Autograph please!!

Dear Viewers,

Thanks for your encouragement and support. I request you to kindly fill my Guest Book in my site and it would be my privilege to have you as my visitor.Thanks for visiting and please do come back soon. I hope to learn more from you!

Good luck,

Best wishes from India,

-Krishna Kumar.S

Farewell to the legendary Poochi Venkat

6th September, 2009.

Legendary photographer "Poochi Venkat" was leaving to Nagpur for two years. I was personally depressed on hearing this news in August. Whenever I am on travel, or reading something or at work I use to update Poochi through SMS just like how I use to update other friends through SMS. Sometimes I really miss friends. 2009 has been a great year. But it has also been a year where all my best friends went far away from me. My college mate Sudhakar went to England, my school mate Praveen went to United States and "thambi" John went to Australia. And now Poochi is going to Nagpur. So whose next? I have heard of Poochi during 2003-2004 but I know Poochi since 2006 when I first met him at Golden Towers. I know him better only since July-2008. Roughly one year! Only one year. I felt as if I had known him for years.

My friend Vimal knew Poochi quite well and so he arranged for a farewell with the help of Gowri Sankar and Sridhar Joshi who were close friends of Poochi. Lunch at Matysa Restaurant near Chennai Egmore. That was the plan.

I boarded 23C and as usual I was sending SMS to all friends mentioning about my whereabouts something which I always do since May-2008. I got down at Egmore. Someone touched my shoulders-I looked back and found it was Nishant! He has travelled in the same bus, but I haven't realized! He was also one of the invitees. We went to Egmore and spent sometime there. We infact went to the Egmore Shed and had a look at the locomotives. Then we proceeded to Matysa Restaurant by walk. We found our ' Senior Associate Thala' Sriram Karthik waiting with Krishna Kumar Kannan(close friend of Poochi). Poochi arrived with Ashwin in a bike. I was wondering what to order. I am a big fan of Chat items. But unfortunately, there were none at that time. Vimal suggested Masala Dosai for me and I was quite content with it.

Poochi then personally requested my friends to take "special care" of me. He felt that I am 23 and I really needed the guidance of elders.

September 7th, 2009. I reached Chennai Central at around 1900hrs, though I started early. I met Vimal at platform 11. Vimal and myself walked upto the locomotive of Grand Trunk which was schedule to depart at 1915hrs from Platform 11. We spent sometime over there till GT Express departed. I wish one day I would visit my National capital!!!

We were soon joined by Suresh Babu-a railway employee who works with EMU's(local trains). I had Rs.300+ in my pocket! That could mean only onething. We are off to Ratna Cafe in Central to have tiffin. My favourite Chilli Parotta was available. But it wasn't that spicy. It had kurma too! Wonder why? Raita is enough, isn't it? Kurma wasn't tasty. No A/C. I was a bit dejected. No forks! Only plastic spoons. But anyway, something is better than nothing. I enjoyed my Chilli Parotta.

We walked down to Platform 1-starter. "Senior Associate Thala" Sriram Karthik was waiting along with "Quizer" MVL Manikantan. We were waiting till 2015hrs till Mangalore Mail departed.Then we walked all the way to Premium Car Parking lot to find Poochi Venkat who has arrived with his mother and aunt. Senior Loco Pilot Kasi Lingam, Goods Loco-Pilot Vel Murugan were there along with Poochi's friend from The Hindu. Kasi sir was taking Kovai Express the next day so he left early to take rest. We stood there talking for sometime. Poochi told Vimal and Subbu Raman that I am in a 'state of confusion' and I should be really taken care of! And there was a talk about why I board 29C often. MVL Mani believed that I used 29C to see my Girl Friend in Stella Mary's. I wonder how MVL can make such horrible imaginations?

Then we all walked into Central. TN Express was to depart from Platform 10. As we neared we saw the rake being shunted inside by a Tondairpet WDM-7. Poochi was to travel in Coach HA1. First Class A/C. We helped him out with his luggages. This was the first time I was actually entering into a First Class compartment. Trivia question! We came out of the coach and waited for sometime outside. After sometime, Aravind came directly from office. Ramki left at that time as he need to go to college the next day and was having his exams it seems.

