Top Ten Personalities whom I like

Top Ten Personalities whom I admire:-
1. Mother Teresa-Christian Missionary
2. Muthulakshmi Reddi-Doctor and Founder of Avvai Home
3. Kamarajar-Former Chief Minister of Tamilnadu.
4. Steve Waugh-Australian Cricket Player and captain.
5. Vladimir Lenin-Socialist, Women’s right activist, founder of USSR.
6. Imran Khan-Pakistan Cricket player and captain.
7. Goundamani-Tamil Actor and Comedian.
8. Adam Gilchrist- Australian Wicket Keeper Batsman.
9. S.Ve.Sekar- Actor, comedian, dramatist and MLA.
10. Erwin Johanas Rommel-German Army General during World War II.


1. Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa was a Roman Catholic Nun. She was born in Albania but took Indian Citizenship. For 45 years, she took care of the sick, orphaned and the dying and was an advocate for poor and the helpless. By the age of 12, she was convinced that she should commit herself to religious life. She left home at the age of 18 as a missionary and she never saw a parents or siblings again.

Teresa received Vatican permission in 1950 to start the diocesan congregation that would become the Missionaries of Charity. Its mission was to care for the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the blind, the lepers, and all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared throughout society, people that have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone. It began as a small organization with 13 members in Calcutta; today it has more than 4,000 nuns running orphanages and charity centers worldwide, caring for refugees, the blind, disabled, aged, alcoholics, the poor and homeless, and victims of floods, epidemics, and famine.

By 1996, she was operating more than 517 missions in over 100 countries. At the time of her death, Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity had over 4,000 sisters, an associated brotherhood of 300 members, and over 100,000 volunteers, operating 610 missions in 123 countries. I am happy to share in my forum that the most admired person of mine is a women and an Indian citizen.


2. Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddi

Muthulakshmi Reddi was a medical practitioner, social reformer and Padma Bhushan awardee belonging to India. Muthulakshmi was the first women doctor in India. During the olden days, girls of India faced various constraints before Independence especially. They weren’t educated properly and they weren’t allowed to socialize with men. Even today in many parts of India women still face many problems and as a result of which they aren’t allowed to progress in life. In spite of various constraints faced by girls in India of her time, she could complete her higher education. In 1907, she joined the Madras Medical College, where she achieved a brilliant academic record. With several gold medals and prizes to her credit, Muthulakshmi graduated in 1912 to become one of the first woman doctors in India. Muthulakshmi Ammal had earlier been advised not to appear for the very difficult M.B and C.M. course but she shocked everyone by getting 100 per cent result in surgery. She won most of the merit medals and prizes of that year.

She was also was a tough one. She was also the first woman to be nominated to the Madras Legislative Council, where she was elected Deputy Chairperson. She was the founder-president of the Indian Women’s Association and became the first advisor to the Mayor of the Madras municipal corporation. She was the prime mover behind the legislation that abolished the system of dedicating young girls to temples (devadasi) and played a role in rising the minimum marriage age for women. She founded the Cancer Institute (WIA) in Madras and Avvai Home, the first institute in Madras to admit and educate poor and destitute girls with no caste bias.

Muthulakshmi’s father supported her decision’s not to get married, despite her mother’s pleas and protest. But her resolve was broken when impressed with her academic excellence, Dr. Sundar Reddi, a well-known surgeon and the first Indian doctor to become a Fellow of the Royal Society of Civil Surgeons (FRCS), approached for her hand. She was soon persuaded his daughter to marry Dr. Reddi in 1914. Muthulakshmi consented but not without a fight. She demanded that she should be treated as an equal and be given the freedom to do what she wanted. She was given the freedom. In1936, Muthulakshmi Reddi leased land in Adyar village for the Avvai Home. Girls were also encouraged to learn spinning and weaving.

Having seen her young sister die of cancer, she was determined to make cancer treatment available in Madras. She went to England for her post-graduation and studied cancer treatment as well as gynecology. Her son, Krishnamurthy later became a cancer specialist. She founded the Cancer Institute at Adyar (just 5 blocks away from my house) now well known all over India.

Muthulakshmi wrote in her autobiography that her best pastime was to look after little children. Even while studying medicine, a neighbor’s child would be found in her lap.
This great passion for children found full expression in Avvai Home where many young women have found the means for formal education.


