Some mature diplomacy by Modi in Washington

Hats off to Modi and his team for doing some matured diplomacy in the just conculded first time meet of the Indian Prime Minister with his mercurial counterpart, President Trump of The United States. He showed deftness by focusing more on Business and Terrorism rather than the controversial H1B Visa issue.

The Indian team certainly did their home work well. It is known even to a layman in me that Trump's election plank was based on "America first" which runs counter to India's desire to protect and increase the number of H1B Visas which benefits Indian IT Company. By harping on it sans any formidable bargaining chip, it might have ended up pissing the unpredictable Trump off. It could even have led to a diplomatic disaster, which India currently facing challenges from an perennially irritant Pakistan and an increasingly belligerent China.

It's well known that American Presidents in their first term pursue their pet agenda, lest they are hell bent on ending up as an one term President. Obama had his Affordable Health Care bill on his mind during his first term. Similarly, Trump who is more of a center of the Right Democrat than a Conservative Republican is pragmatic enough to know that it all about jobs, jobs and jobs. 

Trump knows very well that it's not the Republicans, rather the Democrats from the states of Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania who put him in the White House. So he is going to pursue his America first policy come what may and compromise on H1B is preetu much out of question and non negotiable for him. 

In Odia we give due importance on STHANA, KALA and PATRA (Place, time and person) - everything has its own suitable place, time and person tied to it. Good job Modi and his team being prudent enough not to raise this issue, at least this summit not being the right place or time to do so.

Why we are a compromised lot when it comes to US

Just coming back from India where I saw a widespread coverage and hype of Modi's trip to Washington DC for his first ever meeting with the mercurial Trump, equally palpable is the absence of any excitement in American mainstream media about the visit. The fact that Trump would receive Modi in White House lacks the fanfare of the Chinese leader Xi's visit in the exotic Florida resort of Mar-A-Lago speaks for itself and tells a thing or two about where America's priorities lie.

My take after more than two decades of following multiple visits of Indian leaders to US - End of the day, we acquiesce to most of the Americans demand, the later invariably ending up with a larger than required upper hand. It makes us wonder why we Indians, unlike our Middle Kingdom neighbor China are so vulnerable to Americans and easily buckle under their pressure!!! We readily crawl when we are only expected to bend before Uncle Sam (our belligerent western separated - at - birth brother Pakistan is known to drive a much harder bargain).

Some say, it's the remnants of colonial hangover. Though India was a English Colony, the demise of Britain as a world power and the rise of Pax Americana is responsible for this. But I see another angle to it. For those elite of India who matter - The politicians, businessmen, Babus, judges, Dalaals (they keep a low profile but powerful nevertheless) et all have their near and dear ones to live in US or study, have studied or plan to study in some American Universities. 

Rahul Gandhi was a Havard drop out, the son of Diggy Singh, the Gandhi family's lapdog studied in Washington DC. Manmohan Singh has his daughter in US and many more examples, stating all of them is beyond the scope of this blog.

Even rabid US haters, especially a few Babus (bureaucrats) and Commies I have come across, are known to have their offsprings in America or have plans to send them to the land of racists, people with stress and to the same colleges they they perceive girls being molested and bullets fly in air with impunity.

No nation or person is above criticism, certainly not America. One is well within his or her rights to be a critic of US. Nothing wrong with such perceptions as every individual has rights to have so, but I find it utterly hypocritical to send their kids to such places they say sucks, but nothing more sucks is their hypocrisy.

I also know of rabid America hating babus giving parties after coming back from a sojourn to their proclaimed land of racists and Capitalist pigs. But it's another story.

Once I asked one such person if he would like to send his kid to US. He got flustered, his readymade forthcoming answer - "It would be my kid's decision". Fine, but I imagined the poor dad crying and pleading before his kid at the airport not to go the land of racists and rapists, lest he will forever disown his kid.

A la "Where Eagles Dare", in this context there should be a movie named "Where hypocrites galore". As the Lou Gehrig's disease is a rarerest form of disease, such blatant hypocrisy is that rare disease which has no cure. This inconsistency and duality about America is worse than Trump who tells Xi Xingping as a great President one day, while blasting the Chinese leadership the next. Don't be surprised if he embraces and praises Modi as a "Great Man" on Monday, only to take a U turn on Tuesday to blast India.

Back to US - India trip 2017

Back on American soil to be welcomed by a rain soaked Geogia and foot long grass in my yard, left to feast on a continuous month long rain during my absence. My neighbor welcomed me and said - "Your grass is so green". I replied, "Grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence", to which he laughed and continued, "Wish you had a great trip".