Sridhar came last. Sridhar couldn't believe that Aravind was actually at MAS. And ofcourse you can guess what happenned next. Sridhar Joshi took this is a chance to pull Aravind's leg. It was really awesome to watch Sridhar Joshi and Aravind interacting.

The power was WAP-4#22218. And when the signal was given, I switched my camera to video mode and recorded the events as 2621 departed. We all left Chennai Central almost immediately. Vimal agreed to drop me at Saidapet in his bike. Near SIET we spotted a 23 C. We chased the bus and overtook it. We waited at Saidapet till 23 C came. I boarded it and got down at Krishna Sweets. I walked and reached my home. I reached home and called up Poochi and inquired how much distance has the train covered. He said that it was nearing Gummidipondi. So roughly 45kms from Chennai Central. I went to my computer and logged in to access some learning materials and then went to bed soon mentally prepared for the next day.

-Krishna Kumar.S

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* Generally, I write blogs to pass time and to feel happiness amidst stress. And also to express my universal love for the planet.

-Krishna Kumar.S
(08/09/2009)

Villivakkam with Bharathu kutty

August 22nd, 2009.

It was a Saturday! It was a weekend. My house was a bit crowded with a lot of purohits and Madisar maami's. Yes! You guessed it right. My father was conducting a ceremony for my late grandfather(his father). It is done typically with madi acharam, agni, achadhai with food being cooked on coal and not modern day stoves etc. My house is very well known for its austerity, strictness and discipline. Andha maadhiri kudumbathula dhaan naan vandhu porandhein. If such festivals are conducted, Damien and myself are the people who are kindly requested to go out as we don't follow any madi or acharam. Though I say that I don't follow there is a good chance that tomorrow I would start following it. My inner heart says so as I am losing interest in quite a lot of things.

Introducing my friend Bharathwaj! IIT-big mandai just like my another friend Ramkarthik. Heights of conservativeness! Typical modern youth in 1980's lifestyle(got that?). He knows what is wrong and what is right! I have got loads to learn from him and his lifestyle! If my memory is right, I met him infront of T-72 Indian Army Tank at IIT-Madras on October, 2008. We decided to railfan at Villivakkam, although the original plan was to go to Kavaraipettai.

Villivakkam is one of my favourite stations where I watch trains fly past by. All trains leaving towards Bangalore, Coimbatore, Renigunta and Kerala bound trains take this route! It has got loads of freight action too. Earlier, we thought of going to Kavaraipettai, but later I decided Villivakkam should be the right place for Bharathu.

We were to meet at Kasturibai Nagar. Bharathu was coming from a marriage function directly. Bharathu inquired whether Damien has come? I said NO! We boarded an EMU and soon we started our journey towards Park Town. As usual, I am much more into non-rail topics. We were talking about present day madi, acharam, quota system in India and the standards of IIT.

Soon we reached Park Town. I insisted that subway should be used rather than crossing the road. We had directly purchased a ticket to Villivakkam with return so we walked straight to the MMC complex. As we were entering a Tiruvallur bound EMU left. So we need to wait for some 20 more minutes to board another EMU which was scheduled to start at 1320hrs. But the guy started a bit late. As a result we missed to see the Bangalore Express with WDP-4. We reached Villivakkam by 1340 or 1345hrs. Till 1400hrs there were no trains. I don't remember the train numbers nor loco numbers, but we had tremendous fun later on! All the WAP-4's, WAM-4's were cruising! I could see dust sprayed on onlookers as it blasted past us. The classic moment of the trip was when Kovai Intercity blasted past us and a huge puff of air hit our face though we were standing quite far from the tracks!