3. Kamarajar

Kamarajar was born in Virudhunagar, Tamilnadu. He was known for his generous, humane thoughts. He belonged to the part of Indian National Congress and widely regarded as “King Maker” as he was primarily responsible in giving India some best politicians. Kamaraj dedicated his heart and soul for the welfare of the nation. I can go to the extent of saying if Kamaraj wasn’t there India would still be living in the past. Kamaraj introduced innovative plans to improve Tamilnadu, especially when he was the Chief Minister. Kamaraj led a simple life and he didn’t earn any property for himself. He implemented free education with food. Kamaraj was highly genuine in his entire life and he never used his influence to help any of his relatives in any case. He rarely visited his house. Once he visited his ailing mother and his mother requested him to have food at house. Kamarajar accepted and was having his lunch. At that time one of his assistants asked him,” When did you have your food last in home?” “It was 20 or 25 years back”. That was the reply! During flood and cyclones, Kamaraj personally went to the affected areas and involved in relief operation. Adjusting his dhoti like a typical farmer, holding on the rope he use to cross waters. Even his assistants and ministers were surprised to see a CM of a state involving in the relief operations. When Kamaraj expired there was a heavy downpour of rain indicating the demise of a soul which was noble. I doubt whether people like Kamarajar would be born again. But they need to take birth for the welfare of my country.


4. Steve Waugh

Steve Waugh was an Australian Cricket Player (1985-2004) and was the captain of the National Cricket Team from 1999 till 2004. Even today after 5 years after his retirement, he is considered to be the most successful cricket captain in the history of cricket. He was a member of the Australian Cricket Team which won the WC 1987 and he led Australia as a skipper to win the WC1999 by defeating Pakistan comprehensively I the finals. He was considered to be mentally tough even under tough conditions of the game and he made Australia dominant in world cricket for almost a decade in both versions of the game. The Australian team under his captaincy won 16 test titles consecutively. He always considered India as the ‘Last Frontier’ and his ultimate dream was to win a test series in India, a dream that never became a reality. However, Ricky Ponting’s team won a test series in India after Waugh’s retirement.

Steve Waugh is an extremely humane, caring and loving person who involves in social work. Steve Waugh helps Udayan- a leper home in Calcutta. Steve Waugh has got great admiration for India and Indian culture.


5. Vladimir Lenin

Vladimir Lenin was born in Russia and was a communist/socialist. He led the workers and the peasants against the Tsarist autocracy and removed monarchy from the Russian Empire in 1917 through October Revolution, thus establishing the Soviet Union in 1922 after a civil war (1917-1922). The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R), shortly known as Soviet Union served as a role model for future socialist states and also an inspirational nation for many vibrant young youths across the globe. Vladimir Lenin is regarded as the founder of USSR and formulated the centrally planned economy in the Soviet Union with equal rights for men and women, compulsory education, security for women, abolishment of pornography, discrimination and women’s rights activism.


6. Imran Khan

Imran Khan was a Pakistani Cricket player and he was the captain of the winning National team in the 1992 Cricket World Cup. Imran Khan was an excellent, sincere dedicated cricketer. After retirement, Imran Khan entered into politics and started the Tehreek-e-Insaaf or the Justice Party and worked for the welfare of the Pakistani people. He built a cancer hospital and a Cancer research center in Lahore to treat cancer patients. His mother died of cancer and he resolved to fight against cancer.


7. Goundamani

Goundamani is a veteran Tamil comedian and actor. Goundamani has been my most favourite comedian since the days I started seeing cinema during the days of Scaner/National TV sets with Yaagi antenna. Goundamani is widely known for his humour along with co-actor Senthil. Goundamani’s role formed an integral part in many Tamil films taken from the 1980’s till early 2000. Due to ill health concerns, Goudamani stopped acting in movies. Karakaatakaran, Chinna Gounder, Tata Birla are some of the many popular films of Gounamani.


