snaps of Kerala trip ...

Very good one......

at Netaji Bose park, ekm, Dada and mom cemetery, at babuchayan's house and kids on Aleppey beach..

driiving was great..

ge..

Why is 2008 considered to be an eventful year compared to earlier years ??

Can we forget Bjindra's gold, Chandraayan or 123 agreement ?? Here is a compilation of some of the major events in the political, economic and sports arena in India and the world which I felt have motivated or have had lasting impact on the world as of now or on future events to come .

Political

1. Al-QaedaLashkar-e-Taiba - gets more violent, the Mumbai blasts and terrorists killing and holding hostages at major points in Mumbai like CST, Hotel Taj, Hotel Trident, Chabad House, Cama Hospital etc.. has been shocking.
2. The 123 Nuclear agreement with US was a land mark deal.
3. Obama becomes the first non-white man to be elected as the President of US

Science and Technology :

1. ISRO's Chandraayan reaches moon ..

Economic -

1. The sub-prime crisis in US rattles economies and share markets all over the world.
2. Madoff dupes investors of $ 50 billions
3. The rise and fall of oil prices - from $157 to $ 45


Sports :

1. China holds one of the most extravagant and exciting Olympics of all time in Beijing....
2. Phelps breaks Mark Spitzs' record of seve golds by getting 8 golds in an Olympics.
3. Husain Bolt of Jamaica becomes the fastest man on earth running 100 m in 9.69 sec.
4. Vish Anand becomes the World Champion in Chess for the third time, getting i the league of Garry Kasporov, Bobby Fisher ...
5. Abhinav Bhindra gets the first gold in Rifle shooting for India at the Olympics.

Why is Israeli onslaught not being contained ??

An elected representative of the Palestinians in Gaza strip, the Hamas, even though everybody agrees is a terrorist group, should not be pounded as heavily by the Israelis armed forces as is happening now...  With 40 air strikes aimed at Hamas installations, 360 dead (50 civilians) and over a thousand injured, the call for revenge of these killngs is getting sharper day by day. 

Maybe for the Israelis, the patience is running out suffering Hamas' missile attacks into Israeli territory.

With Israeli PM saying this is just the beginning, it is not known whether these attacks are for the electoral benefits for Israeli ruling party ..

The cycle of violence and revenge is just continuing with no end..

Australian arrogance on and off field over !!

With South Africa beating Australia by 9 wickets in the second test match in Australia and having clinched the series the Aussies have learnt the hard leson. Arrogance and sledging does not always pay off on and off the field.

There are others who are better thn them and someday, they will have to bite the dust..

After a pathetic bashing from India to receive the same harsh and cruel treatment from South Africa was to much the Aussies could digest..

Maybe it is a lesson or two for Ponting the Aussie captain ..

Sister Abhaya case - shocking revelations ..

http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/30/stories/2008123050250100.htm

The shocking revelations of the famed Sister Abhaya case unfolding day by day makes one think whether marriage of priests is a panacea for such evils ?? If we were to believe the CBI, these reports are very disturbing ..

Sexual gratification is a natural instinct across homosapiens. The only issue is when it overlaps established customs and beliefs .. 

In the Orthodox church and some protestant churches, priests can marry, but they do not become high priests/ bishops etc.. Over the years that has been found to be the perfect solution to such abuses. 

Let marriage be an option and let us not force celibacy among spiritual practitioners.

The nuns having to decide on celibacy very early in life is also a troubling question.

In any case, it has to be left to the individual at a mature age to decide whether to take celibacy or not than to face such humiliating instances..

ge..

Bernie Madoff, the con of the century ..

The Con of the century - that is how the Economist, 2 Jan 09, has called Bernard Madoff, the former Chairman of NasDaq, who was running the biggest pyramid scheme (new customers paying off old..) in the history of mankind, the biggest ponzi ( chitti) scheme .

The old depositors were given a min of 10 % returns during times, thick and thin by using the money of the new depositors to pay them off. He was  a very respectful person and many of the fund managers never bothered to check his credentials and investigate the allegations and silent way in which he run the biggest fraud in the history of mankind on the people of the United States. He has not only slapped them on their faces, he has given the present Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (like our SEBI) sleepless nights and Mr Cox will be losing his job soon.

Occasionally Madoff used to eject some customers who asked inconvenient questions regarding where and how the funds were being invested and occasionally he also rejected new applicants and their money to give a sense of respectability to this fraud on the poor, rich, dumb, ignorant depositors .. 

Respectable Madoff is 50 Harshad Mehtas in one, having duped customers of $ 50 billion, app Rs.2,50,000 crore of rupees. ( just to give the magnitude of fraud by this high society, sophisticated fraudster)

The list of the duped include Steven Spelberg, HSBC Bank and scores of others....

The low levels to which corporate financial governance can slip to !!!!

ge..

Reji at MGOCSM centenary..

Reji Mathew, 81-86, CET, civil was at Parumala..

Some memories they never end ....

ge..

100 years and still going strong .. MGOCSM centenary at Parumala, Kerala ..

1908 to 2008, is indeed a great journey !!

The oldest and the biggest students' spiritual movement in the country. Mar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Students Movement (MGOCSM) is celebrating its centenary at Parumala Church from 26 to 31 Dec 2008.

Here is a snap of one sesion which I had the good luck to attend. HE Justice Benjamin Koshy, Acting Chief Justice  of Kerala High Court accepting felicitations on being elevated to the post of Chief Justice of Bihar HC from 10 Jan.

Metropolitans HG Mar Coorilose (Bombay) , Mar Pachomios (Mavelikara), Mar Theophilos (Malabar) are on the dais from left to right. 

The Conference will be blessed by the Patriarch of Ethiopia HH Abuna Paulose on 31 Dec 08..

a view of the stage of Centum Gratia  at Parumala Kerala, India ..

Xmas message frim Ahmedinejad, President of Iran ..

Very difficult to believe as this is coming from Iran ...
Has not the Arab world also contributed to the global economic crisis by manipulating the supply and price of oil all over the world for the past thirty five years ??