We decided to have a break! We went to the small VLR at sub-urban platform and looked at menu. Nothing was impressive. Bharathwaj suggested that we should take "more". It was awesome! Gudur means "Gudur Dosai". Villivakkam means "more" I guess. I thought that foot over bridge should be used instead of crossing tracks. I have an unwritten agreement with my father that I won't cross tracks!!! I thought twice and crossed it! I don't violate rules often... We saw some goods trains doing good speed. I felt thirsty again. So we went back to the VLR and I had another "more"(buttermilk in English?) while Bharathu had cool drinks. Then we settled down and waited for our EMU.

Surprisingly, we saw Sangamitra Express bound towards Patna in slow line, quietly followed by West Coast Express in slow line! I wondered why? As a result MAS bound EMU was 20 minutes late! We boarded an EMU at around 1545hrs and at Park Town we boarded an EMU towards KTBR. We bid goodbye at KTBR and I reached home at around 1715hrs.

-Krishna Kumar.S

Param Vir Chakra-Part 1

Indian Army during the Republic Day Parade. Sikh Light infantry regiment.

Param Vir Chakra is the highest gallantry award given by the Union Government of India for highest degree of valour, self-sacrifice during war. The award is equivalent to the US Medal of Honor, Cross of St.George of Russia and similar to the British Victoria Cross. The award was established on 26th January 1950, the date India officially became a Republic with its own constitution coming into power. The Param Vir Chakra was designed by Eva Maday who was actually born to a Hungarian mother and Russian father. She had a great fascination for India and Indian culture. She changed her name as Savitri and married Capt. Vikram Khanolkar.


Param Vir Chakra awarded by the Union Government of India.

The then Major General Hira Lal Atal was given the responsibility of naming India’s military decorations. Soon after Indian independence, Savitri was asked by General Hira Lal Atal to design India’s highest award for bravery in combat against enemies. Ms Khanolkar took her inspiration from the mythical Rishi Dadich who donated his thigh-bone to the Gods to make a Vajra (thunderbolt). Coincidentally, the first PVC was awarded to her elder daughter's brother-in-law Major Som Nath Sharma. The Param Vir Chakra is generally awarded posthumously as very rarely the recipient survives combat. The monthly stipend for a Param Vir Chakra awardee is Rs.1500/- which is disputed and criticized.

When India got independence there was a huge unrest across the country. Many Hindus and Muslims died during the partition of India. Hindus left towards India and Muslims left for Pakistan. Immediately, India and Pakistan fought a war in 1947 due to Kashmir dispute.


Major Somnath Sharma was awarded the first Param Vir Chakra.

During the India-Pakistan war in 1947, on November 3rd, 1948, Major Somnath’s company belonging to the Kumaon Regiment, 4th batallion was fighting in Bagdam village in Kashmir valley. He was soon surrounded by the enemy from all sides and his company sustained heavy casualties due to constant artillery bombardment. He realized the importance of holding onto his position as both the city of Srinagar and the airport would be vulnerable if it were lost. His company came under heavy fire and was outnumbered seven to one. He urged his company to fight bravely, often exposing himself to danger as he ran from post to post to fight against the invaders.
While he was busy fighting the enemy, a mortar shell exploded on the ammunition near him. His last message to Brigade HQ received a few moments before he was killed was as follows: "The enemies are only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to our last man and our last round”.

Even today after 62 years of Independence, amidst sophisticated technologies the courage of the Indian Army and men is very much admired across the globe and even from the opposition. India being a Union of multi-lingual, multi-ethnic diverse states and Union territories has never been imperialistic and under any stage of human history she hasn’t invaded any country with territorial ambitions.


Lance Naik Karam Singh.

Even today, India still continues to have border disputes with its neighbors namely Pakistan and China. At the same time as Somnath Sharma was fighting, Lance Naik Karam Singh was also playing an important role in securing titwal sector. India and Pakistan fought for securing the position in the Titwal sector. India captured the sector but lost it soon due to strong counter-attack by Pakistan. Lance Naik Karam Singh belonging to the 1st batallion, Sikh Regiment was commanding a forward outpost in the Richhmar Gali area when the enemy launched the attack. During the initial attacks, all the bunkers in the platoon area were destroyed by enemy's heavy shelling. The communication to the command was also destroyed and hence Karam Singh was unable to update his position or ask for reinforcements. He was unable to contact the headquarters. Although wounded, he brought back two injured comrades to the frontline to the main company position and defended Richhmar Gali.

