My foster sister in Tajikstan

Children in Tajikstan.

It was during one of those days in January 2009. Life was a bit busy and thrilling. I had come up only in the morning(as usual) and I sat down with my computer to continue writing my article placed in drafts. I had been writing about Culture and Lifestyle of Indian States-an article still in drafts! I diverted to another topic and I was soon browsing about the Central Asian Republics Kazakhstan, Tajikstan-former Soviet republics. I collected some photos of food, lifestyle of people. I came across this pic(shown above). I stood amazed for sometime. The smiles on the two girl's face is amazing and speaks a lot about care, affection and innocence. I wish that if I had a sister she would be like one of them shown in the above pic. I showed it to my father later. My father liked it too. My mother liked it too. My father asked where I took this pic. I told that it was through Google Images while exploring about culture and dressing style of Central Asian Republics. My father said, "They look like Muslims". Yep! True. Who cares whether they are Muslims or Christians. A sister is a sister!

Many of my relatives use to say that I have a greater chance of living a peaceful life. Maybe true! But human relations are more valuable. Human relations, animals, plants are the greatest gifts to mankind. It wasn't until recently, some years back I did discover something called Universal Love-during one of train travels. But there wasn't any time to implement this and I am still discovering it. Universal love is all about showing love towards everything including plants and animals probably a better theory than Lenin and Marx's communism.

If you are reading this you must be one of my neighbourhood guys, school friends, teacher or lecturer or college friend. It's my guess that you should be one of them! The reason why I posted this post is to share my joy after seeing these two photos-while surfing the Internet long time back. I am posting after 6 months nearly, but still I feel it is worth sharing and its from my personal collections. I hope you too liked it.


Brother and sister relationship.

How to make Aloo Poori?

Sev Poori decorated with Kurkure and Lays Stax. Service with Tropicana juice! Add some Dahi(curd) on top of Aloo Poori and Aloo Poori becomes Dahi poori.


Though I suggested the idea and some procedures I was assisted by my cousin brother and aunt in carrying out this plan. Why should women be kept only for kitchen jobs? I believe both men and women are equal, each should assist in each other's activities to lead a better life. During my 14 years of schooling, I had lady teachers throughout and they are responsible for my success in a few things. If either of them had thought otherwise, my life would have gone for a big six. Many people would wonder, instead of living a comfortable life why am I writing all these. The answer is simple! It's my interest and goal. I should mention a funny thing here. Though I 'might' be a feminist, I still quarrel with girls, foster sisters :-p


Soviet era poster for Woman's Day. Women were given equal rights in the Soviet Union.


Quantity:-
1. Onions-5 Nos
2. Tomato-4 Nos
3. Potatoes-8 Nos
4. Carrots-4 Nos
5. Coriander Leaves
6. Lays Stax
7. Kurkure
8. Om Puri
9. Chat Masala
10. Garam Masala
11. Paani Poori Masala
12. Salt
13. Tomato Ketchup
14. Chilli Sauce


Dahi Poori with all decorations. Try it out.

Masala Preparations:-

1. Take some onions. Chop them into small pieces.
2. Take some tomatoes and remove the interior seed portion and then cut them into small pieces.
3. Take some carrots and grate them.
4. You can use Coriander leafs, Lays Stax, Kurkure, Om Puri for decorations.
5. Take potatoes. Remove the skin and boil them in water for some time. Mash them! Take mashed potatoes and add salt, paani poori masala, chat masala, onion pieces, tomato passes. If needed you can add some salt.
6. Take a poori and put a small hole on top. Add the above masala into the poori.
7. Put a little of tomato ketchup on the above dish.
8. Add a little of Chilli Sauce on top of it after adding the ketchup.
9. Decorate using Lays Stax.

Aloo Poori is ready!

10. If you are want to make Sev Poori, buy Chat Pappad available in Super Markets and use that instead of Poori.
11. If you want to make Dahi Poori, just put some curd on the Aloo Poori and

Dahi poori is ready!

Make chaat items yourself! It would be the best. Take my word. Generally, what happens outside is that the chef in charge is quite busy or in a hurry while preparing the dish that he does everything in a hurry. Some part of the dish isn’t properly covered with sauce or he forgets to add different flavours of sauce. I haven’t added the green chutney, Om puri and kaara chutney.

Experience the nation's diversity through food. Let's be good to foreigners whether they are good to us or not. Let them visit our land, see our culture, lifestyle and they would know who really is living in the third world.

-Krishna Kumar.S
(Written during the time in which Indian students were attacked in Australia)

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

Visiting GRT Temple Bay-Mahabalipuram

February 1st 2009.

Poochi Venkat and I were to meet Swiss Railfans Mr. Oskar Morikofer and Mrs. Stephanie Morikofer at the GRT Temple Bay, a small 5-star luxurious resort in Mahabalipuram. I had already met the couple along with Clara, an Aurovillean at Venkat’s house. This was Oskar’s turn to honor IRFCA and the Indian Railways. Oskar invited us to GRT Temple Bay. This was my second visit to a 5-star resort after my visit to a similar one in Pondicherry with friends a couple of years ago.