8. Adam Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist was an Australian Wicketkeeper batsmen and a member of the World cup winning squad of 1999, 2003 and 2007. Gilchrist led the Deccan Chargers to victory in the Indian Premier League-II tournament held in April-May 2009. Gilchrist was an aggressive cricketer well known for the ability to score quickly. He was probably the best keeper batsmen of all times. Apart from cricket, Gilchrist maintained a good relationship with all cricket players very rarely involving in issues, problems. Gilchrist while visiting Chennai, India during a tour ate fish kurma in a road side eatery with the kids of slum thus being a reason for smile in someone else face.


9. S.Ve.Sekar

S.Ve.Sekar is a Tamil comedian, actor, politician and dramatist. Right from my childhood, S.Ve.Sekar’s film and dramas have impressed me a lot. S.Ve.Sekars humor, social thoughts and criticism of politicians is aptly portrayed in all his dramas. Aayiram Udhai Vaangiya Apoorva Sigamani, Alwaa, Thathu Pillai are some of the favourite dramas which I listen often. He is the present MLA of the Mylapore constituency representing AIADMK. He won the Legislative assembly elections in 2006 to become an MLA. Since then he has actively involved in many reforms and plans to improve the quality of lives of people living in his constituency.


10. Erwim Rommel


Erwin Rommel was a Nazi Field Marshal under Hitler during World War II. Rommel was one of the favorite commanders of Hitler. He was extremely skilled in desert warfare and tank battle tactics. Nazi Germany was considered to be one of the cruel evil empires during World War II. But Rommel proved to be different and that difference is what impressed me when I studied history during my fifth grade at school. Rommel was considered to be the most humane, gentle commanders in the entire Nazi military. Rommel was highly respected by fellow commanders, soldiers, his sub-ordinates and also even by opponent (enemy) commanders. While invading any foreign territory Hitler always gave orders to persecute and torture Jewish men, women and children. Those orders were ignored by Rommel and his men. His battalion and tank divisions were extremely kind to the prisoners of war and captives. Rommel although fighting for the wrong side, led his battalion with utmost sincerity, dedication and love for his country.

Yerragunta Adventure

* Due to the alleged train hijack near Vyasarpadi the security was tightenned. To avoid problems and to stay safe, I avoid clicking photos even after entering into Andhra Pradesh. I have used photos taken during my previous trips to Vijayawada to add color to the travelogue. Enjoy reading!


Gist:-

* Boarding Navjeevan Express till Vijayawada.
* Taking a bus from Vijayawada to Yerragunta with the help of my friend Jayakar Sunkara who resides at Vijayawada. A three hour bus ride!
* Taking an auto from Yerragunta to Rajapuram to attend the marriage.
* The return trip is by lorry till Vijayawada and taking Navjeevan again to Chennai.

The report starts with an Indian flavour describing India, its villages and resources. The mood turns slightly adventurous, thrilling during the midnight hours in a lonely village and becomes romantic towards the end of the journey with me appreciating a girl's beauty.



May 3rd, 2009.

The much awaited day has come! I was to travel in my favorite route again. I love Chennai-Vijayawada route! Tickets were booked on March 22nd, 2009. Quite early! It was 0550hrs when I got up. I had a shave and I started for one of my greatest trips of my life. This trip would certainly go down in my memories as one of the finest ever like Rameshwaram, Madurai and Kumbakonam. There are many reasons for it. This was one of the trips which were characterized by different emotions. Fear, love, romance, friendship, admiration etc. Vijayawada also known as Bezawada is the third largest city in Andhra Pradesh located on the banks of the Krishna River and bounded by the Indrakiladri Hills on the West and the Budameru River on the North(as per wikipedia). Vijayawada means "The Place of Victory". Vijayawada is regarded as the “Business Capital of Andhra Pradesh”. Situated along the Madras-Howrah and Madras-Delhi Railway route, this is the largest railway junction of the South Central Railway region.

I boarded MRTS EMU at Kasturibai Nagar and arrived at Chennai Park at 0835hrs. I was at Chennai Central at 0840hrs, almost one hour early. Earlier, my Team Leaders and Assistant Managers had left in Rajdhani. I had chosen Navjeevan Express for many reasons. Since it crossed many states I believed that there would be many people belonging to different regions and ethnicity boarding it. I wanted to analyse/study their dressing style, lifestyle. Moreover, Coromandel and Navjeevan are regular trains (exclude Rajdhani and Jan Shatabdi) are the trains which cover Chennai-Vijayawada in day time. I wanted to enjoy the village scenery in the 431km(or 427km?) run up to Vijayawada. It is possible only in Navjivan or Coromandel as only they have Second Class Sleeper and proper windows unlike Jan Shatabdi. To see India traveling by second class sleeper is the best. There are also trains like Sampark Kranti and Tirukkural, but their timings don't match with our purpose always.