Twice wounded by the fifth enemy attack, Lance Naik Karam Singh refused evacuation and continued to hold on to the first-line trenches. When the enemy soldiers secured a position close to the frontline, Karam Singh jumped out of his trench and bayoneted the two intruders to death. This bold action demoralized the enemy and they broke off the attack and withdrew from the sector. Totally, the outpost was attacked eight times on that day and the Sikhs repulsed the enemy every time. For his outstanding role in the battle of Tithwal, he was honored with the highest wartime gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra. Karam Singh was the second recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. Lance Naik Karam Singh proved himself to be a dauntless leader of men in crisis representing the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Nothing could subdue him and no amount of fire or hardship could break his spirit.


Major Rama Raghoba Rane

On 8 April 1948 during the Indo-Pak war, the Indian Army advanced to protect Rajauri sector. Second Lieutenant Rama Raghoba Rane was ordered to clear mines and roadblocks. The enemy started shelling the area with heavy artillery fire. Undaunted by fire, Rane worked for three days tirelessly clearing about mines and road blocks. Rane made a substantial contribution in facilitating the Indian advance on Rajauri. It also helped in saving many innocent lives in Chingas and Rajauri.


Havildar Piru Singh

On February 6 in early 1948, a show of strength took place at Naushera between armed tribesmen and units of the Indian Army. The tribal force supported by the Pakistani Army was repulsed twice but they attacked a third time with increased numbers. Naik Jadu Nath Singh belonging to the Rajput regiment rushed out of his trench alone with a sten gun in his hand and then opened devastating fire on the invaders. The invaders were taken by shock and surprise. Naik’s courage, strength, valor made them courageless and they fled the area. The outpost was saved but Jadu Nath Singh died on spot. For this ultimate act of personal sacrifice for the sake of the sovereignty of the nation and to shoo away the invaders from the motherland, Naik Jadu Nath Singh was decorated with the nation's highest award of gallantry-the Param Vir Chakra.

-To be continued...


-Krishna Kumar.S

Chennai-Katpadi-Tirupati-Gudur-Chennai circular trip

Katpadi-Tirupati DMU negotiates a curve near Pakala. 04/07/2009.

July 4th, 2009.
Saturday.

Ring Trip Plan:

I was to do a circular journey which involved two states of India, Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu. I traveled in 4 different trains covering a distance of 450km plus. I like travelling. Honest confession! It might be funny for others but I enjoy travelling in trains and buses. They might even wonder what I find enthralling in villages, greenery and lonely places in Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu. A few might even wonder why I take photographs of rice fields, small kids, trains, cows, buffaloes. One simple reason! I love them and I appreciate beauty! I was royally screwed last week with deadlines and I was happy that at last I got the weekend off. My expectations in life are quite simple. Monthly Rs.10,000, two temple trips, two train travels across the countryside every month in second class sleeper(not A/C), some time to read and prepare, sometime to blog, sometime with animals and ofcourse chilli-parotta(once a month).

My journey plan was as follows:-

The journey was divided into four parts. Out of which, three were in unreserved compartments where I would travel along with fellow Indians observing their simple lifestyle. I would be also witnessing the rural countryside and towns. The last part of the journey was a reserved journey in second-class. I thought of booking in A/C, but erased my thoughts.

Route/Trains involved:-

1. Chennai Central to Katpadi- Brindavan Express. I would get down at Katpadi and have breakfast and wait for my next link.
2. Katpadi to Tirupati- D164 Katpadi-Tirupati Passenger.
3. Tirupati to Gudur- 211SC Tirupati-Gudur Passenger.
4. Gudur to Chennai Central- 2078 Jan Shatabdi Express back to Chennai. I would then board a bus/local train back to Chennai.

All those numbers mentioned above are train numbers. DMU means a Diesel Multiple Unit, similar to Chennai electric trains, but these run in diesels.