Earlier, Oskar and Stephanie had visited Egmore, Central and Royapuram stations during a Heritage Walk with Poochi Venkat. Also this wasn’t the first time, Poochi was taking foreigners for a heritage walk. They were leaving to Switzerland on February 2nd morning at 0940hrs. I was requested to come in semi-formals/formals. I was in a black T-shirt with collar and formal black pants. Poochi was in white-shirt and white pant. Poochi and I boarded a Volvo A/C Bus 588 to Mahablipuram. The ticket costs Rs.48 per head. The A/C was good. I like traveling in A/C bus but I don’t travel in A/C sitting/sleeper class trains. Don’t know why? The bus was slow till Kovalam and later on picked up speed. We even overtook a deluxe class 588 bus which would have started atleast 15 minutes earlier than our bus. The scenery was awesome. Palm Trees, beaches, greenery. Amazing! We got down at Mahabalipuram at 1745hrs. 1 hour ride exactly. Buses were coming in and moving out. The funny thing was as people were trying to get down, more people were trying to get in and as a result of which no one could come in or go out. And after a couple of minutes, I believe someone decided, "Alright, let the folks inside, come out first".



Venkat suggested of taking a walk to the Mahabalipuram beach. As I walked with Poochi, I saw typical younger generation (what am I then? Interesting question) girls and boys taking a break from work as it was a Sunday. I saw a girl who should be in her 20’s in Jeans, sleeveless T-shirts. I believe that she would have looked prettier if she had been in a salwar. This wasn’t the first time I am seeing such “ultra” modern girls. Romba dhaan ultraangada saami!!!

The gates to the beach were being closed as it was 1810hrs and the beaches are open only till 6:00PM. A couple of small girls tried to sell ornaments made of sea-shells etc. But we weren’t interested. I saw the contrast in life between humans. There are people who are well-to-do and party all day and there are people who don’t even get a plate of meal each day and there are also people who observe things and couldn’t take initiatives as they are afraid of politicians.




We stood there talking of various topics till 1840hrs. We decided to walk back again to the GRT Temple Bay where the Morikofers were waiting at the reception. As we walked backed, I could see a bunch of cows in a meeting. Atleast 20 of them. It was nice to see Steam back on rails last Monday (see blog article on Heritage Run). Nice to see cows back on roads this Sunday! These are the characteristic signs of my country and we would like to stay as we are and we aren’t just willing to change!

The entry to the hotel was grand. It remembered me one of the games named Hitman, where I played as Agent 47 to steal a briefcase from a 5-start hotel located near seashore. Surprisingly, everything was similar except the fact that was a game and this is real life and I have come for a good purpose. Fountains watered the grass and trees. It was dark by now and the ambience was good. The Morikofers greeted us at the reception and we spent some time at the hall before proceeding further. Now comes the fun and the interesting part!

We proceeded to the bar. This was the second time I was in a bar, but not for drinking as usual. Star Cricket TV channel was chosen and Sachin Tendulkar was getting ready to bat. This was a repeat tele-cast of a match that took place in yesteryears. The Morikofers were dressed up in formals. They were very much interested in having Sula-Indian brand but it wasn’t available. Looks like within 60 years of Independence India has set a benchmark in everything? Since sula wasn’t available, they had Irish creamy liquor along with Poochi, while I got busy with Coffee. I was amused on seeing the menu card. The price of Coffee was only Rs.120. Compared to the Pondicherry rate of Rs.150. I feel this is cheap. Lay’s Potato Wafers and Groundnuts were served. Cheers to the “INDIAN RAILWAYS” said Oskar. I like Oskar very much for his love for Indian people and Indian Railways. Oskar has been in India for the past 20 days and has seen various places in Southern India that includes Kovalam, Munnar, Ooty, Madurai, Chennai, and Bangalore.



Then I had Tea. Sore-Throat! I remembered Goundamani’s dialogue of 5-star hotels. “Verum sorum, sudu thanniyum koduppanga, naama pongi pongi thinganuma. Ada enna da unga 5-star hotelllu”. I believed that Rs.1000 I bought from the ATM was enough. I had my own doubts too! I just believed that Poochi would save the day!