The cool air, moist and thick, felt refreshingly fresh after spending hours inhaling the breath and fart filled stale air emitted by hundreds of passengers inside the flights. My ride back home from the Airport felt too smooth for comfort. I missed the bumpy rides back home, the din and bustle, the cacophony of honks and the chaotic traffic, the murmuring of mosquitoes and clapping them to death and the yodelling of mongrels in the middle of night. 

Reminds me of Kamal Hasan from the movie PUSHPAK, who while staying in a posh hotel could not sleep as he missed the sights and sounds of his locality, where his deep rooted roots lied. A la one's own fart smells sweet, the pleasure of staying amongst your own is unparalleled, as one tends to falls in love with own millieu. Love it or hate it, amidst all these there is a unique flavor of incredible India which one does not find elsewhere.

The multiple flights I flew saw some bumpy rides - very much a part and parcel of summer time travel. I saw folks opening their windows to looking outside to get a view of it. Air and the turbulence due to it can be felt, can't be seen, especially at a height of 38,000 feet where there is no dust or flying debris to be visible.

The 1 hour 15 minutes long Groom Transportation Shuttle which I took to get home has its share of turbulence too. Midway through the drive, a lady sitting next to me suddenly burst into tears upon receiving a call. Her dad just died. She came all the way from California to meet her father who was not keeping well and wished she came an hour earlier to be at her father's bed side. Life and fate have plans of their own - do not always fulfill all our wishes.

The ex US President Ronald Reagan was known to doze off during conferences he attended abroad as he couldn't get sleep inside long flights. I also share the similar trait of not able to go beyond sporadic cat naps on long flights. My first working day post vacation awaits me. Due to the jet lag, late in the afternoon my chin is destined to drool and hit the space bar of my desktop keyboard.

Still drooling over my India trip. No black coffee or aspirin can assuage this post vacation hangover, only time will heal it. My trip did not went in vain. Travelled miles to achieve several milestones including my first visit to Coorg in Karnataka, meeting friends and relations, connecting to old friends and meeting new ones.

Still the feeling of homecoming to America is unique. Reminds me of a scene from B R Chopra's epic serial MAHABHARAT, during late 1980s. Just before the war starts, Duryodhan boasts in front of Bhishma that he has many warriors like Pitamah himself, Drona, Karna, Ashosthama, Dushashana and many more on his side. Pitamah Bhishma, the wise one replies back -"They all still have to face Arjun and ARJUN PHIR BHI ARJUN HAI (after all Arjun is still Arjun), elucidating the fact that Arjun is still above the rest. 

Drawing a similar analogy, I conclude that while I have seen many great places in the world, but America is still America. (PS: This is purely my personal view and one does not necessarily have to agree).

Good bye - India trip 2017

Love Chinees Dishesh. This is from a Billboard at a road side eatery somewhere in between Mandya and Mysore.

The Bangalore weather today had a High of 28C (84 Fahrenheit) and a low of 20C (65 F). Can't beat this weather in Indian Subcontinent, especially in the month of June. It probably explains the reason behind 5000 peeps landing up in the city every day in search of livelihood and to pursue their dream. The population of the city is officially little less than 8.8 million, though locals claim it has already surpassed the 1 crore (10m) mark.

An overwhelming majority of Bangaloreans (Kannadigas in general) love sporting moustache with a pleasant smile as the icing on top. Modesty, discipline, punctuality are their forte and they are certainly more professional compared to our fellow Odias. South is far ahead of the rest of India in these aspects, usual exceptions apply.

At a toll booth, I gave the man at the gate a 100 rupee bill (note) for a fare of Rs 65. He returned me a combination of paper bills and a few Candies as return for changes. I have encountered such situations earlier in Bhubaneswar. There are also not many takers for Rs.2000 bills if you purchase something worth less than Rs.1000. One day Candy is going to beat Dollar as the global currency for trading.

I visited the ORION Mall, hardly a mile away from my current location. A great multi storey building with cool underground parking and clean restrooms (toilets). While hopping in between  stores, you can't take in any shopping bag containing items purchased earlier. You have to leave your bags at the entrance and collect a token. After finishing your shopping you can return your token and pick up your bags. 

What's the similarities between a vacation, a consulting assignment and life ? All have a start date and a end date. Like all good things in life a vacation has to end one day. Before the India trip one is rejuvenated and filled with energy. Towards the end of the trip one is jaded, somewhat depressed. There is always an inherently internal wish you had a few more days to spent. Three, four or five weeks, however long you stay it is never enough.