I went to bed only at 0100hrs. I was happy that the most expected weekend came atlast. I got up at 0430hrs and got ready in 30 minutes. I was feeling a bit sleepy as I had slept only for a couple of hours, but I didn't bother. I boarded MRTS EMU at Kasturibai Nagar(Adyar) to Park Town at 0540hrs. I reached Chennai Central at 0610hrs. The rake of Brindavan Express was shunted at 0640hrs. Since I didn’t have a reserved ticket, I needed to board an unreserved compartment.

Boarding an unreserved compartment in an Indian train is not an easy job! It involves a lot patience, skill, judgement and precision techniques. There would be a mad race for seats even before the train has been shunted into the platforms. I wasn’t bothered really as I was after the door. I love standing near the doors at high-speed. I take caution too as it would prove to be risky and dangerous for my life. But the real beauty is to view your own motherland in all glory as the train passes through lush green-fields.

In the recent past I have avoided door travels, but today I thought that I should travel standing near the door. Once I stood near the door for 431 kilometers up to Vijayawada from Chennai. Fond memories. I admire my nation's diversity and I love all states equally, but still one honest confession! I like Andhra Pradesh. I got into the 2nd coach of the 24 coach Brindavan Express. The departure was only at 0715hrs. I need to wait for 30 minutes. I stood at the door itself and passed time thinking what has to be done for the next week.

The train started bang on time! As usual the train passed Basin Bridge slowly. Since it was a Bangalore bound train it diverted and took the line towards Arokkonam. Vijayawada, New Delhi bound trains take the route towards Gudur Jn. My train halted just before Vyasarpadi to allow the local trains coming from Chennai Beach. It looks like within the city, the EMU’s otherwise known as local trains or electric trains get preference over express trains. The entire Indian Railway system is congested and saturated. The system is running at 160 percent due to Politicians, whereas the system can support only 100%. Without increasing the infrastructure like tracks, signals, stations, the number of trains are increased.

After the EMU crossed, my train started and very soon I felt the power of WAP-4. Generally, Brindavan Express is hauled by WAP-4 type locomotives and WAP-4 is known for high quality performance. It was doing great speeds; unfortunately it slowed down near Korattur for some reason. Brindavan has been degraded nowadays. Not given preference, too many stoppages….it has become a “kuppa(piece of garbage)” train. Train journeys are something which I enjoy.

For people like me, Indian Railways matter a lot. In Hindu marriages, Nagaswaram is played at Muhurtham timings to avoid any unpleasant words falling on the couple’s ears as the Vedic mantras are being chanted. It is also believed that the divine music would shoo away evil forces. For me Indian Railways is something similar to that. Whenever I am in an Indian Railway scenario, unwanted thoughts never come into my mind. I don’t get angry nor let out tantrums. Sometimes I study at Railway stations. Why? The honks are so divine for me that I don’t hear anything else. Concepts get into my head easily.

It gives me peace something even A/C rooms or comfort cushion beds can’t give. For me locomotives like WAP-4, WDM-2, WAM-4 and WDP-4 are like foster mothers taking care of me whenever I am out of house. One day I would make the WAP-4’s feel proud of me. It might be funny to find a professional praising a machine. It isn’t like that. For me it’s something more than that. I have been alone in life many times and I could only wish I had a sister. I grew up watching trains and planes and even today, apart from my professional life I spend time with the transport systems watching simple Indian way of living. This unique, vast, diverse country with multi-linguistic people is united by Indian Railways. I could only wish and hope that India doesn't disintegrates like the erstwhile Soviet Union. I hope there won't be any communal violence.


Somewhere near Vendodu. I took this pic as my train blasted through. Dated:04/07/2009.