As Poochi, Clara and the Morikofers continued to talk of Indian Railways, I glanced around. I could see a beautiful girl in charge of bar. I felt bad for her. Why was she working here? Family problems? Financial problems? She had a fake smile while greeting me and Poochi. I saw some sadness behind those eyes. She has failed to hide her sadness. The maximum I could do is to pray for her success in her life! She was in a uniform with knee long skirts and she had little of lipsticks and powder on her face. That surprised me! I believed that she would have been more beautiful if she had been without those artificial cosmetics. I guess she was surprised in seeing me just having coffee and tea with groundnuts inside the bar instead of liquor. I guess that she would be doing her part-time education while working in the resort. After reading these lines many would think that I am a porikki looking at girls. There are a few people who look with lust in their eyes. There are a few who look with love and appreciate beauty with respect. You decide to which category I belong to……



We then proceeded to the Sea-side Restaurant. Wharf! That was the name. It was situated close to the sea. We started off with soup. Poochi and I had Broccoli and Cheddar soup while the Morikofers went for the “catch of the day”. Spaghetti with Pesto sauce, Smoke Salmons for Poochi, Broccoli Veg Kebab for me along with some Fried Rice. Naan with Dal Makhani was ordered for everyone. I thought Paneer Butter Masala would have been a better choice, The Morikofers called the sabji’s as paste and not side-dish. That amused me slightly. Later I did a bit of research and found out what terms like Broccoli and Cheddar meant. Broccoli is a plant of cabbage family Brassicaceae. Cheddar was actually a village in the Somerset, United Kingdom. The cheese originated there and it is quite popular in Australia, United States.

After a long time, I found myself using forks to eat food. I liked the table mannerism. I was impressed with the decorations. I was having sore-throat and the soup was comforting. Poochi enjoyed salmons but by the time he started with Spaghetti his stomach was full. He asked the bearer to parcel the Spaghetti. So he didn’t go for desserts and I had sore-throat and I wasn’t interested in having anything chill. As Mr. Morikofer had tea, I apologized to him for not having Champagne and seafood. I explained to him that I was a teetotaler and a vegetarian. He seemed to be impressed and happy.

Overall, it was great to be with Oskar and of course Poochi. I felt happy that I have represented my country well. If I hadn’t got that nasty sore-throat things would have been even better. It took roughly 45 minutes to return from Mahablipuram to Adyar. The car was Indigo. I believe that one of my friends Gowri has got the same car model. Driver Ramesh drove at 90kph consistently. I was back home by 2345hrs.

-Krishna Kumar.S
Article typed on February 14th, 2009 but posted only on April 13th, 2009.
Since my visit was in the evening, it was already dusk and I didn't take any photos. All photos used in this webpage were taken through Google Images.

Visiting Vijayawada[Blazewada] by Janshatabdi

Jayakar and Ramachandra greets the Chennai gang at Vijayawada Railway Station. L-R:-Jayakar Sankara, Ramachandra, Poochi Venkat, Junior KK(myself), Sriram Karthik, Sr.KK. Pic taken by Vimalakar.



15th March 2009.

The run-up for the trip to Vijayawada was a tough task. It started a month back with polls conducted for fixing the dates/destinations. The purpose of visit was different. It was to simply travel UP and DOWN in the same train to enjoy the spirit of rail fanning in Indian Railways. 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. Vijayawada means "The Place of Victory". Vijayawada is regarded as the 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. The city is in Krishna District, about 275km from the state capital Hyderabad.


Poochi and Sr.KK posing. Onboard 2077. They sat in the same seats for the return journey too.

I came from work at midnight 12. I browsed the system for a few hours. I generally sleep at 0400hrs. It was difficult to change the pattern which I had followed for many months. I went to bed at 0230hrs and got up at 0430hrs. I was in a dilemma whether to go by bus or MRTS. I walked into KB Nagar station and found out that on Sundays, trains don’t run in the early morning hours. I went to Madhya Kailas and thought of boarding a bus to Saidapet and then catching an EMU to Park or else catch a 19G directly to Central. As I boarded 5E, I saw a 19G coming in the distance. I thought of switching bus at Saidapet, but 19G overtook my bus near Anna University. Just miss! I got down at Saidapet and boarded an EMU to Park. I was at MAS at 0610hrs. I met Poochi at 0615hrs. He was wearing a black t-shirt with the IRFCA logo. My friends Vimal, Sr.KK and Sriram arrived quite early too. WAM-4#20618 from Itarsi was our power. I was slightly disappointed because I expected a WAP-4. This WAM-4 had rear view mirrors. Though I am not a big fan of WAP’s, I still love them in action. Nagaraj and family arrived at 0655hrs. I was slightly tensed and worried as they were quite late. We should appreciate Nagaraj for his efforts. Perhaps, this was the first time; I saw a family joining MAS gang for RF.


Sriram Karthik poses for a snap. Note the handsome youth in the blue shirt.

We started at 0705hrs. At Korrukkupet, TN Express crossed us at high speed with honks! I was amazed at the power. Sr.KK proudly said, “Our drivers!” We crossed Anuppambattu at around 80kph! I settled with my MP3 player in my mobile, listening to my own favorite music’s! No prize for the guesses it was the Back Street Boys! I had downloaded a couple of new songs from Youtube and put them in mobile. I settled in my aisle seat listening to music floating in my own world (something I do often). We had one extra seat and it wasn’t booked I believe. We managed to keep control of it throughout the trip and kept our luggages on it. If anyone asked I just said that the person has gone to the restroom. That imaginary person was in the restroom for 7 hours!



Nishant kutti-youngest railfan in IRFCA.

