Running for Asha

So the running season is back again and from my next run on I'll be raising funds for "Asha". Last saturday I met them up at Sanjeev and Anita's residence where they organised a session on how to go about this whole thing and also got to know about the projects in which the Bangalore chapter is invloved in. Check out here to know more: Asha Projects Bangalore

I've started to train with "Asha" folks and it has been good interacting and running with them. Here is their official training page: Click

We also have a Team Asha Blog going on.

I'm planning to do a full marathon this October, the Kaveri Trail Marathon . I'll try to reach each one of you personally for contributions. The idea is that I plan to raise Rs 500 per one kilometer (KM). You can fund me based on your interest and ability.

Here is the Bangalore Team Asha.

So if anyone of you is interested in raising for Asha just get in touch with me or any of the folks from the link posted in this post.

More on my runs and preparation will be updated in this page.

Keep Miling !

Bihar Flood Relief

Thanks to Pulkit for the below pointers. Please do your bit. I used the AID website and its safe and secure through CCAvenue payment portal.

For updated information check out Pulkit's blog.

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Dear All,

As most of us are aware, Bihar has been severely hit by floods. Over a hundred lives have already been taken in what has been declared a national calamity. As per the National Institute of Disaster Management, over 25 lakh people have been affected in close to 1600 villages. More than 60000 people are yet to be brought to safety (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7595223.stm). There is also a mammoth loss of property and the impending danger of epidemics.

This email is an appeal to fund the efforts of organizations that are involved in rescue and relief operations in Bihar. Your donations will be utilized for buying food, medicines and other utilities and covering for transportation and communication expenses. NGOs where I personally know some of the people involved are:

1) Maitri: This Pune-based NGO, which has years of experience in flood relief work, has sent its team to aid the local groups in Bihar. Their main focus is medical help and preventing/controlling epidemics. For transferring funds online, here are their bank details:

Mode of Transfer: NEFT (below 1 lakh), RTGS (above 1 lakh) Name of Beneficiary: Maitri
Bank: Bank of Maharashtra, Branch: Pune, Location: Mayur Colony Account type: Current, IFSC code: MAHB0000852 Account number: 20046903997

Having made the donation, please send an email to maitri1997@gmail.com with following details (for availing the receipt): Full Name, Address, Phone no, Date of birth, Email ID, Amount remitted, From (Bank & Branch) and Date.

2) AID India: They are working in Araria, Bihar, focusing on rescue operations as well as providing food, medicine, safe drinking water, shelter and so on. Donation to AID can be made here: http://www.eurekachild.org/donate/donindia.php?donindia=Donate+Now+%3E%3E. In the comments section of this page, please write "For Bihar flood relief".

PS 1: Both of these NGOs will mail receipts, with 80-G tax deductible status, to the address mentioned by you. In case you do not want the receipt, please specify it in your email or in the comments section.

PS 2: If you wish to contribute to the Bihar Chief Minister Relief Fund, details can be found here: http://biharfloodrelief2008.blogspot.com/search/label/CM%20Relief%20Fund.

PS 3: If you are unsure of the donation amount, Maitri recommends a day's salary.

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Sahib Sindh Sultan - Forum Mall (Koramangla, Bangalore)

The name sounds very majestical and Moghalay. This one is in the second floor of Forum Shopping Mall in Koramangla, Bangalore. You'll be surprised to see the ambiance inside is like a wooden train like the ones in the Hollywood western classics. Contrary to my understanding about its high prices, a decent meal for two would cost around 500 bucks. The interiors are classy and its very calm in there. Mostly a no-smoking zone within and the lighting is also very apt.


Lot of Paranthas and Biryani varities to try out. Among the very good restaurant from the stable of BJN group. The spice level is very well maintained and couple of varities of chutneys come with shredded onions as accompaniments.


If you are in Forum Mall or around or back from PVR and are looking at a 1000 odd for three people then you can conveniently drop in here. Also it is generally full, so better reserve a table or just come in early. Weekends will be a real fight to get in.


We ordered mostly a mix of paranthas followed by a paneer gravy and palak kofta. Didn't really go for any starters but took the almond mix milk shake which was the only non-shorba (non soup) liquid in there. Damien and Tarun went in for a midday wine.

(there you go brother princely!)

Firangi pani is an exclusive bar within the same premises but well separated.

Thanks to Damien for his farewell treat !

(Pic Courtesy, Damien)

Anbe Sivam

Last Saturday I watched a Tamil movie "Anbe Sivam" being played on Sun TV and was awed by Kamal Hassan's acting skills (in tears most of the times). Then after going through the Wiki some interesting accounts of history came into light that I'd like to share.

The movie had shades of communism and some of the scenes were inspired by real life incidents, especially the rockefeller controversy as regards to a painting scene. Its about the painter Diego Rivera's mural Man at the Crossroads. Later he modified the version after the previous version was blanketed as Man, Controller of the Universe. Lenin's face was the point of conflict in that painting.



Catch up with a small glimpse of the Tamil movie, Anbe Sivam and also the title song sung very well by Kamal Hassan:


Other movies based on the Rockefeller controversy incidents are: Cradle Will Rock and Frida.

You must have heard the word "Rockefeller" in Billy Joel's "We didn't start the fire" as well.

Josef Stalin, Malenkov, Nasser and Prokofiev
Rockefeller, Campanella, Communist Bloc

Until then adios !