Ahmadinejad congratulates Abrahamic faiths on birth of Jesus The full
text of a Christmas message from Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

"In the Name of God the Compassionate, the Merciful.
"Upon the anniversary of the birth of Jesus, Son of Mary, the Word of
God, the Messenger of mercy, I would like to congratulate the
followers of Abrahamic faiths, especially the followers of Jesus
Christ, and the people of Britain.
"The Almighty created the universe for human beings and human beings
for Himself.
"He created every human being with the ability to reach the heights of
perfection. He called on man to make every effort to live a good life
in this world and to work to achieve his everlasting life.
"On this difficult and challenging journey of man from dust to the
divine, He did not leave humanity to its own devices. He chose from
those He created the most excellent as His Prophets to guide humanity.
"All Prophets called for the worship of God, for love and brotherhood,
for the establishment of justice and for love in human society. Jesus,
the Son of Mary, is the standard-bearer of justice, of love for our
fellow human beings, of the fight against tyranny, discrimination and
injustice.
"All the problems that have bedevilled humanity throughout the ages
came about because humanity followed an evil path and disregarded the
message of the Prophets.
"Now as human society faces a myriad of problems and a succession of
complex crises, the root causes can be found in humanity's rejection
of that message, in particular the indifference of some governments
and powers towards the teachings of the divine Prophets, especially
those of Jesus Christ.
"The crises in society, the family, morality, politics, security and
the economy which have made life hard for humanity and continue to put
great pressure on all nations have come about because the Prophets
have been forgotten, the Almighty has been forgotten and some leaders
are estranged from God.
"If Christ were on earth today, undoubtedly He would stand with the
people in opposition to bullying, ill-tempered and expansionist
powers.
"If Christ were on earth today, undoubtedly He would hoist the banner
of justice and love for humanity to oppose warmongers, occupiers,
terrorists and bullies the world over.
"If Christ were on earth today, undoubtedly He would fight against the
tyrannical policies of prevailing global economic and political
systems, as He did in His lifetime.
"The solution to today's problems is a return to the call of the
divine Prophets. The solution to these crises is to follow the
Prophets - they were sent by the Almighty for the good of humanity.
"Today, the general will of nations is calling for fundamental change.
This is now taking place. Demands for change, demands for
transformation, demands for a return to human values are fast becoming
the foremost demands of the nations of the world.
"The response to these demands must be real and true. The prerequisite
to this change is a change in goals, intentions and directions. If
tyrannical goals are repackaged in an attractive and deceptive package
and imposed on nations again, the people, awakened, will stand up
against them.
"Fortunately, today, as crises and despair multiply, a wave of hope is
gathering momentum. Hope for a brighter future and hope for the
establishment of justice, hope for real peace, hope for finding
virtuous and pious rulers who love the people and want to serve them –
and this is what the Almighty has promised.
"We believe Jesus Christ will return, together with one of the
children of the revered Messenger of Islam and will lead the world to
love, brotherhood and justice.
"The responsibility of all followers of Christ and Abrahamic faiths is
to prepare the way for the fulfilment of this divine promise and the
arrival of that joyful, shining and wonderful age.
"I hope that the collective will of nations will unite in the not too
distant future and with the grace of the Almighty Lord, that shining
age will come to rule the earth.
"Once again, I congratulate one and all on the anniversary of the
birth of Jesus Christ. I pray for the New Year to be a year of
happiness, prosperity, peace and brotherhood for humanity. I wish you
every success and happiness."

This article was first published on guardian.co. uk at 10.11 GMT on
Thursday 25 December 2008. It was last updated at 10.11 GMT on
Thursday 25 December 2008.

guardian.co. uk (c) Guardian News and Media Limited 2008

Back in Bangalore after hols..

It was interesting to drive down to Kochi, 510 kms ( app 30 lts. petrol) in 10.5 hrs flat, 3.15 AM to 1.45 pm on 24 dec,

Return also 3.25 AM to 2 pm 28 dec, 512 kms 11 hrs flat, ( app 30 lts. petrol)

Since we were in car, we could move to lot of places, like a noon film on 25 dec, (Lollypop in Shenoys), eloor cemetry, biju's house, kottayam, manarkadu, seematti, meenadom, karukachal babuchayan's house, parumala MGOCSM centenary, chennithala, back to kochi vis Aleppey beach last night, 27 dec. totally 1350 kms.. in 5 days..

good trip ...

ge..

 


That's our two year old Tata Indica all spruced up to be driven to Kerala on 23 Dec '08.

We (including our Labrador Retriever dog Silky) are going on 23 rd Dec to Salem, driving a distance of 205 kms, (via Krishnagiri - 90kms). After a night halt we intend to hit the road early next morn at 4 am or so, via Coimbatore (164 kms) hit Palghat, Trisur and then EKM (351 kms from Salem) by around lunch time, just in time for the Xmas eve celebrations in the church.

St Gregorios Cathedral choir singing Xmas carols.. 21 Dec 08 ..

IT WAS INDEED A VERY MEMORABLE EVENING ....

george..

The UN's partial stand .. ..

The United Nations's envoy Richard Barrett has said that Pakistan is doing enough to comply with the expectations of the world. It is like giving a clean chit to Pakistan ?? Pakistan which has been dilly dallying on its actions to rein in terror has this irresponsible statement from a UN envoy as a further boost not to do anything to rein in terrorists operating from its soil. But India has asked the United Nations
for a written statement from it regarding its stand on the current tension and terror attacks by Pakistani citizens on India, to clear the doubt ...

Must be a big shock for the UN and a slap on its face to be asked by a member state to explain its stand on a critical issue ..

It is quite unfortunate that the white man is suddenly and shockingly showing his true colours at the opportune moment...

If it turns to be true, it will indeed be a sad and dark day for the United Nations and the world which is looking forward to it for developing a balanced and seasoned view on international matters, strifes and tensions.

Chinese measured silence can be understood in this context as it is trying to measure the extent of restraint India can show. If the same event had happened to China it would not have waited to galvanise international opinion and would have finished the cleansing operation by now. Whether it is the right thing to do or not, one does not know..

Might is right, but how long ?? Truth will finally prevail ..

India trying to get int'l pressure on Pakistan to behave ..