The UR or the unreserved compartment was crowded, but still in my opinion it wasn’t THAT crowded like Mumbai local trains. Traveling in Indian trains, that too in unreserved compartments is not a joke. We adjust amongst ourselves. The seat may be for only three persons, but we would have 5 people sitting in it. That’s Indian mentality. I could observe that many were traveling to Bangalore directly. I was damn sure that I am not going to get a seat anywhere. I didn’t bother. I was standing at the door, near the toilet! It wasn't a divine experience. But anyway, I don't mind standing along with my fellowmen. The train reached Tiruvallur only at 0800hrs. 15 mins late I guess! After Tiruvallur, my train blasted through the sub-urbs in style touching the maximum permissible limit of 110kph. The classic moment was when my train curved near Tiruvalam and WAP-1 hauled SBC-MAS Shatabdi Express came in the opposite direction. Classic! It was a real beauty to watch the entire rake curving in high speed.

My train reached Katpadi at 0945hrs. I got down the wrong way. Instead of getting down on the platform side, I got down in the trackside as I was standing near the door. I didn’t want to bother people on the other side as they were already busy boarding the train not allowing people to get down. Since I was in the second coach, I walked to the locomotive and found that the power was WAP-4#22559. Sometimes, I note the numbers of locomotives. It had rearview mirrors!! The TTE or the ticket examiner was inspecting the tickets and I handed over mine. At this time only I realized that I had forgotten to bring a valid proof of identity for my e-ticket for the journey involving the return trip from Gudur to Chennai. I did have a laminated duplicate copy of my driving license but not the original. I decided to take a risk. The entire trip involved 4 different trains out of which only one leg of the journey was reserved. I went to the Katpadi Ticket counter and purchased a direct ticket to Gudur via Renigunta.

The lady clerk gave me a ticket via Arokkonam. She thought I would be taking Katpadi-Arokkonam-Renigunta-Gudur route. Why should I travel back? I was to take the shorter route Katpadi-Tirupati-Renigunta-Gudur. I paid extra, I didn’t mind but I had an invalid ticket as per law as I would be taking a different route. Eventhough I was going to travel in a passenger, I took an express ticket just incase if I would change my mind and board an express train at Tirupati. But I love travelling by passengers.

Now comes the second part of the ring trip. Katpadi Jn to Tirupati. I was boarding a Diesel-Multiple-Unit or the DMU as per Indian Railway technical terms. The train number was D164. I was a bit excited. The next 103km would represent a typical Indian scenario. Villages, farmers, conservative people and animals. They were eagerly waiting for me! I believe in reality and simplicity. My train arrived 20mins late from Vellore and I got into it. I got a window seat quite comfortably. The first station in Katpadi-Tirupati section was Bomma Samudram. The station was small and beautiful. I could observe that the technology has reached this place. Many of them had mobiles. Not ordinary ones! N73’s and W810i’s. Compared to them I use a primitive model-N70.


Somewhere after Kalahasti. 04/07/2009. Pic taken in Camera Mobile.

Katpadi-Tirupati was a single-line broad gauge electrified section. Not much traffic. The only traffic which I faced was that of Tirupati-Vellore Cantonment DMU passenger at Chittoor. Since it was a single line section, my train was put on loop line to allow the incoming one to enter into Chittoor. The route was extremely scenic with small mountains with a lot of villages. Sometimes I use to wonder that I should spend at least a day in these places every month.

I think that I should go back to the Vedas. There must be some truth in conservative lifestyle. There must be some truth in what the ancestors have written. No one writes just for the sake of it. Anything written ages ago is more reliable. The reason is simple. It has been so stable and true, people have accepted it even till date. People over here are happy with simple lifestyle. The train halted at small villages too. Majority of people in the train knew to speak Tamil as the TN-AP border is quite near. I reached Tirupati late by 20 minutes.

I had two options. I need to wait till 1530hrs to catch a slow passenger to Gudur or to board Tirupati-Gudur Fast Passenger which stops only at a few places. The latter would be starting immediately. I wasn’t interested in going fast. You can observe the rural wastelands of Andhra Pradesh only if you take up slow passengers. But waiting for two hours at Tirupati would be boring. I made up my mind. So I took the fast passenger at 1345hrs. Anyway, I need to wait at Gudur for two hours if I am taking this train. I thought waiting at Gudur for two hours would be interesting.