As expected, I got a window seat facing the locomotive. I can see the engine when it goes in a curve! One of my childhood fantasies! I always love watching the locomotive as the train negotiates the curve. Coromandel started a few minutes late. I believed that my departure would be delayed too, but my train started on time. The train started fast but later dropped its speed and walked through Tondairpet, Tiruvottiyur, Wimco Nagar. After Kathivakkam, the speed went down and for a long time the train kept below 60-70 kmph.

I was eagerly waiting for my train to cross the TN-AP border. I have a mysterious love and affection towards Andhra Pradesh, though I live in Tamilnadu. After Arambakkam, my train entered into Andhra Pradesh. I noticed a Bird Sanctuary on my right. Forgot the name but the board had a name called Pelican Paradise. I believe that the Pulicat Lake has got a bird sanctuary. I started feeling the summer heat. I could see buffaloes comfortably resting in ponds, refusing to come out. I too started perspiring. Since I was alone I wasn’t interested in eating at all for a long time. Somewhere after Sulurpeta, I had cutlets, bread with cheese and tomato sauce. My train reached Gudur on time. Just two hours for 138km? That was good speed. But my train was made to wait for half an hour to allow Sampark Kranti Express from Madurai to Nizammuddin to overtake my train. A girl dressed in rags came and asked for alms. Generally, I don't encourage such practices as I personally don't like opening wallets in public places. I quickly pulled a crumpled note and gave it to her. Rs.10/-. She accepted it without any second thoughts. Human life is similar to that of the crumpled note. How much ever crumpled and crushed the originality isn't lost! We never lose our value. I thank that girl for teaching me a lesson in life.


MAS-BZA section is quite scenic!

It is to be noted that barely four days earlier, a local EMU was allegedly hijacked and it resulted in an accident near Vyasarpadi. As a result of which I was in complete caution and I didn't want to let out the fact that I am a railfan. I didn’t want to invite trouble and unwanted attention. Not even a single photo was taken during the entire trip near Railway property. I resisted my temptation. My train was hauled by WAP-4#22543 of Erode Shed. I was in S6, 10th from the locomotive I think. Even as the train negotiated the curve beautifully, I had a bite of cutlet with tomato sauce listening to Back Street Boys- I want it that way-one of my all-time favorite songs. As my train moved towards Vijayawada, I saw many goods train heading towards Chennai. I could observe many WAG-9’s, WAG-7’s in WAP-4 shell hauling freighters.

As my train crossed Tanguturu, I saw a military rake with tanks and military coaches. I could see T-72 tanks on flatbed cars along with soldiers. The rake was slightly long and it also had green military A/C coaches too. At first, I thought all these forces were being sent as a protection force for elections. But what are tanks needed for? Something to think about. I think all these tanks were heading towards Avadi for repair works. I was amazed at my country's diversity. The Manipuri soldier in the train and I look different. Yet, we both come under the same banner of the Ashoka Emblem. We both use similar currency bearing the lions. We both are different, yet one and the same!


As I proceeded with my journey, I saw Pinakini, Navjivan Express (up train) and Coromandel Express rushing towards Chennai. I reached Vijayawada at 1635hrs bang on time! I felt the train could have gone a little faster. I never felt great speed at all, but I wonder how the train managed to go on time.


Typical Indian Railway atmosphere. I love IR !!!

My friend Jayakar Sankara was waiting for me at the entrance. He presented me a chocolate. He does it every time I visit Vijayawada. We both went to Mamata Restaurant in Governerpet, Vijayawada to have tiffin. We ordered for Masala Dosai but it wasn’t available. We settled for Idli’s. Idli was awesome. It was hot! Sambar, Kara chutney and Molaga pudi. Cheese was applied on Idli and it gave that extra taste. I went for another round as I was hungry and I haven’t had anything since morning except Cutlets and Bread in train and two dosas at home.