We were running late initially. We were trailing behind EMU’s. Gummidipondi has improved a lot in recent years and has become an industrial town. I guess even the MTC operates regular bus services to Gummidipondi. Updating my friends on my travels through SMS has become one of favorite hobbies and is very much appreciated and liked by even non-travel fans in my phone list. After my train crossed Arambakkam, my friend Aravind helped me in passing messages as in roaming it would cost a lot for me. Arambakkam is the northern most railway station in Tamilnadu. 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. My Jan Shatabdi Express was doing good speed. The climate was excellent! It was cloudy and had a bit of moisture here and there. Poochi Venkat and Sr.KK said that we were lucky to have a good weather.


Senior Krishna Kumar doorplates the 2077 JS.

We arrived at Sullurpeta at 0830hrs. This brought back memories of 2007 in which I had idlis and dosais at a hotel near the tracks before heading towards Sri Hari Kota for an Industrial Visit. Sullurpeta is also known as ‘Rocket Town’. I was standing at the door for a few kilometers. Track sounds were excellent. Dhadhak! Dhadhak! Trees, rice fields, passed in a jiffy! I went back in time. Some sweet memories, some tragedies. My heart was filled with powerful emotions. Don’t ask me why! I won’t tell. My silence, sadness, reason for joy is best understood by these iron horses and the person who is going to come in a horse. We reached Gudur 10 minutes early! As my train entered SCR, there were jerks and shakes in coaches slightly. It was time to have something spicy. Sr.KK, Sriram, Vimal and I had some samosas. It had a lot of salt in Sr.KK’s opinion. It wasn’t that tasty in my view. I went to the door and I could see a dog standing there. It was gasping for breath and looked at me with eagerness. Sometimes I am alone. Lots of feelings to share. No one around to care. I don’t mind sharing my samosa with the dog. My friendship with animals began many years ago during the early days of schoolhood.



Railfan in action!

At this point, I would like to tell you something. My house is a bit old and the backyard is a natural haven for animals like Monkeys, cats, squirrels and dogs. Dogs and cats often lived as families in the terrace during the 1980’s and 1990’s. During childhood I played all alone. I use to play with tennis balls by hitting them on the walls in an angle and when it rebounds I use to catch it before it crosses an imaginary boundary rope. I use to tie up tennis ball in a rope and hit them with bat. It was during those days, a female dog gave birth to 6 puppies beneath the car in the car shed. The pups were of different colors. Black spots, black and white, pure white. One fine day, when everyone was asleep in my house I went to the car shed. The mother dog had gone to have food. The puppies were asleep. I quickly took one of them and silently crept upstairs. I kept it under the tank. I had a thought of bringing it up on my own as my own friend. I quickly went down to grab some food for my nameless friend. To my horror, I saw that the mother dog has returned and was sitting beneath the car. But she hasn’t realized what had happened. I went and grabbed some Milki-Biki’s and gave it to the pup. The pup gratefully accepted it and wagged its tail in gratitude. Then I felt sad. It’s my fate that I am destined to be born alone. Why should people around me suffer the same?

The next day when the mother dog had gone out, I took the puppy in my hands and came down the stairs to put it back with its brothers and sisters. To my horror, I saw my father and mother standing in the entrance. They had counted the puppies and they had found one missing. They feared that one of them would have fallen in the drainage or in the marsh. Seeing the pup in my hand, my parents were upset. I received a lot of scoldings that day evening. Days went by! The pups grew up and started moving out of my house. One dog alone stayed back! It was the dog to which I gave biscuits. True to the meaning of loyalty, the dog stayed back and lived in the car shed for good. During my evening walks, morning walks, shop visits, the dog accompanied me. The good old watchman of the nearby flat arranged for its vaccination. The dog was named ‘Timmy’ but that name was rarely used and the dog was nameless throughout its life. Timmy’s son was Tommy. Tommy’s son is Damien-my present dog. I learnt the meaning of loyalty and gratitude from dogs. Later on, I adopted a few kittens and I developed a love for all animals gradually an affection developed towards all living beings.


Tallest signal post in MAS-BZA section? The train was going slow and I managed to pull out my mobile to take this snap.

WAM-4#20618 honked! I came out from trance, back to my own world. My train was entering Nellore at 0949hrs. WAP-4#22511 was hauling 2711 BZA-MAS Pinakini Express and was entering Nellore. We had an unscheduled halt at Bitragunta. We reached Kavali at 10.33AM. Father of Andhra Pradesh Potti Sri Ramalu was from Kavali! Kavali in Telugu means “Patrol”. Let me give you some facts as I type the report! My train maintained time and good speed throughout the run. Tanguturu station was passed at high speed with dusts flying all around. Typical characteristic of aggressive driving! Prakasam Pantalu was from Tanguturu and was the first CM of the Madras Presidency; however when India got independence the Presidency was dissolved later. Great people come from villages. How true it is! He was regarded as the Andhra Kesari (Kesari meaning lion).



Tanguturu Prakasam Pantalu, Portrait in the Parliament House.