It is a pity that Gordon Brown, PM of Britain, even though he had tough words for Pakistan, gave them another five million pounds to keep their clandestine activities to terrorise their neighbours going on ..

Pakistan even after having been provided with evidence of the terrorists being from Pak soil, are trying to clean all evidence so that it need not act against its own citizens.. The Pak polity has become such a non-functional one, that only the Pak army and ISI can do anything in Pakistan. The President and PM are just toys in the hands of the army and ISI.

This morning India is getting envoys of 130 countries attend a meeting to tell them how Pakistan has failed to take any action to weed out terrorists and terror camps from Pakistan. It was very surprising to hear the other day a senior Pak functionary saying that it is global Jihad and not any Pak Jihad which is being waged in Pakistan. Is that justification of terrorists operating against India from Pak soil ?

It is jittery times these days as patience and time is running out for India and Indians.. For the first time, the opposition and ruling party have got together on the need to end this terror menace once for all.

Pak is in a fix, if it says that it cannot do anything against the jihadists operating from Pakistan, it is tantamount to saying it is a failed state, it has no control over the activities of its citizens. On the other hand if it takes any action, the army and ISI will retaliate resulting in the President and PM being thrown out or even executed.. The Pak establishment is between the devil and the deep sea !!

But that it no excuse for Pak citizens to attack other countries..

Pak needs to understand this unwritten rule that it cannot allow its citizens to disturb the peace of another country. It is the responsibility of the Pak government to identify the culprits and restrain them from from unlawful activities which can lead to global tensions, resulting in operations of global dimensions ..

The whole world is waiting for the Pak govt to see reason and act, lest the world impose its will on Pakistan ..

In case India decides to go ahead and attack the terror camps in Pak Occupied Kashmir, we can expect cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore once again to be targetted by pakistani trained terrorists besides the usual air, land and sea attacks... We have to be prepared for that ..

If a full blown war is to be avoided, Pak should act and India can afford to show some more restraint if it comes to know that Pak has started acting. But it is no use waiting for ever.. 

What is Pakistan ?? The choice is slowly getting narrowed down, between a failed state and a terrorist state.. Time will tell ..

george..

Xmas programme at St Gregorios Orthodox Cathedral, Bangalore.. Dec 21 2008..

It was a pleasant afternoon of 21 Dec 2008 at 3 PM, we all had arrived at the church in Johnson market for the annual xmas carol programme. 

Fr Idichandy was the programme co-ordinator working under the able supervision of the Vicar Fr T K Thomas. Fr Kachipally, CMI, Dean of PG studies at Christ University was the Chief Guest delivering the Xmas message. His Xmas message on love, unconditional and conditional was verymuch appreciated by the audience.

The carol was very pleasant to hear. Well  trained and balanced, with accompaniment on the organ, it was good to hear them belting out famous carol songs with absorbing improvisations, one after the other.

The skits by MGOCSM, sunday school children and the Sthree samajam had themes revolving around the birth of Jesus. Entha Santa kalyaanam kazhikaathe ? the humorous skit by MGOCSM has lot of biblical incidents of Adam being tested by Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, King Herod being asked by his wife for the head of st John the baptist , possibly these being the reasons why Santa does not want to marry, had lot of learning for the youth and children alike .. Sthree samajam people came up with a skit telling that entry to heaven has more to it than just our earthly doings, it depends to a large extent on divine grace ..

The carols by Begur chapel people needed some more practice, no doubt. The Santa was a hit among the children and youth alike, with his tilting movements and costume, he was well appreciated..

A big round of applause for the organisers and the people who worked for the success of this programme for the past many weeks.

Even though the singing was not in the same class as the Marthoma or CSI choirs ( my niece recently conducted the All bangalore Marthoma church youth choir), the overall programme including the skits and message, with lot of indigenous content and tint, made it a high quality event.

Good effort and hope the next year it will be even better...

george easaw..

How to go to Kerala ??

Trains are full, buses are full. the only way is to drive down. app 12 hours to cover 550 kms to Kochi ......

we may go by car..

ge..

(finally we did it in 10.5 hrs.. covering 510 kms.. 3AM to 1.30 PM on 24 Dec ..)

Debating the ideology of globalisation ....

A good understanding of the fears and facts of globalisation from IIT Kanpur  ..

http://infochangeindia.org/200811187492/Globalisation-/Related-Analysis/Debating-the-ideology-of-globalisation.html

Thanks, Ravin ...

ge..

Bernie Madoff and his billions ...

This is the time to expose the nice people.. to expose the greedy and the frauds ...

$50 billion is not that great money ( it is not from within US, it is from foreign countries..), so what ??

If Madoff was smart he should have sued the Federal Reserve for its poor showing resulting in his belly getting exposed...

The low risk economy, living off other economies is getting exposed and is getting to be a high risk destination ..

ge..

Shoes at Bush ..

Shoes being hurled at Bush .... The last thing Bush wanted in Iraq. 

Perhaps if Bush had not gone ahead with his 'awe and surprise' raids against the Iraqis and had taken popular opinion of the US public instead of the cockeyed and skewed intelligence briefings on the reports of WMD in Iraq,  Bush would have been a happy, less denigrated and contented person prior to demitting office.

Wish him lot of peace of mind and goodwill for a happy retired life.

Democracy at its peak ...

In the middle of all the mourning and cries, this morning I found it interesting to listen to India's top jurist, Ram Jethmalani, fighting for the constitutional rights of the captured terrorist of the Mumbai attacks. Mr Ajmal Kasab. I cannot express the feeling, but def, it is the best thing for the country, as slowly and firmly India will be able to root out the menace of extremism and terrorism from the country by the revelations given by Kasab. To nail the lies of Pakistan .. Kudos to Ram Jethmalani to show the guts ..

When lawyers across the country were refusing to fight for Kasab,  to have Ram Jethmalani speak out for Kasab, is democracy at it's best !

Even the detainees at Guantanamo Bay were confined to isolation wards and were not given any legal support. Nobody dared speak out for those fighting against the US state..

Will Ajmal Kasab be declared a prisoner of war and treated accordingly or a terrorist and denied all legal assistance, it is for the govt to decide.

But it is def. a big boost for the democratic credentials of the country..