Then together we went to Vijayawada bus stand and I boarded a bus bound towards Bhadrachalam. I started at 1735hrs. It was to be a long ride. I wondered how I would be able to tackle the adventure ahead. Language was a barrier! I knew only English and Tamil whereas people over here knew Telugu and Hindi very well. Out of nowhere, I started speaking Hindi with little mistakes. The conductor was able to understand. Seriously, even now I don’t know what I spoke but things were working out. The road was neat and clean for sometime as we headed towards Bhadrachalam. The bus was an Express type bus and it didn’t stop at many stoppings. If my memory is right the first stopping came after one hour. It was pitch dark at that time. The bus was mildly crowded.

The journey got tougher as more people got in and there wasn’t much of air. I was advised by my boss to get down after two and a half hours of journey. To my horror the journey was even longer than expected. I thought I would reach the place at 1945hrs, but by that time I haven’t even reached Tiruvuru. The sun set was awesome! I could see distant mountains which added beauty to the sight.

I was slightly worried whether I would reach the place on time (I did reach before time). With broken pieces of Telugu and English, I asked the person next to me to remind me when Yerragunta stopping comes. He wasn’t able to understand me, but he understood by my actions. The state highway was lonely and not much of buses were seen. Later on I found out that Yerragunta was 110km (approx) from BZA. Roughly around 2045hrs I got down at Yerragunta. There were two small hotels and one small grocery shop. There were some small buildings and houses here and there. I thought that Yerragunta would be big but it was small.

Now comes the adventure. I need to go to a village called Rajapuram from here. It is at least 8km away from my present point. I wondered how to reach there. I called up my boss and he asked me to come in auto. Sadly, there wasn’t any auto around. There was a guy near the grocery shop who promised to bring an auto for me. With broken pieces of Hindi, English I convinced him. The guy asked me to come to a corner and said that auto was waiting there. I had other thoughts in my mind. Am I going to be kidnapped for kidneys, watch, 300 rupee cash, and cell phones? I told him, “Bring the auto here”. After sometime, he came and said that the auto has gone to Rajapuram and there is only auto for the entire village. He said it would take half an hour. I went to the nearby shop and bought a fanta bottle. The highway was deserted slightly except for that shop and a hotel nearby.

After half an hour, I got an auto. That auto already had some passengers. Ducklings, hen and two sleepy villagers. The driver demanded Rs.40 for 8km. I thought compared to Chennai it was a good deal. I boarded the auto and soon the auto was going through lonely muddy roads. I thought that I would be in trouble soon! I had played Computer games fighting in World War. I had slammed the Nazi's with my M1-Garand, bayonetted the Fascists. Is today going to be one real day of action? I wasn’t afraid but I was perspiring. Generally, I don’t wear watches. But today I had watches, mobile and some cash. I kept my knife ready just incase….. Remember the mysterious green bag which I always carry to office/trips/college?

I was keenly listening to their conversation in Hindi. I could understand that they were talking about IPL. Funny! Sometime later the auto stopped and a lady got in. Should be the auto driver's wife. The conversation was in Telugu now and I couldn’t understand a word. I arrived at Rajapuram. The town center was deserted with street dogs lying here and there. The village had a few huts, small houses and was very small. The other day earlier I had a look of everything through Google Earth. It helped me a lot. I was clear in my directions.

I reached the place at 2130hrs. Greeted my boss and went straight to dinner to meet my Team Leaders Srinivas, Matthews and Ramesh and my Asst.Managers Sajid and Ramkrishnan. I sat along with Nick and had my dinner. The dinner was nice and good. But I drank a lot of water initially so I wasn’t able to eat much. Ice creams were served twice. Molaga Bajji was too spicy in my opinion. We stayed there for some time and after wishing Udai the very best in life we departed.

Now comes the real adventure. The auto-driver was half drunk. 8 people in one auto! We were to travel back from this village to the Yerragunta Road Jn. 4 people in front and 4 people in back. Nick, Ramesh, Auto Driver and Srinivas in front. Ramkrishnan, Sajid, Matthews with myself on Matthews lap! The auto suffered to touch 20-30kmph. As the journey started we started pulling each others leg. It was loads of fun! More fun was yet to come! Ramesh and I had the same thoughts. All these adventures don’t come across our lives always. It’s rare! We arrived at the bus stop at midnight. I called up my friend Jayakar and he said that the bus frequency in night would be less and there may not be a direct bus to Vijayawada.

