Freedom

62 years before our forefathers brought the freedom for this country and for us. So many of our own country men/women struggled and sacrificed their happiness, luxury and life to get this freedom.

I born in a free India like many other but still I can realize that how much pain they have gone through to get this freedom for us but when I am looking at the current scenario there is only one question always popping up in my heart “What is freedom?”
Freedom is the liberty of expressing one’s own thoughts without offending any other person’s feelings/sentiments in any way. But do we really have this? Looking at some double standard parties or people who claim to be the custodian of our culture and religion are stealing our freedom forcefully; however government (be it any govt.) is not really ready to take any sincere and serious action against them because most of these political parties bank on the same set of people for votes.

We already know that this country has been always faced a lot trouble through terrorism which has been promoted by our neighbors but I believe the act which has been pursuing within the country by some of the evil minded people is not less than any terrorism. They spread this terrorism across the country by the name of religion, region, cast & culture.
This country’s progress is our progress but it’s always hindered by poverty, illiteracy, terrorism and now there is one more to add on the list i.e. anti-secularism or anti humanism

We always proved to the World that it’s great to be an Indian and we proved it through our achievements in every sector but in mean time the image of our country has been tarnished by certain shameful acts be it in Orissa, Mangalore, Mumbai or any other part of our country.

I am asking a question to myself and to the billion people of this nation; shall we have a freedom for this country again?

Mesmerizing Memories at Puducherry

Last January I went to Pondicherry during the eve of Republic Day celebration. It was quite a long weekend so I ganged up with some of my old roommates to go to Pondi. I finished my office work on 23rd Jan and rushed for the train to Yeshwantpur, I was just on time for the train but it was as usual on its old format, 45 minutes late….
The train was an entirely air conditioned coach. A special train to Pondi for a limited period of time and the fact is, that was thoroughly cleaned, and yes it’s true. Thanks to our dear Railway minister Mr.Lalu who introduced this Garib Rath.
Many of you must have visited, but this is for those who are yet to visit as I did for the first time. Pondicherry is one such place which if you know before hand will have lots to offer as a good holiday destination. I always had a good reaction from people visiting Pondi. I believe if you know how to enjoy in Pondicherry then you will enjoy.
Pondicherry or Puducherry as it is now called is a union territory near Chennai. It’s a coastal city with the Bay of Bengal is to its east. It’s a perfect weekend getaway. The city has a distinct French feel to it even now. Especially places near the beach road. Many streets still have French names and the place is so clean that you wouldn’t feel you are in an Indian city. The city has many places to stay but you should make sure you book it in advance if you are planning to visit the place during any of the weekend.
Pondi (As I fondly called it like many others) isn’t a very big city, if you want to explore it then best way would be to go by walk or hire a bike or bicycle. My favorite place is the long beach road with the Bay of Bengal on the side and the restaurants; if you want to taste some really good cappuccino/tea during the late nights then I would recommend you to go to the restaurant “Le Café” where you can enjoy your drink along with a nice view of the sea.

Apart from good food, nice weather and wine the place is also famous for the most renowned spiritual guru Shri Aurobindo and his ashram i.e. The Aurobinda Ashram. You can visit Aurobindo ashram, Auro Vill and Matri Mandir. As you move from the rock beach & Aurobindo ashram you will land up in a street called Mission Street with lots of shopping outlets; if you are interested you can enjoy your shopping there with a nice scoop of Kulfi (Indian ice cream).










If you are done with your exploration inside the city then probably you can take a ride to some of the beautiful beaches and backwaters around the city like Auro beach or Paradise beach. Auro beach is full of different nationalist along with few Indians but if you want to enjoy a boat ride on the backwaters then probably Paradise beach is the best for you. It’s really a great place to have fun.








After three days long enjoyment of the vacation at Pondi we finally signed off on Monday evening to Chennai and from Chennai to Bangalore and the most difficult part was we covered the entire route by bus. This is the problem you face if you don’t book it well in advance.
But still I have not explored the city thoroughly probably some other time I will try to do it. This is really an amazing place with great culture and environment.