We reached Ongole at 11.22hrs! As my train entered into Ongole, I had a glance at the town. I could see women in sarees, men in dhotis and kids playing with tyres. Dogs, Buffaloes, cows were also seen. And by the way, Ongole is famous for Ongole breed of Oxen. The Ongole oxen have a distinct large hump over the top of the shoulder and neck. They have long legs which help them to walk in water and when grazing. These oxen can adapt to all except very cold climates. They are very resistant to high temperatures and have natural resistance to various parasites and diseases. Brazil is the largest breeder of these oxen. These have shortest ears of most Bos indicus types.



The history of Ongole goes back to the era of the Mauryas, and Satavahanas who ruled most of present day Andhra Pradesh. A few inscriptions dating to the Satavahana period were found in a village called Chinna Ganjam, near Ongole. Ongole is one of the major centres for tobacco trading in Andhra Pradesh. It is a bustling beehive of commercial activity with dairy products, cigars, cereals, pulses, groundnut and pepper being exported to all corners of the country.
We arrived at Chirala at 12.02hrs. Chirala was earlier known as Kshirapuri. Even before the Industrial revolution took place in the west, the rural artisan weaver of this Chirala had done marvelous work of producing 7 yards of sari in a match box. This is only an example numerous talents hidden in the villages of India. It speaks of the highest excellence in the art of weaving, unmatched skill and talent of handloom weavers the yesteryears of India. WAP-4#22670 was seen hauling Coromandel Express just as we entered Chirala.
Here and there I could felt some jerks and shakes similar to meter gauge trains. Possibly, due to loose soil in the coromandel coast of India. We passed Bhavpuri, presently known as Bapatla at a normal speed. Suryalanka beach a picnic spot is just 5km away from the Bapatla station. I doorplated for sometime. Poochi called out that the cutlets were being served and I immediately rushed to my seat to have cutlets. Cutlets were served with tomato sauce. We reached Tenali-“The Paris of Andhra” at 12.49. Both UP and DOWN Janma Boomi Expresses were seen at Tenali Jn. WAP-4 and WDP-4 was seen. Later Sr.KK explained to me that WAP-4 and WDP-4 change trains at Tenali. Both UP and DOWN Janma Boomi Expresses meet at Tenali to change their respective locos.


Potti Sriramalu was born in Kavali. He is regarded as the Father of Andhra Pradesh.

Poochi predicted that we would reach before time. WAM-4 did a good job. We passed through small stations like Duggirala, Chiluvur, and Krishna Canal in a jiffy! During my researches later, I found out that Duggirala was famous for Turmeric and Chiluvur was the first Internet Village in Andhra Pradesh, in which the AP Government took various measures involving High-Technology to improve the village with high technology and its literacy rate. We arrived at BZA at 0117hrs, 17 minutes before time. I could see Adilabad-Tirupati Krishna Express waiting at BZA with WAP-4#22766.
We were greeted at BZA by Jayakar Sankara and Ramachandra. We ordered for North Indian and South Indian meals with Nishant kutti opting for Paratha. Basmati Rice with Dal, Two chapattis and kurma was served. I thought that I should have had some naan and paneer butter masala. But I erased the thought since Naan and stuffs are available in a hotel near to my house itself. Jayakar gave a Bar one chocolate to everyone. I kept this as a souvenir for a day but ate it the next day!


Scenic route! MAS-BZA.

We slowly walked our way back to the last platform. WAM-4#20618 was ready to haul us back. We had the same coaches and the same seat number! Only two seats differed. Sr.KK, Poochi and few of us sat in the same seats but faced towards the engine this time. The pantry staffs were surprised and puzzled to see the entire group in the same seats. This incident happened even during my last BZA trip with Ashwanth and Co. After giving a long thought, I decided to have Matka Kulfi. I take caution while taking anything chill as I don’t want my throat to get affected at any cost. We were slightly late till Ongole I guess. However, we reached MAS on time thanks to some real monstrous driving!


2077 passing through Chinnaganjam. Note the climate in the background.

Unlike the run on 2077, I door plated in the return journey for a long time. I didn’t want to miss the scenery. There are a few hurtful moments in life. There are some good moments in life. I heal my wounds during the train journey! As I stand near the door or as I gaze through the window I recollect the disturbing events. Dhadhak! Dhadhak! Praaang! Heavenly music! It’s like water gushing over arid land. I sat at the door and enjoyed the run and the speed. Each time when we approached a station or a halt, I use to get back to the seat to protect it. A couple of years back, I had a funny habit! I use to put handkerchiefs on seats to catch reserve them! I might have got this habit while catching 21 L during my college days.
For some time Vimal and myself doorplated. WAG-7 came at 100kph hauling a train near Tettu towards BZA. The train wasn’t that long and I believe that it was a passenger. It was followed by WAP-4#22306 which hauled an 8 coach train. This was the moment of the trip. The weather had turned slightly cold (not that cold but still cold) and cloudy. There was a huge gap between the two tracks and tall grasses were seen all over the area. I saw 22306 with the rake amidst the tall grass. For sometime, it looked as if the train was going on top of the grasses. The entire atmosphere was gloomy and cold breeze hit my face hard. After sometime, WAP-4 hauled an express train towards BZA. As we crossed Kavali, Pinakini entered into the station with WAP-4#22589 at its helm. Majestic entry! Our LP’s did a good job in making up for the lost time. We were late by at least 15 or 20 minutes as per Sr.KK but we reached MAS 2 minutes early.