I boarded the 211SC Tirupati Gudur Fast passenger. I think I got the train number right. WAM-4 from Vijayawada shed was the power. The train started almost immediately the next second I boarded. Traveling ticket examiners were in disguise and were traveling in the General compartment along with us. When the train started, they immediately started checking tickets! This is to ensure that the offenders don’t escape. The guy asked me something in Telugu. I couldn't understand. He asked me in Hindi. I didn't understand still. Later, another co-passenger told me that he was asking me for my tickets. I showed mine and got it verified. I had the ticket via Arokkonam, I wondered whether he would question. But he didn't question. Anyway, I have paid extra, but still as per "law" I am wrong. My train reached Renigunta at around 1400hrs. Now comes the interesting part.

I love the section between Gudur and Renigunta which is roughly around 70km. In fact, my affection towards Andhra Pradesh started only after traveling in this route a year ago. For a while, I wondered why such places in India aren’t much talked about. It’s an excellent route. Looks like the naxalites have ensured that there wouldn’t be any development and modernization in these places to save the real rural beauty of India. There's always a talk about Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Delhi, pubs, jeans-pant, t-shirts, fashion shows and other nonsense, but there is not even a single word spoken about people who live peacefully over here.

I am not against modernization but people should realize the value of the past and shouldn’t be sarcastic about people who are conservative. I dare not advice the present day generation. In their opinion, I am a village. I am definitely critical of Indians returning from US, UK and later disrespecting the motherland, its infrastructure and boasting about their so called pub culture of boozing with girls thinking that such acts are great acts. I use to laugh within myself when I see such “Indians”.

If I had a sister, I would rather get her married to a clerk who earns Rs.5000/- per month in a Government office or to a Vedic Brahmin who recites slokams and earns his living in dakshanai or even to a person who runs a small business or even to a person who is in a normal job but definitely not to a person who returns from the United States or the United Kingdom and arrogantly criticizes the very land in which he was born. Using the “F” word a couple of times, sayings bucks instead of rupees…. That doesn’t make anyone superior. I have zero respect for such people.

People in these small villages are more humble than me. Sometimes in my life I use to wonder what I graduated. These people living here know how to treat another human being with respect something people living in cities like me should learn. Compared to these people for the past 4 years in B.E.ECE, I have graduated only foolishness.


Katpadi-Tirupati section was mountainous.

During many of my travels in the Indian Railways, I got humbled by seeing such simple family life and simple people. Many are down to earth. In fact, I got humbled many times and my arrogance was toned down and I accepted my defeat. After getting humbled, I even dropped some of my characters which weren’t right. I started believing in simplicity and reality only after traveling in Indian Railways.

My train went through many scenic places. It didn’t halt at all stoppings as it was a fast passenger so it skipped some stations. It halted only at Renigunta, Yerpudu, Kalahasti, Venkatagiri, Vendodu and Kondagunta. The entire train was only 8 coach length. The pickup was extremely good just like Chennai electric-trains. 8 coach is too less for a locomotive which is capable of hauling 19 coaches at ease. I reached Gudur Jn at 16.00hrs.

I got down and went straight to Gudur Platform-1 VLR. I was to have Gudur dosai!! My good old pal Ramkarthik (IIT-Kanpur/Madras "big mandai") even sent an SMS reminding me to have Gudur dosai. He was the guy who found out the speciality of Gudur dosai. Whenever I cross Gudur, I never forget to have Gudur dosai. It has got that extra kick:-p. Try it out. Don’t ask me why. You will feel the power!!!! If you can understand what I really mean to say. Boys would understand it better.

I sat in Gudur station and I was referring to some of my books which I had brought along in my backpack. Many trains passed. Pinakini Express bound towards Vijayawada, some Swarna Jayanthi(not sure) from New Delhi, some passenger train towards Renigunta. I could see a lot of people belonging to different states in that train each dressed in various dresses, speaking various languages. For those of you, who think India is a third world country, I have something to say. "Keep dreaming". We live every dream over here!!


The weather was good and it favoured me.

