My first Bite

Yesterday I had my first bite of the King Alphonso.. mango ofcourse! It was reddish orange in colour with a sweet, warm and intoxicating aroma. I was tantalised with its sheer presence in my palms. And as I brought it closer to my nose & lips to smell the aroma, my olfactory senses went berserk. Its the same effect every year, on me and everyone else....and no doubt its called the King of the fruits. No other fruit has that impact on your senses like the Mango. No other fruit gets so much news space in the papers and coverage on TV channels. Imagine a banana (Aam aadmi ka phal) or even an Apple (which has a saying to its credit) does not get more or even equivalent share of voice. Come summer and the only thing which Indians look forward to besides the school vacations is the Mango. Also, earlier you have the Mango during the season you are looked upon as GOD! Most of us, will wait for the prices to come down...but still a vast majority cant wait. When you gotta go, you gotta go!
This fruit truly brings out the child in you....you are least bothered how you look when devouring this delight. The mouth changes its colour, the lips go slurping the juice right till the edges of your elbow (really..not exaggerating!..chk kids when they have it) and ofcourse licking off the last remnants of this fruit from the plate. Nothing gives more bliss than that.
Who cares abt your P's and Q's when King M is around?
Its been reported that the Mango is going to be expensive this season. So whats new I ask. Isnt it the same story every year. So who cares (again)..
So I say, Go Mango and indulge! Eat, drink and make merry (read:eat mango) because tomorrow you may diet. If you ain't eaten it this summer, it aint summer!

Elections... Lets make a difference.

The elections are around the corner and I am sure with so much campaigning this year by NGO's and also organisations such as TATA's, The Times of India which are urging all (eligible) to vote, this year is going to be different. We esp. the middle class which is big and burgeoning as years have gone by have been always been sidelined by the parties that come to power. Its either the poor or the very rich who have benefited while the hard working,sincere and tax paying middle class left to fend for itselves. (No offence meant to non midle class)

People like us who just ask for basic issues to be tackled such better roads, cleanliness, civic sense, water, electricity, foot paths for pedestrians, green spaces, proper drainage to avoid water logging, illegal constructions to be removed. Isnt this all something which we should get anyway but unfortunately much is left for asking . Hence very naturally we have never been excited about the voting process and many amongst us may have given it a miss in the past because it means choosing between the lesser evil candidate.

And less said the better about the candidates which stand for the elections because already much has been debated and discussed on TV channels, written about in newspapers and what have you.

But here I come across a website http://www.ppi.net.in which in its 'About us' section mentions that its sole objective is to improve the quality of life of every Indian. Check the Core group under tab 'Organsation' to know what kind of people are involved in this party.

The Professionals Party of India (PPI) is a new age political party that encourages the middle class to fearlessly participate in the political process to bring competent professionals into leadership positions in governance. Party believes that the change is possible only if the middle class comes out in large number to exercise their franchise.

They have put forth many issues which we all identify with and would like to put an end to or change it for better. They have mentioned their manifestoes on the site.

Since I stumbled on this website today, I immediately registered myself on it and saw that they have a a Open House on April 9th at Kora kendra Hall, Borivli West between 6 pm to 8.30 pm. So whoever can make it should go there to know the agenda, strategy and action plan of PPI.

Also more importantly the introduction of their party's candidates contesting from Mumbai constituency.

Since we always were lost in terms of whom to vote for, I think this would be an ideal platform to know that. Even if you cant attend for whatever reasons, during elections please keep in mind that you vote for such parties who are backed by educated professionals, non corrupt, neither religion/caste based nor believe in 'familial based' politics. Someone who would like to make our country a better place.

So in a nutshell, I would urge all to keep an eye open for such parties when you vote. Happy and fruitful voting! Also spread the message to all people who you know care to make our city/country a better place.

Jai Hind!