industrious viceroy in Gujurat under the Mughal rule. Ahmedabad can also boast of a connection to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the ‘TAJ MAHAL’, as Mumtaz Beequm (in whose memory the monument was built) was the daughter of Azam Khan.

Further we went on to see a unique technology used to feed the birds known as Chabutaro (Bird Feeder). This street furniture was aesthetically designed for the birds to have food and water and at the same time protecting them from the heat of the sun and the fear of the cats (which were prevented to climb the structure, thanks to its anti-gravity design).

Then, we walked through the narrow streets of dhalgarwad (clothes market); followed by the flower market, spice market, vegetables/fruits market, utensils market etc… According to our guide, the design of the narrow streets should also be understood in its architectural sense as the tall buildings provided enough shades to protect from the inflaming heat of the sun….. We also spotted ‘Manek Chowk’, a unique trading street where the early morning hours were scheduled to feed the cattle, then from morning to dusk ‘jewellery’ businesses flourished, followed by the evening ‘eating chowk’ when small vendors put up their businesses. The same area was not only used for three multiple activities at three different times, but there also exists an unwritten rule/understanding that each beneficiary cleans up the area after their use and thus the ‘chowk’ is maintained clean and tidy without any external interference.

We moved ahead through some residential precincts (Hari Bakti ni Haveli, Devji Sariaya ni Pol, Lakha Patel ni Pol, Chandla Pol etc…) – where we found some unique constructional features in the narrow line, where even though the lengthier walls are share between the households, communication between the households was not extinct as in the modern ‘flat culture’. Another interesting feature was that the first and second floors of the houses projected ahead the ground floor so that it will provide a shade when the sun is overhead and during the inclined movement of sun the houses provided shade to each other (due to the narrowness of the streets). Thus the streets was literally protected from the direct heat of the sunlight, which also contributed to the continued motivation for our ‘walk’ along with other regular refreshments in ‘nariyal pani’, ‘chaas’, ‘milk shakes’, ‘ice creams’ etc…

One of the interesting features in a typical ‘Ahmedabad’ household construction was the ‘inner courtyard’ which provided light & ventilation in addition to being used as living area (especially for the ladies) and it is closely attached to the prayer room, kitchen, store room and reception on its four sides. Also, rain water harvesting system was an integral part of the households by which the roof top water is well stored in a corner well in this courtyard. A standard house with 600sq.ft in size can harvest rain water (average 60-70cms in Ahmedabad per year) that is enough for up to two-and-a-half month’s usage of the entire household.

Before we continued our journey, we rested for a while in the Mangoldas Heritage Hotel, which was indeed the rejuvenated house of well-known poet Mangoldas. Though the hotel is a nice place for architectural exploration, the value-for-money for the services provided is contestable. Although, we were not subjected to pay anything beyond the meagre two hundred bucks we paid for the trip, I speculate that the co-ordinator may think twice before entering this hotel again which typically charges you Rs.65 for a ‘Nimbu Pani’!

We went on to see the nearby tombs of Sultan Ahmed Shah and the Queen, which also had some distinctive architectural features. But the pick of the tour, in terms of architectural splendour, was the Jama Masjid (city mosque), built by Ahmed Shah in 1424. A magnificent 260 pillar structure accompanied by a wide courtyard area, it symbolizes the unification of the prominent decoration features of the prevailing Hindu & Islamic architectural features of that time. Shajahan might have widely used the features of this building in constructing the Jama Masjid at Delhi.

We walked back to our starting point, by crossing the ‘Tin Darwaza’ – the three gates – which was part of the enormous fort build by the Sultanate rulers to cover the city. And while crossing back, another interesting feature we observed in the city was a hotel where we found a lot of beggars and poor sitting in the front. Our co-ordinator explained that, the hotel is an excellent example of a wonderful management system, where the owner provides meals to the poor subject to the donations he receives. For e.g. if you pay him 50bucks, he’ll feed five among the waiting poor men (women & children). By this, the money we spent on poor is rightly utilized as well as the owner of the hotel earns a living from his small venture. Within a short while, a small collection amongst ourselves were enough to feed the entire poor people waiting outside (somewhere around 30-35 in number).

In short, the ‘walk’ was a memorable experience for all of us and the co-ordinator Mr.Pandya was more than committed to the cause of the trip as mentioned in the objective, ‘Know Your Ahmedabad – A Unique Learning Experience’.

In memory of…..