Parvathy alleges jury unfair at Miss World competition ..

Eventhough we Indians claim that Miss Parvathy gave the most intelligent answers for the jury questions, is it right to allege the jury was unfair to Parvathy in th competition where she was the first runner up ?

ge..

Will Pak hand over Masood Azhar and Dawood ??

It is a big question ...

When Jaswant Singh accompanied Masood Azhar to freedom from Indian jail in the Khandahar hijack case, India was committing a big blunder...

Never we thought this person would give so much of headache to India. I heard a Pakistani jounalist asking Indian newsreporters why Masood was handed over then. We could have resisted that very hard then. Did Advani and Vajpaye underestimate the harm he could do to India ?? In our eagerness to release the hijacked Indians, we handed Masood Azhar to Pakistan..

It is no use trying to feel bad for those actions now. Under international pressure will Pakistan hand them over to India ? or will Pak continue t play the hide and sek game with India, testing our patience ??

A war now is too costly in terms of loss of life, destruction and slow growth. India cannot afford that now.. We need to diplomatically handle Pakistan to hand over these fugitives. Pakistan is anyway a failed state and it has nothing to lose by acting tough...

It was interesting to see on CNN y'day, how the common Pak citizen feels he cannot trust India and its people .. We need to understand the Pak psyche and then respond accordingly... Talking tough does not help at this juncture....

ge..

Snaps from XIME redlands collaboration project, Dec 2008

XIME Redlands Project collaboration photos..

Confessions of a terrorist ..