Almost 4 weeks gone since I came to India. I had a great time. Wherever I went I got stomach full of food and heart full of affection. As the time to bid adieu approaches the excitement dissipates and a classic role reversal takes place. The ecstatic feeling before making the trip gives rise to a morbid, remorse feeling. 

In the wee hours of the trip it's always the endless cycle of last minute shopping, meeting friends and relatives, run errands, packing, weighing, repacking and re-weighing of luggages. The lack of excitement of going back on my part is in stark contrast with my son who is happier going back to his familiar milieu. Good Bye India. See you later.

Last day in Coorg Karnataka - India trip 2017

The white cloud covering the top of green mountains looked the ring of Saturn. Tooing and froing on uphill and downhill roads of Coorg reminded me of the city of San Francisco, sans the orderliness and infrastructure of the later.

Apart from hotels and restaurants the city is filled with numerous Spices and Craft stores, selling home made chocolates and wines too. From Ponnappas to General Kariappa, Coorg is known to be a big supplier of champion sports and military persons of India.

We saw several Coffee estates by the meandering roads surrounding Coorg. The cool climes, slopy hills, moisture ladden soil which can't hold stagnant water due to slant surface facilitate the cultivation of the popular beverage. 

We boarded a Toy train which hooted through amidst wild Guava, GUA (Betel nut), Jack fruit, wild flowers of many hues which includes but not limited to violet APARAJITA (Blue Bellvines), yellow Dandelions, Hibiscus, and many other flowers of red, white and blue. There were tall green and brown bamboo trees loitering around the hills of western ghats, which is said to harbor poisonous snakes. One of them is King Cobra which can grow 18 feet long, the venom from its bite is enough to kill 20 humans, even an adult elephant.

A sign at the Toy Train station clearly proclaimed in bold letters - "PLEASE STEP DOWN THE TRAIN AFTER ITS COMPLETE STOP". But no sooner than it slowed down, people started jumping off as if they were deserting a sinking ship. I won't be surprised in the process if someone gets injured or worst, blaming the authorities for lack of safety measured. Government may have plenty of shortcomings, yet it shouldn't be expected to teach civic sense to all.

Next stop was "Abby Falls". At its entrance I could smell the strong scent of a massive Jackfruit ripening on tree. Jackfruit, when ripens transmits its smell far and wide, attracting animals like Bear, Bulls and Jackels who love feasting on the yellow pulp inside the giant tropical fruit.  

The rapidly descending thick white stripes of water from the Fall was falling fast over a distance of around 70 feet, creating fumes of sparkling vapor at the bottom, then streaming and bubbling ahead. I was dissapointed by the sight of the trash littered around the staircase leading down to the Waterfall, mostly the non bio degradable plastics. Nature's glory has been spoiled by inglorious spoilts in us.

On our way back we took a detour to "Dubare Elephant Camp" on the bank of the river Cauvery. Didn't see any Jumbos, but saw plenty of jumbo sized home sapiens doing JALA KRIDA (water sports) - ladies floating in Salwars and men waddling exposing their 6 packs of fat in the sallow, swirling waters close to the river banks. We sampled some local made sugary chocolates to shrug off our jaded nerves.

While nearing at Kushalnagar, a tiny township on the way, I was surprised to see a dish named "Odisha chicken" on the menu containing mostly South Indian and Coorg Cuisine. On inquiry, I discovered that it was a special menu incorporated by the Odia cook employed at the hotel. Coorg being the City of spices was vindicated by the mouth burning dishes served on the "Coorg Veg Thali" I ordered for lunch. I can handle hot food, but the real fun begins the next day morning when I wish I had a portable Fire Extinguisher beside me.

Overall, I found the folks of Karnataka  courteous, mild mannered, law abiding and more respectful towards women compared to many parts of India. I noticed minimal ogling and salacious staring at women. But one thing is common everywhere I visit - the sight of heads buried on Smartphones like Ostriches in sand. More later...

Day I in Coorg, Karntataka - India trip 2017

This Sunday many weekend appointments and functions got canceled for the afternoon, with most chauffeurs reluctant to drive long distance. It was not surprising to find the reason. The palpable excitement in air was visible as India plays Pakistan in a cricket final which is expected to be seen by no less than 325 million peeps.

It was cricket all over the bulky Sunday edition of the Times of India which weighed at least a pound - the TV rights folks are ready to extract their pound of flesh in 10s of millions of dollars in advertising revenue.

Cricket between the two neighboring nations, the arc rivals who were separated at birth and fought 3 wars is no less than a war. One team is going to to end up getting Bouquets and the other brickbrats. The excitement is visible in all strata of society, probably a trifle higher in the lower middle class for whom it's fun with the prospect of additional income for some through betting.

