A New Year beckons..but not much will change

With just about 27 hours to go in 2011, I thought this would be the perfect time to look forward. But perhaps I should first look back at the year that just flew by.

Thinking about it, a lot has happened. And I mean a lot that's worth writing about. My first job interview, my first job, at Cognizant, an awesome birthday(thanks everyone who made it special :-), you know who you are), more than my share of heartbreaks, the last semester exams, the absolutely incredible and unforgettable Puri trip, graduation, starting my professional life, completing 3 months of training, and now the lull in office before the proverbial storm, the parties with friends, including the Christmas party last week, and the upcoming New Year's get together tomorrow. Seems like the year will end on a high...
Now, for the New Year. Things are looking up, as they say. For now, at least. And for the whole year hopefully. First on my wishlist would have to be a good project allocation, the first project of my professional life. A nice birthday would be 'nice'. Look at me, making demands for my own birthday :-p. That too 2 months early. Doesn't happen very often. Something I won't be looking forward to is a few more of my friends leaving Calcutta for work. Weekends are gonna start getting boooring! It's not my habit too look too far ahead so I'll stop here with the wishlist. Too many wishes might prevent them from coming true! Just joking, can't think of any more wishes at the moment actually :-p.
So here's looking forward to a good 2012. Hope everyone has an awesome New Year's eve. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year in advance. See you next year...

Calcutta=London...Not really

With all the hoopla about the minimum temperature of Calcutta being lower than the maximum(!!) temperature of London(a publicity stunt more than anything else), it got me thinking about the things that would happen if our winters really were so severe.
Well first things, it would SNOW....and that would be the ultimate Xmas gift. I've never seen snow all my life, well I have seen it, in pictures and on the telly, but never actually experienced it. I've always wanted to build a snowman, haven't you? Always wanted to throw a huge snowball at that irritating neighbour, always wanted to taste a snowflake. If we became like London, all that would be possible. The people however would have a hard time. I've seen people wearing so many layers of clothing even at 15 degrees, that you'd feel that you've been transported somewhere north of the Arctic Circle. And then there's the rain. Does it ever stop raining there? And what astonishes me even more is how the footballers play in that same rain, at near zero temperatures, with shorts and t-shirts. Every winter I watch them play, and count my lucky stars that Calcutta doesn't have rain in winter.
Thinking about it though, we are not very different. We were even called the second city of the Empire when those guys ruled us! I'm glad they don't rule us anymore, we're not second to anyone. And to back up my point,Calcutta has recently been declared the most cosmopolitan city in India, beating the myth about Delhi and Mumbai being hugely more cosmopolitan. We're similar to London in that respect as well. It is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, let alone Britain. So that makes us sister cities right?
Well, yes and no. Sure, they modeled Calcutta to mirror their capitol when they were here. But there is something that they didn't give us. Something which the people here give to this city. And that something is SOUL. I know you see and hear news headlines everyday about all the wrongs of this place. But have you ever thought about why the newspapers don't print the good stuff which keeps happening here? Everyday it's either this fire, or this building collapse, or this corrupt official. There's never a front page article about the good that so many people here are doing. It's those same lost stories which make Calcutta what it is. Having just finished college this year, some of my friends have gone to other cities to work. And they all say the same thing, "I wish I could stay back in Calcutta." So far, I've been lucky enough to have got a posting in this city itself. But if, and when, I have to go somewhere else for work, or otherwise, I'm sure I would be saying the same thing.

So what if don't have Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square, Lords' or the London Eye? We have Park Street, the Howrah Bridges, the Eden Gardens and the Victoria Memorial, and so many more. We'd never exchange any of it. So Miss Chief Minister, if you are listening, don't put all your efforts into building a second London. Make a better Calcutta for all of us.

\...DECEMBER.../

Doesn't feel like December, does it? The whole year I wait for the winter, it being my favourite season after all, and then it doesn't show up, very disappointing :-(. From what I've heard, the north winds are stuck somewhere. Wherever that is, I hope it gets a clear path to our part of the country soon. Winters without sweaters and jackets is a major letdown.
Up until last year, for four years in college, the first half of winter meant just one thing, SEMESTER EXAMS!! Every year it was the same routine, with the studies really picking up pace just as the winter was setting in. And by the time of the exams, the winter had well and truly set in. The second half of winter was so much better, with the exams over and the term break in progress. It was the time of get-togethers, picnics, movies, and everything else that is fun. Seriously speaking, I don't think one can have as much fun in the rest of the year, as in winter.
And then there was school. In school, winters were absolutely amazing. The best time of the year for sure. There were no exams knocking on the door. There was a mood of celebration all around with Christmas just around the corner. The Christmas Carols would start in the morning assembly as soon as December started. I still catch myself humming those songs often, especially during this time of the year. And the best day in the school year was definitely the last day of school before the month long winter vacation. The Christmas programs were memorable. There would be no classes on that day, and we would be busy making plans for what we would be doing in the vacation. AND it would be a half-day as well. I miss those times, even more every year....
A humble request to the weather, please bring winter to Calcutta, and soon. I'll be waiting.
Signing off...

Oh Saturday, My Saturday!!

Sub : This is a heartfelt message from a grateful employee to a day of the week, whose significance became even more apparent when it ceased to be a holiday.

Where have you been for the past 14 weeks? I've missed you so so much. Each and every week I've waited for you to come back. And now finally you're here. My sweet Saturday, my lazy Saturday, my leisurely Saturday. Now that I've got you back, I never want to let you go again. Starting tomorrow I intend to enjoy you and with you for ever and ever. I've already made a whole day of plans tomorrow. Never leave me again...

P.S.    :-p  ;-)  B-)