The confession of a terrorist A Rediff Correspondent

	Top Emailed Features • Pakistan will have to pay a heavy price • The NRI who saved 150 lives • Doctors shocked at hostages's torture Have you tried this? • Ask a question • News on your Desktop Advertisements • Get astro tips here • Click to shop here • Find ur Dream Home What's this?   <a href="http://ads.rediff.com/RealMedia/ads/click_lx.ads/www.news.rediff.com/general.htm/644713201/Middle3/OasDefault/FutureGenerali_News_Spons05/FutureGenerali_News_Spons0502.html/63613338666235633439336530343030?_RM_REDIR_=http://www.futuregenerali.in/Corporate/Index.aspx" target="_new"><IMG SRC="http://imads.rediff.com/RealMedia/ads/Creatives/OasDefault/FutureGenerali_News_Spons05/ROS2-336x280.jpg" WIDTH=336 HEIGHT=280 BORDER=0></a>   Advertisement Australia Migration Work & settle in Australia, Permanent Visa Calculate your points now BBC Overseas Migration Hotel Maurya International Weekend Buffet Lunch & Dinner(sat & Sun)Rs.149/- net (3 non-veg),24hrs Coffee Shop @Maybelle (multicuis) visit www.hotelmauryaintl.com 5Rediff P4C Classifieds December 10, 2008 23:50 IST Last Updated: December 11, 2008 00:03 IST Ajmal Kasab is the lone surviving terrorist in the custody of the Mumbai police. After days of interrogation by several agencies such as the Mumbai Crime branch, the Intelligence Bureau, RAW, Mumbai ATS and the FBI, the police have managed to piece together the entire confession of Kasab. Kasab, who speaks in Urdu, told his interrogators about the how the entire operation was planned and how he and his accomplices entered into Mumbai and carried out the attack. Mohammad Ajmal Amir Qasab, 21, is a resident of Faridkot, Tehsil, Dipalpur Dist -Ukada, State -Suba Punjab, Pakistan, is a labour by occupation, according to his confession statement. The confession verbatim: I have studied up to the 4th standard from the government primary school. After leaving school, I went to Lahore [Images]. My brother Afzal stays at Galli No. 54, R.No. 12, Mohalla Tohit Abad, near Yadgar Minar, Lahore. I did labour jobs at different places till 2005. During that period I used to visit my native place. In the year 2005, I had a quarrel with my father. Therefore, I left my house and went to Ali Hajveri Darbar at Lahore. At the said place, the boys who had run away from their houses are kept. From there, the boys are sent to different places for employment. One day when I was there, a person by name Shafiq came there and took me with him. He was in the catering business. He was from Zhelam. I started working with him on daily wages. I was given Rs 120 per day. After some days my salary was increased up to Rs 200 per day. I worked with him till 2007. While I was working with Shafiq, I came in contact with one Muzaffar Lal Khan, aged 22 years, r/o Village -Romiya, Tehsil & Dist -Atak, State -Sarhad, Pakistan. As we were not getting enough money, we decided to carry out robbery / dacoity at some place so that we will get a large amount. As such we left the job. Thereafter we went to Rawalpindi. We hired a flat at Bangash Colony, Rawalpindi, and started residing in it. Afzal had located a house where he thought we would get a large amount. He had surveyed the said place and drawn a map of the said place. We required some fire-arms for our purpose. Afzal told me that he could get some fire-arms at his native place, but it was very risky, as there was frequent checking at his native place. While we were in search of fire-arms we saw some LeT stalls at Raja bazaar, Rawalpindi, on the day of Bakri-id. We thought that, even if we procured fire-arms, we could not operate them. Therefore, we decided to join LeT for weapon training. After making enquiries we reached LeT office. In the LeT office we met a person. We told him that we wanted to join LeT. He made some enquiry with us, noted our names and address and told us to come on next day. On the next day, we went to LeT office and met the same man. One more person was present with him. He gave us Rs 200 and some receipt. Then he gave us the address of a place called Marqas Taiyyaaba, Muridke, and told us to go to the said place where LeT is having their training camp. As directed, we went to the said place by bus. We showed the receipt given to us at the gate of the camp. We were allowed inside. At the entry gate, our details were filled up on two forms. Then we were taken to the actual camp area. At the said place, initially we were selected for 21 days training called Daura-Sufa. From the next day, we started attending training. The daily programme was as mentioned below. 04.15: Wake up call and thereafter namaz 08.00: Breakfast 08.30-10.00: Lecture on Hadis and Quran by Mufti Sayyed 10.00-12.00: Rest 12.00-13.00: Lunch Break 13.00-14.00: Namaz 14.00-16.00: Rest 16.00-18.00: PT and Game Instructor Fadulla 18.00-20.00: Namaz and other work 20.00-21.00: Dinner After completion of the above said training, we were selected for another training called Daura-Ama. The said training was also for 21 days. We were then taken in a vehicle to a place called Mansera, Buttal Village. At the said place, we were given training of all weapons for 21 days. The daily programme was as mentioned below. 04.15 - 05.00: Wake up call and thereafter namaaz 05.00-6.00:  PT Instructor Abu Anas 08.00: Breakfast 08.30-11.30: Weapons training. Trainer Abdul Rehman, Weapons AK-47, Green-O, SKS, Uzi gun, pistol, revolver 11.30-12.00: Rest 12.00-13.00: Lunch break 13.00-14.00: Namaaz 14.00-16.00: Rest 16.00-18.00: PT 18.00-20.00: Namaz and other work 20.00-21.00: Dinner After completing the said training, we were told that, we will be given the next advance training, but for that purpose we have to do some Khidmat for two months (Khidmat is a sort of service in the said camp as per the trainees' liking). We agreed to do the Khidmat for two months. After two months, I was allowed to go to meet my parents. I stayed with my parents for one month. Thereafter, I went to LeT camp situated at Shaiwainala, Muzzafarabad, for further advanced training. At that place, they took my photographs and filled up some forms. Then we were taken to Chelabandi pahadi area for training called Duara-khas. The said training was for 3 months. The training included PT, handling of all weapons and firing practice of the said weapons, training of handling of hand grenade, rocket launchers and mortars. The daily programme was as mentioned below. 04.15-05.00: Wake-up call and thereafter namaz 05.00-06.00: PT Instructor Abu Mawiya 08.00: Breakfast 08.30-11.30: Weapons training handling of all weapons and firing practices of the said weapons, training of handling of hand grenade, rocket launchers and mortars, Green-O, SKS, Uzi gun, pistol, revolver, Hand grenade, rocket launchers. Trainer Abu Mawiya 11.30-12.00: Rest 12.00-13.00: Lunch Break 13.00-14.00: Namaaz 14.00-16.00: Weapon training and firing practice. Lecture on Indian security agencies 16.00-18.00: PT 18.00-20.00: Namaz and other work 20.00-21.00: Dinner At the said place 32 persons were present for training. Out of these 32 trainees, 16 were selected for some confidential operation by one Zaqi-ur-Rehman Chacha. Out of these 16 trainees 3 trainees ran away from the camp. The above said chacha then sent the remaining 13 of us along with a person called Kafa to the above said earlier camp at Muridke. At Muridke, we were taught swimming and getting acquainted with the environment experienced by a fisherman on a sea. We did some experimental tours by launches on the sea. During the said training, we were given lectures on working of Indian security agencies. We were shown the clippings highlighting the atrocities on Muslims in India. After completing the said training, we were allowed to go to our native places. For seven days, I stayed with my family members. After seven days I went to the LeT camp at Muzzafarabad.   The above said 13 of us were present for training. Thereafter, as per the instructions of Zaki-ur-Rehman, the above said Kafa took us to camp at Muridke. At the said camp again we underwent the training of swimming and getting acquainted with the environment and experience on sea. The training continued for one month. During the said training, we were given lectures on India and its security  agencies, including RAW. We were also given the training on how to evade the chase by security personnel. We were strictly instructed not to make phone calls to Pakistan after reaching India. The names of the persons present for the said training are as mentioned below. Mohd Azmal aka Abu Muzahid Ismail aka Abu Umar Abu Ali Abu Aksha Abu Umer Abu Shoeb Abdul Rehman (Bada) Abdul Rehman (Chhota) Afadulla Abu Umar After completion of training, Zaki-ur-Rehman aka Chacha selected 10 of us and formed 5 teams each having two persons on 15 Sept 2008. My team included myself and Ismail. Our code name was VTS team. We were then shown the site 'Google Earth' on Internet. On the same site, we were shown the information about Azad Maidan, Mumbai, how and where to get down at Mumbai. We were shown the film on VT railway station and the film showing the commuters moving around at rush hours at VT railway station. We were instructed to carry out the firing at rush hours in the morning between 7 to 11 hours and between 7 to 11 hours in the evening. Then kidnap some persons, take them to the roof of some nearby building. After reaching at the roof top, we were to contact chacha. After that, chacha would give the telephone or mobile no of electronic media. We were then to contact the media persons on the same phone. And as per the instructions received from chacha, we would make demands for releasing the hostages. This was the general strategy decided by our trainers. The date fixed for the said operation was 27th Sept 2008. However, the operation was cancelled for some reason. We stayed at Karachi. Again we made practice of travelling by speed boats on the sea. We stayed there upto 23rd Nov 2008. The other teams were as mentioned below. 2nd Team  1) Abu Aksha 2) Abu Umar 3rd Team 1) Bada Abdul Rehman 2) Abu Ali 4th Team 1) Chhota Abdul Rehman 2) Afadulla 5th Team 1) Shoeb 2) Abu Umer On 23rd Nov 2008, the above said teams including our team left from Azizabad, Karachi along with Zaki-ur-Rehman aka Chacha and Kafa. We were taken to the nearby sea shore. At 04.15 hours we reached the sea shore. At the sea shore we boarded a launch. After traveling for 22 to 25 nautical miles we met a bigger launch in the sea. We boarded the said launch and after journey of 1 hour we boarded a bigger ship by name Al-Huseini in the deep sea. While boarding the said ship, each of us was given a sack containing 8 grenades, one AK-47 rifle, 200 cartridges, 2 magazines and one cell phone for communication. Then we started towards Indian coast. When we reached Indian waters, the crew members of Al-Huseini ship hijacked one Indian launch. The seamen from the said launch were shifted to Al-Huseini ship. We were then boarded the hijacked Indian ship. One Indian seaman was kept along with us. At the gun point, he took us towards the Indian coast. After journey of about 3 days, we reached near sea shore of Mumbai. While we were at some distance from the shore, Ismail and Afadulla killed the Indian seaman, (Tandel) at the basement of the said Indian launch. Then we boarded floatable dinghi and reached Budwar Park Jetty as per the instructions received earlier. After getting down at Budwar Park, I went along with Ismail to VT railway Station by taxi. After reaching the hall of VT railway station Ismail and myself, went to the common toilet, took out the weapons from our sacks, loaded them, came out of toilet and started firing indiscriminately towards the passengers. Suddenly one police officer in uniform came towards us and opened fire. In retaliation, we threw hand grenades towards him and also opened fire towards him. Then we went inside the railway station threatening the commuters and randomly firing at them. Then we came out of the railway station and started searching for a building with roof top. But we did not find a suitable building. Therefore, we entered a lane. Then we entered a building and went upstarts. On 3rd or 4th floor we searched for hostages but we found that the said building was a hospital and not a residential building. Therefore we started coming down. At that time policemen started firing at us. As such we threw some grenades towards them. When we were coming out of the hospital premises, we suddenly saw one police vehicle passing in front of us. Therefore, we took shelter behind a bush. Another vehicle passed in front of us and stopped at some distance. One police officer got down from the said vehicle and started firing at us. One bullet hit my hand and my AK-47 dropped down. I bent to pick it up when second bullet hit me on the same hand. I got injured. Ismail opened fire at the officers who were in said vehicle. They got injured and firing from their side stopped. We waited for some time and then went towards the said vehicle. Three bodies lying there. Ismail removed the three bodies and drove the said vehicle. I sat next to him. While we were moving in the said vehicle, some police men tried to stop us. Ismail opened fire towards them while we were on the move; our vehicle got punctured near a big ground by the side of road. Ismail got down from the driver seat, stopped a car at the gun point and removed the three lady occupants from the said car. Then Ismail carried me to the car and sat me inside as I was injured. Then he drove the said car. While we were moving in the said car, we were stopped on the road near sea shore. Ismail fired towards them. Some policemen got injured. Police also opened fire towards us. Due to the police firing Ismail got injured. Then police removed us to some hospital. In the hospital I came to know that Ismail succumbed to the injuries he has sustained.