2077 passing through Stuvartpuram at a moderate speed.

Then we were in for a problem. As a result of a clerical mistake on my part there was an error in the ticket. Instead of selecting female in the drop down box I had selected as male. The TTE caught hold of it and was talking of rules. I was standing at the door when all this was happening. I was called and I examined the ticket myself. I couldn’t believe that I had committed a silly mistake. But I felt that it could be excused. But I felt the TTE was talking too much. I knew that I was in the wrong side of the law, but I thought that this guy could have ignored it. There are many tickets less guys in trains, rogues and people creating nuisance and harassment. Those guys are running loose but they would catch only me? I didn’t want to pass on any comments on him as he is also a fellow human being like me. And also the mistake was on my part. Vimal showed up the ticket of 2077 and indicated that the previous ticket was fine and only this one had an error. The TTE was talking of penalty, squad and went away murmuring. I told to Sr.KK that I would pay the penalty and take charge of everything if the squad comes.


2077 passes a small station.

After a while, I realized that I had just talked rubbish! Thank God, Sr.KK, Poochi nor Vimal took it seriously. Though I said those words just to dissolve the problem, it might look as if I am cutting people short from speaking. I later apologized to Poochi and Sr.KK. I was happy that they had understood my words in the right sense! I am sure if it was someone they would have taken this in a different sense! The word “I” is a dangerous word! For the past few months, I am trying to cultivate the habit of not reacting to circumstances. I need to work on this again! In one sense, I was happy that a Government official is so sincere in his duties. Overall, it was a different experience.


2077 blasting through Uppugunduru.

Though this incident was a petty one, there are a few lessons to be learnt. I booked the 2078 ticket on a separate day as it was already 2245hrs by the time I had finished with 2077. After trying at least 8 times I managed to book tickets for the return journey. It showed that the “Page cannot be displayed” and I got irritated slightly. That would have led to this error.


Fairy Queen in BZA.

I could observe that southern Andhra Pradesh wasn’t that much modern or technically advanced. I noticed that Agriculture is the main occupation in these regions. I believed that handloom, weaving was also equally important in these areas. That’s the reason why the entire area looks green and fertile. Most of all, it looks beautiful. Sometimes, I use to think that I should buy a plot near Kavaraipettai or Nellore and watch trains. Or even settle in some villages after a couple of decades. I don’t know whether those things would be possible or not, but no harm in sharing thoughts! Though I have done this route twice I thought of doing this route again in a Sleeper Class Day train possibly in Andaman or Navjeevan or Coromandel. Due to Jan Shatabdi’s abnormal windows and seat arrangements I couldn’t enjoy much. I admit that!


Another view of the steam loco.

We reached Gudur at 1845hrs. I called up Ramkarthik and had a small chat. After Gudur, I had a small nap for 40 minutes. Once I entered back in TN, as usual I sent a message to everyone as if I had achieved something great in life! I take pride in small things! I enjoy doing things! We were running quite early. As Sr.KK predicted after Ennore we had a tough time. We were stopping at many signals. The fun came at Korukkupet LC. The LC was closed and we saw a Santro car standing inside. How could that be forgiven?


Entrance to BZA Jn.

After reaching MAS, Sr.KK went to Saravana Bhavan for dinner. Vimal went towards Park to catch an EMU towards PZA. Sriram left in a bus to Royappetta wheareas Poochi and I boarded 21 till Luz and then changed to 29 C. I got down at Adyar signal and walked all the way to my house! I felt the power of the iron horses for another time! The world will soon feel the power of The Person who is going to come in horse.

-Krishna Kumar.S

Lord Parashuram-The warrior sage

Lord Parashuram, the warrior sage.

Lord Parashuram was the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Parashuram was a revolutionary Brahmin sage who exhibited the qualities of a Brahmin as well as a Kshatriya. Parashuram was the grandson of Bhrugu Rishi. Bhrugu’s son Rucheek married Satyavati. Satyavati approached Bhrugu for a boon. As per that, she asked a child for herself and her mother. Satyavati was married to a Brahmin but her mother was married to a Kshatriya. As per that their sons would have the respective qualities of Brahmin and Kshatriya. But Satyavati followed rituals of her mother and her mother followed the rituals of Satyavati. This led to confusion. Satyavati pleaded with Bhrugu Rishi and asked her that this shouldn’t affect her son (Jamadagni), but would affect her grandson (Parashuram). Jamadagni had the qualities of Brahmin. Jamadagni married Renuka and they had four children’s. Their last child was Parashuram. When Kshatriya’s grew adamant, Mother Earth approached Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu descended to Earth as Parashuram.

