Welcome to India

Wagah, originally uploaded by Pranay Rao.

That's Vikram, Me and Vishal (L-R) posin happily for Vipin. This is what the guests from Pakistan first see when they enter India. Talk about rubbing democracy into their face.
But think about it, we are a democracy, guys. 1/2 the people in this world don't even know what it means. For all the foibles, scams, etc etc. we might have, there is a Jesica Lal case conviction that happens. We have a system that is way from perfect but at least we have that. Maybe we should start valuing what we have.
I know I will,

Jai Hind
Jai democracy

A tribute to martyrs

Jalianwala bhag, originally uploaded by Pranay Rao.

Ab tak jiska khoon na Khaula, Woh Khoon nahi hai, Pani hai;
Jo desh ke kaam na aaye, wo bekar jawani hai.
-Aamir Khan, Rang De Basanti

I hope I got the dialogue rite, even if I didn't, the heart's in the right place. Prasanna said that you can feel something when you enter the premises. I didn't. Maybe bcos it was Martyr's day and I was still feeling stupid about forgetting Gandhiji's death anniversary.
Can't believe that a genocide happened here where now there were school children participating in a drawing competition

-Pranay

The Golden Temple

Golden Tample, originally uploaded by Pranay Rao.

Really couldn't decide which picture made this monument look the most beautiful, but I finally decided for the one which had the maximum impact on me. It began raining as we entered the main enclosure. Vikram, the branch encyclopedia is the best person to show anyone around. He seemed to know everything about this place. Felt really fortunate to get an opportunity to visit the Golden temple.

So many religions, one India


-P.R.

India's biggest brand

India's biggest brand
Originally uploaded by Pranay Rao.

Gold Flake, ITC's brand (I really can't help mentioning that) is India's biggest brand, but I bet even they can't compete with the top of the mind recall of Dr. Bangali.
Every place that I have visited, be it in Cal, Mumbai or anywhere in the north have this mysterious Dr brand. Probably time some pharma major actually takes this trademark. Imagine a ready made market for ur drugs.
Guess I am working too much
Need a break

Luv,
P.R.

p.s.: Today is 26th Jan and yet no jingoistic nationalism from me. Well there's loads to come just let me reach Amritsar

Tis like the taste of a snowflake

Manali, originally uploaded by Pranay Rao.

The second time I've headed into the snow and I'm still luving it. Though again I was underprepared, with absolutely no snow equipment. Result, very very wet shoes and socks.
Himachal is nice and cold. Infact it's so cold that midway through the nite you lose sensation in your extremities. I generally stay in HPTDC tourism places which don't even have good heaters, so it's quite fun.
The worst part is that I need to have a bath every mornin (at least most mornings), which can be quite a challengin experience, what with the hot water threatenin to turn warm. BTW my car doesnt even have a heater and I'm still so very happy here.

Hoping to thaw by summer,
Luv,
Pranay

Kolkota Derby

Kolkota Derby, originally uploaded by Pranay Rao.

Began my new year by betting on horses, but hey I'm not complaining. For a few hours we were rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous and the experience - Boring to say the least.
I really don have any snob value but thanx to Jeeves Bhai I finally got a chance to see a Horse race. The race is good fun, at least the finish. Made a decent amount by random number betting and lost it when I pushed my luck but broke even.
Gambling ain't my cup of tea. BTW I just learnt 3 patti and poker and made a few thousand rupees. So with utmost respect to the law of averages, I say leave gambling to the more gutsy and/or foolhardy

The year's begun on a full gallop

Luv,
P.R.