Project collaboration with Uty of Redlands, Calif, over ..

It was a great experience and learning co-ordinating the first video conferencing based collaborative project on Business Continuity Planning between XIME Bangalore and Uty of Redlands US.

Yesterday and today, 10 and 11 Dec, 2008 all the six teams from XIME and Redlands have presented their final reports to the audience from XIME, Redlands and representatives of the HIPCO company based in Chino, Calif, for whom the project was carried out. Well researched reports which saw the students interacting over VC for 2 sessions each and then over email, skype etc..

It was a good learning experience for our stiudents and they can use the VC set up for more interactions with our oter acad collaborators and Industries around the world.

Thank you Prof James Pick and Prof Ramakrishna from Redlands and for Pres XIME Prof Philip for making this happen.

george.

Indian Muslims have sent the stronget messag against terrorists ..

Indian Muslims have completely denounced the actions of terrorists from across the border in Pakistan to create havoc and mayhem in India. Pakistan finds itself very close to being declared a terrorist state by UN and major countries of the world, ( everyne agrees it is already a failed state). The indigenous groups propagating hatred against India and supporting terror have been getting cladestine support from the Pak establishment will be wiped out one by one from Pak soil .. This is bad news for the Hindu fundamentalists in the country, who have been fed on enmity against Muslims, as this editorial from times of Indi shows. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Editorial/EDIT_A_Strong_Message/articleshow/3819386.cms Let us all work together to make India a peaceful land devoid of terrorists and acts of terror, majority or minority terror. ge..

Will Parvathy Omanakuttan win Miss World .2008 ?

The beauty representing India at the Miss World competition is 20 years old Ms. Parvathy Omanakuttan from Kottayam, Kerala, settled in Mumbai .. http://hubpages.com/hub/Miss-India-Parvathy-Omanakuttan-Hot-Pictures We wish she performs well at the competition .. All good wishes... ge..

India has the sovereign right to defend itself - Obama ...

It was the same statement from Bush after the 9/11, in a rush of adrenaline, seven years back which got the US  gunning for Saddam and Taliban.

India need not be reminded of its sovereign rights by the big bully of the world, but we are more interested in seeing the big bully stop its double standards and get down to serious business of helping the countries suffering from terrorism ..

We know the costs of the violent route of ensuring this sovereign right for other countries and would not like to commit the same blunder again.. I India does not have the time, resources and support to invade another country ..

We need support and positive action from like minded countries to ensure a peaceful and final resolution and rule of law in this regard.

ge..

US confirms Pak hand in Mumbai blasts..

US confirms Pakistan role in Mumbai attacks 6 Dec 2008, 1113 hrs IST,

NEW DELHI: The United States has confirmed to India that Pakistan's military and intelligence chiefs have effectively admitted that the terrorists involved in last weeks terror attacks in Mumbai were Pakistani nationals and members of terrorist outfit the Lashkar-e-Taiba, according to a Times Now report. (Watch )  Chairman of US joint chiefs of staff admiral Michael Mullen made the revelations to national security advisor MK Narayanan and defence minister AK Antony.  Mullen told Indian government officials that he had told Pakistan that the US had evidence that the terrorists involved in the Mumbai attacks were Pakistani nationals and members of LeT.  Earlier, Mullen had asked Pakistan's top leadership to "investigate aggressively any and all possible ties to groups based in Pakistan", the US embassy said in a statement.  While taking note of the recent success of Pakistani security forces in operations against militants on the Afghan border, Mullen "also encouraged Pakistani leaders to take more and more concerted action against militant extremists elsewhere in the country", the statement said.  India has blamed Pakistan-based elements, including the outlawed Lashker-e-Taiba terror group, for carrying out the attacks and asked Pakistani authorities to act against them.  President Zardari has denied Pakistan's involvement in the attacks and called on India to furnish evidence to substantiate its accusations.  Pakistani media reported that Zardari and other leaders told Mullen that Pakistan is not involved in any way in the Mumbai attacks. Pakistan is ready to cooperate in the probe into the attacks provided India shares evidence with it, they said.  The US is concerned about the impact of tensions on the war on terror as Pakistan has threatened to divert troops from the Afghan border to the frontier with India if the situation worsens.  Pakistan is a key supply route for US troops in Afghanistan. American officials also fear that the diversion of troops from the Afghan border could fuel cross-border raids by the Pakistani Taliban.