Parashuram was believed to be an Avesha Avatar. It is believed that after fulfilling the purpose of Avatars, Lord Vishnu left the body of Parashuram and Parashuram lived as a normal human being thereafter. Parashuram was highly dedicated to his parents and extremely obedient. His courage, warfare tactics, valor denoted his character as Kshatriya. He knew the Vedas and underwent extreme penance to get various boons. Though He was an avatar of Lord Vishnu, Vishnu never exhibited his true powers, but instead lived a simple, ascetic life and set an example for the humans. If there is something good in anything, it should be followed and accepted. Let it be Christianity or Islam.


Lord Parashuram, a brahmin, an ascetic, a sage.

Jamadagni prayed to Lord Brahma and got a boon. Since he was living in poverty, he asked Brahma to grant food. Lord Brahma gave a cow called “Kamadhenu” which would give unlimited food and dish. Meanwhile, Parashuram underwent severe penance praying to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva presented him an axe, “Parashu”. His name was Ram, but since then he became to be known as Parashuram, The Ram with Axe. Once King Kartivir Arjuna visited Parashuram’s ashram. He is believed to have 1000 hands. Jamadagni fed the entire army and the King with the help of the cow. Kartivir Arjuna was a greedy person and he demanded Jamadagni to give the cow in exchange for gold. Jamadagni refused as the cow was presented to him by Brahma himself. Kartivir Arjuna forcibly took the cow and devastated the Ashram. Parashuram was away from the Ashram at this time. When he returned and saw the mess, he grew extremely angry. Parashuram went to the kingdom and killed Kartivir Arjuna and his thousand hands and retrieved the cow.

Once Parashuram’s mother Renuka went to the pond for a bath. At that time, she saw a handsome youth. Though she was married, she desired for the youth. Jamadagni came to know of this and got extremely furious. He commanded his elder sons to behead their mom for having lost her purity of thoughts. The sons refused as it was their mother. In the end, Jamadagni asked Parashuram to kill all his brothers and his mother. Without any second thought, Parashuram obeyed his father’s orders and killed them. Jamadagni was extremely pleased with his son’s dedication and asked him what he wants in favour. Parashuram asked the lives of his brothers and his mothers. Jamadagni was amazed at Parashuram’s dedication and love for his siblings and parents. He granted his wish and Parashuram got his brothers and mother back alive.


A portrait of Parashuram.

Meanwhile, the sons of Kartivir Arjuna were plotting revenge. Though Parashuram was their target, they wanted to kill Jamadagni, his father and make Parashuram realize the pain of being without his father. Since Parashuram had killed Kartivir Arjuna, a king he has done a sin. So he went on a pilgrimage to cleanse his sins. When he returned back he saw that his father has been killed by the evil Kshatriyas. His mother hit her chest 21 times and explained what had happened. This enraged Parashuram so much that he destroyed 21 generations of Kshatriyas and wiped out all evil monarchs and replaced righteousness and Dharma. Parashuram dedicated his entire life for the safety of Brahmins and sages fighting against all evil Kings. Parashuram was a brahmachari, an ascetic and a Chiranjeevin.

Parashuram is a popular God in Kerala. It is believed that he fought the advancing waters and saved the land, which is now called as Kerala. Parashuram built many temples dedicated to various Gods, Goddess and restored spiritual interests amongst people.


Parashuram.

Parashuram in Epics

Ramayana

Parashuram was a devotee of Shiva. Lord Vishnu incarnated as Ram in a Kshatriya family. He was to marry Sita. During the betrothal ceremony the suitors were to lift the bow and string it. Only Lord Ram was able to do it and in the process broke the bow into two producing a tremendous noise which reached the ears of Parashuram. Parashuram arrived at the scene. Vasishta Brahmarishi requested the Kshatriyas not to confront the sage. But Sita Devi approached the sage and seeked his blessings. Parashuram blessed her by saying, “Sow Bhagyavathi”. Then he turned towards Ram. He instantly recognized Ram as an avatar of Lord Vishnu and his superior. He couldn’t fight with Ram as he has just blessed Sita Devi.





Mahabharatha

Parashuram hated the Kshatriyas. He taught warfare only to Brahmins and not to Kshatriyas. For the sake of Duryodhana, Karna disguised himself as a Brahmin and learnt warfare and even to handle the greatest weapon the Brahmastara. Once Parashuram was sleeping on Karnan’s lap. At that time, a bee stung Karna. Karna didn’t move fearing that it might disturb his teacher’s sleep, so he withstood the pain. The blood came oozing out and the wetness of blood awoke Parashuram. Parashuram was shocked to see the blood. He inquired about the incident. Parashuram felt that only a Kshatriya could have withstood such a great pain and felt that Karnan could be Kshatriya. Karnan accepted the truth and apologized. Parashuram cursed Karnan saying that Brahmastara weapon would never be useful to him when it matters the most! Later on, Karnan is killed by Arjuna under the guidance of Lord Krishna who is none other Vishnu himself.