Luckily, we were able to grab a cab which agreed to drive us long distance. On an excursion mode it was our turn to visit Coorg, a well known tourist spot of Karnataka. We passed through several skyscrapers scattered on both sides of the roads, with hanging Undies hanging out together with stripped NADAWALLA (stringed) Boxer shorts decorating their balconies.

Suddenly an eunuch came clapping towards us as we approached a toll gate. We pretended looking elsewhere, until our van rolled on towards the toll booth, diverting his/her attention to another vehicle. A guy was offering mineral water bottles at the toll gate to passing commuters, advertising for Godrej Gold county home fest. Consumerism has come a long way to India.

It was a good 4-5 hour drive from Bangalore amidst scenic rolling hills and small rivulets meandering through them with the bustling joy of a teenager. On the way we passed through the silk city of Ramanagar where the epic Hindi movie SHOLAY was shot. We stopped by at a road side eatery named NAMMA HALLIMANE (Our Village Home) which served us some homely made South Indian THALI (Plate).

We continued going uphills as the undulating road snaked uphill towards the Hill Station of Coorg. We took a break at a Buddhist Monastery called Golden Temple at Kushal Nagar, followed by another one at Nisharg Ghat on the banks of a fast flowing Cauvery. I noticed a slanting mango tree constipated with hundreds of mango unable to relieve itself of fruits where even monkeys won't dare. Lucky are those aquatic fauna and the folks downstream who can savor those organic tree ripened mangoes.

The mountain spring looked so pristine, it's bubbling sound musically so divine, as the spring dances it's way through the lush green flora. I now know why so many Bottled (mineral) waters are sourced from these. Springs to be marketed as pure and pristine.

There was magic in the Mountain air which felt very refreshing and full of fragrance - covered by a canvas of fleecy flotila of gray clouds sprinking light drizzle. Inhaling a lung full of air, you get a deep cleansing feeling. Coorg is so cool, literally. Didn't realize when I started murmuring the Odia song of Chitta Jena..

RE BANA JHARANA,
NAACHI NAACHI JAANA.
E MORA MAINA,
DHARAA DIANA..

O Forest Spring,
Don't go dancing.
O my Myena 
Always escapes capturing. More later...

Day I in Bangalore - India trip 2017

It is now time to say "Au Revoir" (good bye) to Odisha on the festive day of RAJA SANKRATI, but not before savoring the PODA PITHA (Baked Rice cake). Contrary to the belief that locals avoid travelling on the day of Sankranti, the non stop Indigo flight to Bengaluru (Bangalore) was full.

It was interesting to look at the profiles of the passengers at the Bhubaneswar Airport. Airfaires available at an affordable price juxtaposed with rising living standards have done wonders, allowing many to travel far and wide to hitherto unknown, exotic places. 

For some who ones upon a time used to travel by train, flying being one of the dreams to be lived before dying are now frequent fliers (in trains too those who used to travel in regular 2nd class have found themselves socially upgraded to 2nd class sleeper, 2nd class sleeper to 2nd class AC, 2nd class AC and above passengers now prefer to fly).

Apparently the Civic sense hasn't quite cope up with rise in social status for some. It was soon to be vindicated when I saw a passenger inside the airport surreptitiously scratching his private part in public. When our eyes met he looked flustered, lifted his pants a bit, faking trying to adjust his belt. I didn't disturb him any further, letting him enjoy the small pleasures of life on a muggy morning.

The Indigo flight rough landed at Bangalore Airport startling the passengers. I asked my friend Saroj Sarangi, a regular commuter between Bhubaneswar and Bangalore who was on the same flight. He said this landing was far from being smooth. Airline travel though the norm these days, has its share scary moments too.

But really smooth sailing was first few miles drive from the Bangalore Airport. The roads resembled Hema Malini's cheeks as once extolled by the Bihari politician Laloo Prasad Yadav. There was hardly any honking. No sooner we entered inside the city limits, than I saw a glimpse of the famed Bangalore traffic, with portions of road resembling more like the cheeks of Om Puri than Hema Malini's ( I can say it's still better than Bhubaneswar based on my experience so far).

My son got excited - "Hey dad. Look, a McDonald's over there". I hardly felt the same. After seeing the Golden Arch of McDonald's every other mile for more than 2 decades in US, the last thing would make me ecstatic was sighting a McDonald's in faraway Bangalore.

When I stepped out of the Bangalore Airport, it felt like stepping into an Air Conditioned room after spending a while outside on a hot summer day in Bhubaneswar. The capital of Karnataka is far cooler compared to the capital of Odisha, haven't felt any need for AC so far. More later...