GM agrees to file for bankruptcy if bailout plan does not work ..

Layoffs to your right, to your left, front and back.. everywhere... what is happening in US ? maybe that is a way of life ..

I was surprised to read this morning that GM would be filing for bankruptcy if the $10 billion US govt bail out plan does not work well.

What a sad plight for a giant like GM and a symbol of American consumerist culture, to be in Washington with the begging bowl ?  Chrysler and Ford are also at Washington with the begging bowl, I am led to understand.. Americans will for sure be a troubled lot seeing all these things happening, which they have never dreamt of in their wildest dreams .. Even we are worried seeing the Americans running helter skelter for cover !!

This is the right time for Tata Motors to take over GM. Hope they are able to raise the funds from the banks and acquire GM before it is too late.. That will ensure that GM will remain as a brand and not be forgotten for ever like Lehman Brothers, and under benevolent Indian control... 

Most of the proud Americans would never want such things to happen, given that now GM is less worth than Tata Motors.. Theoritically it is possible, but will Tata want to hurt American ego that much . Tata will then be a dirty name in US .. ??

ge..

Late Sandeep Unnikrishnan of the NSG ..

Taj Hotel under attack ..

Sandeep's mother touching her son one last time ..

Sandeep's mother faints on seeing her son's dead body ..

The slain officer, Sandeep Unnikrishnan, 32 years old Malayali, was cremated this morning in Bangalore .. The only child in the family, his mother Dhanalakshmi fainted at seeing his dead body ..

Sandeep will always be remembered as one of the great alumni from Frank Antony Public School, Bangalore.

" To live in the hearts of people (country) you leave behind, is never to die " - Thomas Campbell.

tragic ...

Snaps from the terror attack 

ge..

Photos from Mumbai, 27 Nov 08

Snaps from Mumbai, 26-27  Nov 08.

Mumbai, in the line of fire ...

Mumbai, a city where I spent six years of my life, is now bleeding .... Poor Advani and Togadia, the 'real' terrorists, walking scot-free are silent, they cannot utter a word now against terrorists. Their group of fundamentalist radicals ( the bunch  of anti-nationals ) from RSS, VHP, Bajrang Dal are fighting for the same terrorists  and attacking the police and the anti-terror squad for tagetting the terrorists .. I believe, terrorists are not from any religion. No religion practices and advocates terrorism .. Targetting the majority vote bank for power, Advani and co are against the minorities ... RSS and BJP who have taken to mob terrorism and bomb terrorism should come in the open regarding their stand on supporting terrorists and absolve themselves of their double standards and double talk .. They should stop their activities aagainst the nation and support nation building !!

With Silky ..

 Andrew (l), Jobin (c), allen (r) with Silky..

 

Kochumol and Sunny's kids. Andrew at left and Alan , right with Silky ..

23 Nov 08.

Close up of flower at home ..

 


Canon A70, 3.1 Megapixel... 4 year old camera ..

Task of taking India forward ..

http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/24/stories/2008112451891000.htm

http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/25/stories/2008112555590800.htm

A two part article by former Judge of the Supreme Court Markandey Katju on taking India forward .. 24,25 Nov 2008.

very good one.... informative !!

ge..

Alarming time, intellectuals cry foul ...

The attempts by some opposition political parties to subvert investigations by the Police and Anti-terror squad into the incidents of terror in Malegaon, Maharashtra is very alarming ...

It has all signs of imposing a majoritarian agenda, terrorising the public, police and the investigative agencies, casting aspersions on the investigating agencies right from day one, mobilising public opinion against fair and just trial in such incidents and communalising the atmosphere with a malicious intent..

This does not bode well for the Indian democracy which has always believed in democracy and rule of law. The parties trying to impose cultural nationalism in the country are not ready to accept the multi-cultural secular nature of our constitution which is the basic foundation of our democracy.

The editorials in the media are ample evidence of the import of such malicious action being carried out by the major opposition party to derail free and fair investigation into the terror incident.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Opinion/Editorial/EDITORIAL_COMMENT__Mind_Your_Words/articleshow/3733676.cms

http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/20/stories/2008112055201000.htm

ge..

Malicous efforts to discredit a security agency ......

After  failing in communalising the armed forces, the BJP/RSS combo is trying to discredit the Maharashtra Anti-terror squad, accusing it of acting against the majority community. Besides taking on itself the onerous responsibility of protecting the majority community, BJP/RSS is trying to use extra constitutional means to mobilise public opinion against the arrest of monks involved in acts of terrorism.  Being monks belonging to the majority religious community does not insulate them from proceeding against, if they have been found to be involved in acts of  violence and terror ..

BJP/RSS is surely barking the wrong tree and is undermining the democratic foundations of the country by blatantly accusing the security agencies of communalism. They are trying to mobilise public opinion against the probe on Hindu monks. This is malicious on its part, with cruel intent .. Will BJP agree to strengthening the POTA act now ??

Looks like they have never wanted India to remain truly democratic as their ideals are the fundamentalist ones of Savarkar and Golwalkar. It is upto the people to ignore such groups and work to make Indian democracy work and not succumb to "mobocracy" !!

ge..

US auto industry in dire straits !! GM, Ford and Chrysler running for cover !

"Free market economy is good a long as the trousers of your competitor tears, but it stops when your trouser starts tearing and showing"

With recession hitting the US auto industry hard on the face, the CEOs of GM, Ford and Chrysler are begging with the government to give them about $25 billion of concessionary aid to bail out the industry.

They claim and threaten that otherwise, US would be hit hard and US economy would find it hard to get out of recession.. 

A big lesson for the whole world .. 

Free market economy is good a long as the trousers of your competitor tears, but it stops when your trouser starts tearing and showing ..

As academicians, during these times of stress on global economy and industry, we are at pains to teach the students what is good and bad for the economy and the world .. There is nothing fail-safe .. 

Tata Motors had recently announced a cap on its expansion plans for the time being . else GM, Ford and Chrysler would have been running for cover from Tata ..

ge..

Two faces of India ..