Of all avatars, Lord Krishna and Ram are the most popular ones. But there is a meaning in each and every other avatar too. Bhagwan Vishnu’s kindness, love for his devotees is felt when he comes to help his devotees in times of need and danger. Parashuram avatar has impressed me for many reasons. Parushuram’s love and affection for his parents, his courage, valour and warfare despite being a Brahmin has impressed me. Generally, Brahmins are highly noted for softness, innocence. As a result of which they are also often ridiculed for their rituals and practices. At one point it is said that Brahmins discriminated people and lower caste people by not allowing them into their houses and temples. Maybe true! A few people would have behaved like that. It is wrong. But is it right to ransack Agraharam and their houses and loot their property? Raping young Brahmin girls, women, cutting the hairs of Brahmins and their sacred thread? I believe there is a difference between humans and animals.

One of my friend told that there was a book published with the title, “Towards a No-Brahmin Millennium”. Just think if there was a book released in the name of “Towards a Non-Islamic Millennium”, just think what would have happened. Brahmins are so helpless that they are afraid even to fight for their basic rights. It’s not that a Religion is bad and other is good. Religions are a path to attain salvation. There are a few things in this world which cannot be reasoned and explained like how teachers teach pupils. Few things should be learnt through self-realization.

There has been a lot of criticism on the sacred thread the Brahmins use to wear after their Upanayanam. Each Religion has got its own principles and each set of people deserve some degree of freedom. Generally, everyone views India as a traditional Hindu country. But I view India as a land belonging to all people and all religions. India’s fate is to be diverse and unified and that it would be so with the blessings of God. There are even Muslims, Christians and Parsis living in India. That’s a good sign. As I told earlier, every Religion has got its own principles. India belongs to all Religions and everyone. The preamble of India defines India as a secular, socialist, sovereign, democratic Republic.

In Islam, circumcision is practiced in which during the neonatal period foreskin of the penis is removed. My view is that it should be painful. But that’s what Islam says. It is against Human Rights violations in one point of view as generally it is performed on a minor. As per Indian law, only a person above the age of 18 is considered is a major and can be independent. What does the Union Government have to say on this practice done on minors? But did anyone dare to raise that question?

While I was walking down the streets of Adyar there was a CD shop. I went into it and purchased a few classic comedies of Vivek and Goudamani. I was shocked to see porn VCD’s available and a boy aged 15 was purchasing at least 5 of them. 15 year old is a minor. He is having free access to pornography in this traditional country. The girls acting in such porn movies are below the age of 18 and they are forced to act by giving sedations, tablets. Most movies are taken without their consent. If Government has got time to give Royal permits to such shops, why can’t they permit Brahmins to wear a simple thread and a kudimi (sikam)?

During the days of British Raj and after Independence, Brahmins generally took up posts as Priests and clerks in Government offices. Due to reservations/quotas, generally Brahmins were never allowed to climb the ladder in their career. Most of them took up Bank jobs doing CA, PUC. After sometime, they were slowly removed even from temple duties. All temple in charges appointed in all main temples in Tamilnadu are not Brahmins. Tamilnadu is the only state in the entire Republic of India in which the State Government has taken drastic actions on a community which is widely accepted for temple duties.

There has been a lot of criticism on Lord Ram, mythological stories; religious practice where a common lay man demands an explanation on the Engineering Degree of Lord Ram. In Mathematics, there is a concept called Axiom. It is statement which is not proven conclusively but it is believed to be self-evident and serves as a starting point for deducing and inferring other units. In Mathematics there is also a concept called Theorem which requires proofs and illustrations. Theorems are created by humans, Axioms are never created as they exist and they will continue to exist in life. They need to be discovered and not invented like Theorems! Axioms and Theorems constitute Geometry. Likewise, religious practices and rituals are like Theorems. Few needs to be proved and few are self-proven like Axioms and they can be understood only through self-realization. There are basic Axioms of life which serves as a base for Religions (Theorems). Love, non-violence, care, respect, understanding, patience are the basic Axioms of life. All theorems (Religions) are written on the above aspects. These constitute life. This is the Geometry of life. People might wonder why the need for Theorems (Religions) when Axioms (Love, respect) hold well? The answer comes here: Life is not a straight line and few problems can be solved only through with the help of Theorems.

India is destined to live as a Union of Religions, cultures, and traditions. India deserves a first world status for its unique lifestyle and people. There would be Churches for Christians, Mosques for Islam, Temples for Hindu’s, Fire-temples for Parsis. There is no pride in living as a separate state, but the real achievement is to live as a Union. All men, women and children are to be treated equal. There would be no abuse, human rights violations, rapes, forced prostitution, theft or robbery. After all, we are all humans and towards the end of the day, we should say to ourselves, “We did something good to someone” or at least we should say, “I am happy that I didn’t harm anyone today”. Living in India is all about accepting the similarities and respecting the differences.

-Krishna Kumar.S