Occasionally do I meet my beloved dad, and each time I do we embrace each other and share the love, hugs n kisses… Today was one of those days….. on a journey where all my siblings were waiting for my parents to join us, I get down from the car and walked towards the direction of my dad n mom were coming… They were about to join us from a different place, and I was filled with joy to see them (so were they) coming after a tired walk and we fell into both others’ arms to exchange the love n hugs…

Well, this was just another short meeting…. a meeting of say less than 60seconds, something I cherish in my ‘dreams’ in the last 11 odd years…..

—————

“Dear,….” my father addressed my mom lovingly…..“please fasten the buttons (of the sleeves of my shirt)…. I’m going to meet my LORD….. and let me try to be handsome…”

“I turned my face to the ONE who created the heavens and earth… I invite you to the true path… to the path of submission to the ALMIGHTY LORD……” he addressed a couple of medicine students (who were friends of my sister, who was in her 3rd year MBBS program at that time), who had accompanied my sister to the room to have a last chat with my dad…. so was he, he had commanded respect and made friends from all classes of the society… and always held firm to his faith…

Earlier, he had woke up in the middle of the night and had asked my mom to pen down his final advices to each one of us… mom and we seven siblings…. to me, he said, “study well, don’t be upset about the events, clear ur exams with good scores.. ………..” and among these advices… to my youngest brothers, the two lovely innocent kids of 10 &12, he pointed out, “yaseen, shakir… Allah (God) will look after you…..” and he asked the elder four of us to “be kind to your younger three siblings…..” these words were always scripted in my heart…. and I firmly believe that this had played the better part in transitioning me to be a better human-being…

Yes, it was faith, and only faith that kept alive the mental strength in him throughout his life, the last 10months in particular… (The doctors had predicted just 2-3months ahead after a failed attempt to work upon the killing disease, but God had decreed another 7-8months)…. Little wonder, he was given the right intuition by the Almighty at the right time, at this vital moment around the switching of lives…

—————-

Last week, while chatting with one of my younger brothers… I was about to pen down some of the advices of our beloved dad… and it fancied my thoughts, “brother, whatever accomplishments you achieve, you are missing the one person who might have been happier than any other mortal….” so was he, a phenomenon of love, care and possessiveness… he was our mentor, he was our friend, he was our teacher……. and much more…

By the grace of the Almighty, we – as a family – had moved ahead and had our share of moments of happiness, bad times and other events in our lives…. But, we had missed him… a lot, a very lot….. In particular, my beloved mom who was widowed in her late 30’s…. alas, that’s what life is….. but our faith has not died out and we eagerly look forward to the final and everlasting rendezvous in the life hereafter…

Eleven long years had passed…… But, he has never died out from our hearts… and never ever will…. we sincerely pray… may Allah (God) bless his soul….

Solid start to the new innings

Two quizzes in two days… a brilliant opening for the new week… and we’re expecting atleast 2 more(hopefully it won’t be 3) in the next 3days….

The weekend was cool… We FPMs (Doctoral Students) had a luxurious weekend compared to the PGPs (MBA Students) as we didnt had the IGP classes on saturday… (But in the next 4 slots we will be having extra classes in the afternoon to compensate for :( )

We were eagerly waiting for that friday afternoon to happen as always… and had the pleasure to be back on the cricket field after almost a month, followed by the evening badminton and the midnight FRISBEE (this too had a long gap of a fortnight or so)….

Saturday, the COOLEST day on a calendar week, went on well and the cricket field was bombarded with ‘non-playing captains’… Wonder, it is better to have a mixture of tightness, so that play-freeks like me won’t have to sit out as happened on the day, although eventually i managed to squeeze into the second innings of the bowling side to open n bowl 3 of the 12 overs…. :)

Every small tide is followed by bigger storms… and this week is one of the toughest in this academic slot. Expected Quizzes in the week are 4-5 (2 - already over) and we have heavy load in all the subjects, especailly MARKETING… We made groups inside our group to split the workload, only to find ourselves in the receiving end in yesterday’s group presentation. But it matters (or mattered) little because, as explained earlier by the prof herself that, this is ‘THE ONLY WAY’ to learn marketing - to be screwed, harassed and whatever…

I have clear objections with the breadth n depth of the ’substance’ we are taking out here… There should be a compromise on either of these, otherwise there is always the hanging dagger over the output…

Let alone studying 8subjects simultaneously in a 5week SLOT, how hard it will be if we had to prepare for 3sessions a day….. For e.g. reading(analysing) a case in ‘Marketing’ alone will take 2hours, what about the preparation & group work and another 30pages of course material (text) to be studied b4 the class. And what else if there are 2 more subjects we need to be prepared, with more or less the same TAXING. And above all we can always ‘expect’ an ‘unannounced’ quiz as like the one we had today.