It is quite ironic to find that during these times of national rejoice and elation, after the successful lunar mission launch, two totally different faces of India are emerging. A section is trying to take the country ahead in spite of all odds and a fringe section of our population, trying to take our county hundreds of years back.

One group is ISRO, the forward looking organisation, taking the country ahead by leaps and bounds. We are all proud of their great contributions.

The other group, the Hindutva forces, that lunatic fringe of society who get their high on the teachings of Savarkar and Golwalker, dreaming of a Hindu Rashtra, trying to impose majoritarian terror in the country, is pulling the country backward ..

One of the leaders of the backward looking organisation was quoted as saying that his community people can never be terrorists ( I do not know whether he means the members of that lunatic fringe can only be murderers and rapists, which has been revealed to us by now in Gujarat and Orissa). According to him, only minority community members qualify to be called terrorists. Whatever they do for the country, the onus is on the minority community always to prove their nationalist and patriotic credentials !! a pitiable state of mind ..

Togadia, who cannot think straightforward, has hijacked the very concept of nationalism and patriotism. ( and has assumed the unsolicited role as the spokesperson of the majority community !!, hijacking that role too ..) Is Praveen Togadia, that firebrand arouser of communal emotions and master of inciting hatred between communities, awaiting the same fate of Uma Bharati ??

The concept of Hindu Rashtra has been ingrained deep in their minds from a very early age, their innocent minds during the formative years have been pounded with hatred for other communities.. At this age it is not possible for them to start thinking positively and constructively.

It is no problem whether this lunatic fringe joins the mainstream or not, their nuisance value cannot be underestimated !!

Image of moon taken by MIP .

Image of the South pole region of moon taken by the moon impact probe from Chandrayaan as it was released at 8.01 PM to crash onto lunar surface on 14 Nov, 2008.

Photo of earth taken by Chandrayaan I Oct 29, 2008 .....

Chandrayaan-1 took this photo of Earth from Earth orbit on October 29, 2008 at 07:00 UTC. Near the center of the disk is the northwestern coast of Australia; the Sun glints off the Indian Ocean adjacent to that coast. This image has been flipped horizontally from its originally published version to match the proper orientation. Credit: ISRO

A beautiful cartoon .... on Obama ..

hello,

This is a beautiful cartoon ..

george..

That is Mohan, .. an old class photo ..

ge..

Member / head of Chandraayan I propulsion team ..

I was really surprise to hear that my benchmate at SD College Alleppey and College of Engineering Trivandrum, M Mohan was part of the propulsion team of Chandraayan - I which made history for being the cheapest and technologically superior moon mission ever to orbit the moon launched by India on Oct 22.

Indians are on top of the world now !!

With tonight's soft launch of the Moon Impact Probe ( MIP) Indian presence on lunar surface will be established..

Some of my earlier blog entries ..

http://george-easaw.blogspot.com/2008/11/ambiliammaava-thaamara-kumbilil.html

http://george-easaw.blogspot.com/2008/11/lunar-mission-what-it-means.html

http://george-easaw.blogspot.com/2008/10/ambili-ammava-thamara-kumbilil-enthunde.html

george..

Ambiliammaava Thaamara Kumbilil enthunde ..

It was very heartening to hear of Chandraayan I, India's first moon mission settling in lunar orbit about 100 km from moon surface, both at the apiselene ( farthest point and periselene, nearest point, in a circular orbit) after the onboard rockets were fired at 6 33 PM IST on Wednesday, 12 Nov 2008. The mission is a total success !!

With this successful manoeuvre, India has written another golden chapter in its history, aviation history, by being the sixth country in the world, after USSR, US, EU, Japan and China to establish lunar presence. Thanks to the vision of Vikram Sarabhai and Jawaharlal Nehru whose wildest dreams made all this possible ..

From the logistics of ferrying rocket parts on bicycle at Thumba launch station continuing to the moon, the journey has been marvellous and awe inspiring..

On 14 or 15 November, India will crash land the Moon Impact Probe on the lunar surface, which is painted with the Indian tricolour, truly establishing our presence on the moon.

Ambili ammaava thamara kumbilil enthunde,
kandu manassilaakkan njangalangethukayaanallo ..

With the help of the the onboard equipments, from different countries, the Chandraayan I which will be in lunar orbit for the next two years, will give information regarding the radiation levels, presence of water an other minerals on the lunar surface and map a three dimensional profile of the entire lunar surface.

Quoting Neil Armstrong, A small leap for Chandraayan, but a giant leap for Science and Technology !! To carry out this project very precisely without hiccups, at one fourth the cost of other competitors, is a truly a giant leap demonstrating the technological superiority of this launch ..

ge..

Margeret Alva's fall ..

Politics is a big time business in the country. How many ineligible parasites make a living for themselves by clinging onto somebody and sucking their blood ?

Politicians do assume a ot of things. They enter the field of politics with a service mentality and then prop up their children and wards onto politics. They are aware of the fame, perks, rewards and big money in this business. Once they have tasted it, they do not want to let go, Moreover they also want their wards to enjoy the same powers..Like we have doctors i our society who want their children to become only doctors and spend lakhs sending them to capitation colleges, even though they are not worth a penny for that profession. 

This what happened to Margeret Alva former Union Minister and Congress Gen Sec. She thought Indian politics and more pointedly Congress party was her family property and they owed something back to her for the services she had given to the party. What foolish ??

A famous saying goes this way, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Mageret Alva had to eat the humble pie, her fall from heights to the roads has been tragic Hope more politicians learn this hard lesson that politics is service , not a family proposition.. .

ge..

That's Silky ....again .. curious..

 

Anila and me ..

 

That's all of us ..

Jobin is busy these days with the camera, and he took this for us..

ge..

chandrayaan - 1, more images ..

It was very heartening to read one statement from the ISRO website ..

The objective of the mission is to provide challenging opportunities in planetary research for the younger generation..

What a foresight ??

Indeed it is not only challenging, but a thousand times more than that. Let our bright students realise that it is not Narayana Murthy and Azim Premji who is going to bring respect to the country, but people like Madhavan Nair, Chmn, ISRO,  AnnaDurai, the Project Director.

george..