Matthews, Ramkrishnan and Nick settled in a tea-shop bench and went to sleep. It was upto Sajid, Srinivas and myself to stop buses and lorries and inquire about the destination. If the lorry was going towards Vijaywada we would be boarding it. We took turns stopping lorries. I guessed that the lorry drivers were afraid to give us a lift because they feared that we were naxals. Atlast a lorry driver agreed to give us a lift. We all got into the cab! Now it’s not the railway engine which I used to board in yesteryears! It’s a lorry. Nick, Ramesh, Sajidh, Srinivas in back seat. Ramkrishnan near the door, Matthews and myself on top of engine box. Readers recollect that I had a similar trip near Poompukar, Southern India on July 14th, 2008during my road trip to Keezha Perumpallam from Sirkazhi! I had another chance now.

The lorry driver said that he would reach Vijaywada in 90 minutes. It was a nice joke! We arrived at Vijayawada only after 180 minutes of travel. I preferred to stay awake for some time to watch the scenery. The lorry was going through a picturesque scenario. The road wasn’t great. I observed that only in the return journey. I was sitting near the front glass now, so I had a better view now. The lorry was crossing through Chodavaram, Laxmipuram. I believe that Yerragunta belonged to the Chandrugonda Mandal of Andhra Pradesh. Mandal is something to similar to what we call “districts” or “taluk” in Tamil and “Tehsils” in Northern India???? Can anyone throw light on this?


Entrance to Vijayawada Railway Station.

It was a different experience. The trip still promised to offer more. Many thanks to Matthews/Ramesh for suggesting the lorry idea. It proved to be extremely adventurous and humorous too. If Ramkrishnan, Ramesh and Matthews weren’t been around there wouldn’t have been enough fun. Ramkrishnan and I fell asleep after 45 minute of ride. The rest were awake for a long time.

We arrived at Vijayawada at around 0430hrs. We boarded a local city bus and got down at railway station. Matthews was tired and he decided to return in bus after taking a nice nap.

The decisive moment was yet to come! I had booked tickets in A/C Three tier for the first time in life. There are many reasons for it. Generally, I avoid luxurious in travel as it inquires cost. The present situation might be good but I always remember my country’s past. I don’t want to be a prey for IT/BPO culture and get carried away by it. I like being simple. Even in my house, I haven’t got luxurious things. My body is ready to accept wear and tear for the righteous cause. In my life I have observed luxurious people suppressing normal people, I also consider too much of luxury as a pre-cursor to evil. Maybe that’s why I like the Soviet Union (former USSR/CCCP), even after its collapse/failure in 1991. And also the best way to enjoy the Indian atmosphere is to travel along with the people in normal second class.

If so why did I book tickets in 3AC? Many reasons! I need to report to duty the same day evening and I had been sleepless for consecutive days. This would add pain for the coming weeks. I had heard of extreme heat conditions of A.P. I felt the heat during my DOWN journey towards Vijayawada the day earlier. So I decided not to take risk. Judging all these tickets were booked in A/C even months earlier.

Since I had an A/C ticket I was allotted Air Conditioned Waiting Room. I could see the difference between the unfortunate and the fortunate. I hate to see humans/animals suffering. I believe in oneness of human race. I knew my voice is unheard. Maybe some good soul reading this blog would know it. Enough of Socialist literature!!

Since I had a A/C travel ticket, I was eligible to use the AC waiting room. As I charged up my mobile, I saw a girl in green shirt and jean. She was pretty in my opinion and must be 20 or 21. I liked her eyes very much. I liked the softness and calmness in her face. It’s not often that I appreciate and write about women’s beauty. Since I haven’t got a sister majority of the time I wrote the same Ramayanam saying that I have no sister. Rarely, I sight girls. Believe it or not! That’s the truth!

Okay let’s come back to her…..