If the breadth is okay, then the depth is not acceptable; and viceversa. But as we had entered the system, we are expected to swim along the flow without any “exclamation marks”, let alone the “question marks”. We are (un)lucky to be the victims of this experimental (transformation) stage of finding out the peak overload one can sustain.

In the previous years, there were 19.5credits in the first year(compared to the 15.5 in the second). And our thuchchas(and alumni) always swear that FIRST YEAR of IIMA is one of the most rigorous transitions of life they had ever gone through. There is correct perception in the entire IIM community that the ‘A’ in IIMA stands for Acads. All the same, I accept that this is the ‘STAND OUT’ which makes IIMA, “IIMA”.

However, imagine how harder it will be for us, if we had to crack through “23.5 credits” this year. 21% extra workload on the already overloaded compartment. And that too without liberalising any of the earlier concessions. Our predecessors could afford 4′D’s (remember D-grade is a low-pass, not fail; F is Fail) and we too have the same constraints.

Probably after a couple of years the Academic Executive might realise that this ‘burden’ is too much an ant can take into its ‘den’ while back from work. And by the time, we might already be through and hopefully our successors might bear the fruit…

Or if found successful, will they overcharge it again???? ‘Wait n watch’….. That’s much easier than predicting the decision of IIMA Professors!!!

‘INDEPENDENCE’ after exams n holidays??

just 5weeks into WIMWI, and we’ve already finished SLOT1…..

we have 6slots in this academic year with a total of 23.5credits (each credit requires an average of 100hours of work including the 20-24class sessions)… and we are required to prepare for the next day’s class (3sessions - 75minutes each) on an average of 6-8hours…

forget it, already we finished first slot exams on 5th august…. it was relatively easier than expected… cool..

straightaway, i catched the ‘RAJDHANI’ train (the first available mode of travel on that night) to my home and reached home in 24hours…. the indian luxury train ( for me it was a bit more expensive as i had to pay 2days fare - starting from delhi - for one day usage) stood up to its reputation of service & hospitality which is worth mentioning in any column….

the ‘ROOMBOY’s’ service was wonderful with a unique attitude, each time they found me asleep during “FOOD hours” they pulled my blanket and never allowed to refuse the cuisine at any cost… and believe me, we had 6 courses (of food) scheduled for a day… awesome…

i was quite excited to see my lil one, who had drastically changed from what i have seen two months b4. Logically too it was true, as she had passed one-third of her life (so-far) in the mean time (4months to 6months). so the change was as significant as a 40year old becomes 60years (one-third)… SWEET :)

more was waiting for me, as we had a unique gathering of all our siblings (7 in all) and mom who lives in 7tropicals of the world. this was a well-planned holiday, and the junta had travelled all the way from medina, dubai, hyderabad, trivandrum, palakkad, ernakulam & ofcourse ahmedabad to gather at MYTHRI MANZIL (our home) after a long long time… (the previous get-together was approx. 18months b4)… to add fun all the children were also there…

the saddest part was, ofcourse, it didnt last more than 3days for me and i had to pack back on 10th morning… as already i had missed classes on 9th, i couldn’t afford any more chances and so i took the morning flight to mumbai and a train to ahmedabad (naturally, to save the costs… ) and reached back the campus at 2300hrs…

only to find that, the schedule for this slot is much more hectic than it was in the first slot… 3sessions on each day (and most of the saturdays are working as well) and 8 subjects too… back to the same ‘old new’ terrain… sleepless nights followed by the sleepy days (in class) ahead… we had to submit another WAC report by the next day @ 11pm, (which had ideally denied my chances back to this column until now) followed by reports, presentations, and assignments on marketing, finance, stastics etc…

well, tomorrow is the INDEPENDENCE DAY, and for us it is literally a day of “independence” ( a holiday between a laborious week - as we have classes on saturday as well)….. thanks for our forefathers who fought out for this day and for those who ‘created’ this ‘holiday’….. if otherwise it is gruellingly hard to find time in this SLOT even to find time on my favourites (sportin n bloggin)… we’ll have to wait n watch… (till now there were no sporting actions for the last 4days as it is raining - medium, light n heavy - nonstop here..)

once again, thanks for the holiday, “JAI INDEPENDENCE”… :)

About

Related Posts with Thumbnails