At 1820hrs, I heard loud honks. Praang!!! Praang!! The entire station vibrated. The big boss was on its way! It was the Chennai Rajdhani coming from the capital. It had a WAP-7 at its helm! What a majestic entry! Even I was speechless. I am a big fan of heavy machines. I then went to a stall and purchased Limca. The shop-keeper charged me quite a lot in my opinion. 500ml was Rs.25/-. I could see a lot of goods trains too. From the Vijayawada end, a goods train came and I could see the young Bihari Assistant Loco Pilot of the goods train getting down from the locomotive even when the train was in motion. I wondered why. The train was still in motion while he was getting down. I could see the Senior Pilot or the Chief requesting him to buy a “chaai”. The young Bihari guy quickly ran to a stall, bought one and gave it to his boss who was standing in the locomotive and this guy climbed the engine in motion. Everything happened in motion and that too quickly. The driver was sincere in his duties. Indian Railways is strict about discipline! No driver can halt a train for his own fancy. I believe even if he does he needs to file a log. The train was doing around 10kph. The goods train rumbled out of Gudur towards Chennai.

I decided to listen to music in my mobile. I was listening to this song named Black or White. I am not a great fan of dance but I appreciate extra curricular activities. As MJ sang, I went out of dimension. I got carried away by the music. And then my favourite Backstreet Boys! As I spent time listening to music, I observed kids, men, women belonging to various ethnicities waiting for their respective trains.

At around 1845hrs, WAP-4#22390 came with 2078 Jan Shatabdi Express. That was my return link. That’s the last leg of my journey. 138km more and I would be in Chennai Central in my own beloved state Tamilnadu. I boarded the train only to find another lady sitting in my reserved seat. The lady said that she wanted to sit with her husband. I can understand her. She is traditional. But when are Indian women going to learn to stand up against male domination to realize Lenin’s dream? When is India going to learn the positives the USSR?

Well, I can’t be worrying about everything. I was asked to go to another seat. That was a window seat so I gladly accepted it. Generally, I don’t argue with elders. It was already night and I have nothing to see outside at this time. It started raining so I closed the windows. I started listening to music. I was watching some videos of Michael Jackson's dances in my mobile. His famous hits like Thriller and Smooth Criminal. Remember that famous anti-gravity lean??? I was engrossed in the music and I relaxed. I reached Chennai Central bang on time at 21:05hrs. I boarded a bus to reach home at 21:50hrs. My dog Damien was sitting inside a wooden box as he felt it was too cold outside due to the rain. I was exhausted. I went to bed after having a bath. It was an awesome trip.

-Krishna Kumar.S
(06/08/2009)

-Due to the so called "tight schedule" the report couldn’t be published immediately. Sorry guys!

Madurantakam Temple

A drawing on the walls of the Temple. It portrays Lord Ram blessing Lt.Colonel Plaze and giving darshan. To read about the legend please do refer to my posts in 2008 archives. The deity is powerful and it is believed to bless a devotee who prays sincerely from heart.

Bus/Train Routes:-
If you are in Chennai and if you live near the tracks board the 103SR Egmore-Pondicherry Passenger. The train starts from Egmore and goes to Pondicherry via Villupuram. It halts at Mambalam, Guindy, Tambaram, Guduvancherry, Potheri, Singaperumal Koil, Paranur, Chengalpet. Madurantakam comes at roughly 84km and the train would reach Madurantakam at 8:30AM.

You can also take a bus from CMBT and get down at the Madurantakam bus stop which is near the temple. If you are going by train you may need to walk along the roads from the station, through market and the busy town center. It would take 10 minutes roughly.

While returning the train comes only at 16.30hrs in the evening. So it is better if you return by bus.

Temple Timings: 7AM-11.30AM. I am not sure of the timings in the evenings.

Hotels:-
There is a hotel called "Nirmala Bhavan" which offers excellent food. It is near the temple. There are other small hotels too.

Lodges:-
I heard that there is a Kalyana Mandapam called Murgesa Mudaliar Kalyana Mandapam. That place is the only lodge in the town I think.


Trust me! If you want to have a difference in life, visit Madurantakam and pray to the Lord whole heartedly. He will bless you!

All the best,

-Krishna Kumar.S