She was awesome in my opinion. Generally, I have observed that girls in the age of 19,20 show too much of "bandha"(scene) even if a couple of boys look at them. But she was so different and I appreciate that. In a railway station, I was looking at a girl than looking at an engine. I want to check my mother’s reaction after reading this. My mom believes that it’s been 22 years and I can’t be changed anymore and I would continue to be a rail fan.

She defeated me with her looks. I felt different within my heart. Felt so good after a long time. It was hard, yet it feels so good. I feel heaven when I looked in her eyes. After reading this, few people might think that I am a "pachai porikki" or tapori. Few might think that I am poetic. Everyone is entitled for their own opinions.

Even when I got my first salary long time back, I bought a blue-shirt and black pant and wore it! It’s not for fashion! That’s the uniform for Indian Railway Loco-Pilot. A job which I aspired for in the past! An occupation I respect at heart. Wherever I go, whatever work I do I would always respect my job, I would wear blue-shirt and black pant as a sign of respect to the Indian Railways.

Navjivan Express arrived at 0945hrs. 45 minutes late I believe. I boarded B2. This time I got a window seat facing guard so I was traveling backwards. There was also a family comprising of 4 traveling along with me. One man, his wife and their two small girls. One of the girls went to Upper Berth. The other one sat on my lap for sometime to look out of the window. She was excited to see WAG-9’s hauling goods at high speed. She got elated every time, a WAP-4 blasted towards Vijayawada with an express/mail/passenger. I asked her name and she said it as Stephanie. Both the girls looked fair and cute. They should be less than 8. Generally, I note train names, numbers, engine numbers, kilometer post, but nowadays I simply focus on speed, scenery and travel.

During the return I was in A/C, while my Asst. Managers and TL’s were in Sleeper. I can’t ask for leave, as the first thing they would ask me to do is to take rest as I was in A/C. I believed that they should have returned in A/C than booking the down journey in A/C(Rajdhani). My train arrived at Tenali late. I thought that I would reach MAS only at 1800hrs. I had Aloo Vada and sauce. I didn’t feel like eating. Was it because of that girl? Since I was alone I wasn’t interested. I climbed up and got into Middle Berth. For the first time in life I was going to sleep in a day journey and also for the first time in a berth other than lower berth. Generally, I prefer lower berths as it is easier to run to the door to capture photos of incoming train, especially during night journeys.

As I got into Middle Berth, I just thought of that girl for sometime. It brought a smile on my face. The A/C was good. I closed my eyes and when I opened I saw Stephanie’s sister looking at me curiously from the upper berth with her head pointing down. She couldn’t understand the reason for my smile. I couldn’t explain her. She was too young to understand. She said,” Good Night” innocently. I closed my eyes again.

I got up only at Nellore. I had slept for 160km!!!My train has crossed Chirala, Kavali! My train was on top of Pennar River. I guessed it by the sounds of the tracks. Generally, if a train goes over a bridge sounds are different. I got down and started observing the coach. The outside scenery was clearly visible. The sound was slightly muffled. Dhadhak! Dhadhak! was missing slightly. Comfort level was good.

As my train came nearer to Chennai the speed dropped. Since local trains were running, I believe my train was made to trail it as in sub-urban section local trains are given preference. My train slowly crossed Ennore, Kathivakkam, Wimco Nagar and Tondairpet and reached Chennai Central at 1650hrs. Exactly 45 minutes late! I bid good bye to Stephanie and her family. I joined my colleagues who looked quite tired after being fried in Sleeper for the past the 7 hours. Srinivas dropped me at Purasaiwakkam as he had come in bike. I boarded M 248 to Ambattur Industrial Estate and carried on with my work. I logged in at 1900hrs and soon I was talking to Mr.Paul Turner of Scotland. Mr. Turner was paying his bills by cash and I convinced him to accept a better supplier! He was refusing to give his banking details i.e the Account Number and Sort Code. I really needed to fan his ego and I indeed got the job done! He agreed and accepted the product. I transferred the call to the Third Party in Phillipines(TPV) and they spoke with him and checked whether I had given all details in a proper manner. Telemarketting isn't a easy job! I need to be in this job for the next few months! The SALE was completed with QUALITY marked as GOOD!

I returned home at 0300hrs the next day. It’s been a real adventure! An awesome trip. Thriller, travel, adventure, love, romance, high speed train action! What more can I ask for?

-Krishna Kumar.S