Alone

No man is an island - they said long ago. And inspite of all I disagreed for all these years I guess that is true. For all my years of boasting that I could sleep anytime, anywhere; I just cant sleep now. It hitting 3am and I just won't go to bed - not much else i think - sleep is nearby now, just not on me yet - but I won't let her take me. I long those beautiful days long gone by lamenting today. And it is no joy. Being alone is a killer - and yet I won't die. Love that. Alleluia. :) Lol

Dhup & I

Dhup came by me quite a while ago. My B-in-L was kind enough to get one when when he was here in India and then give it to me before he left. 2008 vintage - not like the Enfields of old, this one would start with a kick and run when it was supposed to run. Gears on the left. Brake on the right. And how i enjoyed it.

A while ago the guy started giving me starting problems - and then it was anytime ignition problems. After my share of kicking (a good quarter day sweating the last time) and choking (and coaxing and cajoling), I've gone rolling down hills hoping for the elusive jump starts (speaking of which I should introduce you to my Thar too). But anyways, as it was to be, I once reached downhill without the precious spark, pulled out my battery to get it charged. When it came back I happily kicked off and ran a while before I ran aground again. Thinking the poor battery had died on me I found a replacement of this scarcely available item. Was on the road again till next time happened.  This time around I decided I'm not taking the battery alone - so I loaded all of Dhup on a rickshaw and a good friend of my took it to the mechanic. Busy as he was (or what else I don't know) it stood there a couple of months, by which GAK it fixed itself. Mr. Mechanic put it all back together and says it started on first kick. Said he charged the battery which I checked again later to confirm fully fit.  Happy as a bird, I got it washed and was back home with the wind in my hair. 

A few weeks here and a few weeks there later it fired up with a single kick and I distinctly remember thinking of what excellent condition the bike was in and how BIL would be happy when he came in Oct. It wasn't a km further that Dhup faltered again - and this time looked quite serious till some good help arrived. It stayed at a neighbors (would add a 'U' if Bill Gates wouldn't mind) house for a week before an acquaintance got another mechanic over - instead of loading a rick again. Our Mech2 looked at it, found a plug unplugged; pushed it back in and kicked away. And the music. Lo and behold "He is back". 

So now I think the worst is over. A little alignment job and I should be good to go. And if all looks well I want to take a ride - a good one at that. Thought of the 'beating the monsoons ride' today but that will stay a dream for now. Some where. Some place. I will be. Dhup and I.

Indian Politics

It takes balls (well, you know what I mean) to be a leader.

I look at these pathetic people trying to crucify DineshTrivedi for some good work he has done and I am horrified. Feel like taking a gun and shooting these parliamentarians who just don't have the guts to do what it takes - who just want to suck up and keep doing all the stuff that they think gets them votes.

The US of A would not have been what it is today had it not been for the guts Abe Lincoln had. That is simple fact. The man believed in something - what he knew (and what definitely) was right - and stuck to that position at such great cost; including his life. The outcome of that is the country that prospered the way it did for 200 years - much after he was gone. While I reserve my opinion of country today; I merely point out that it takes a lot of guts to be a good leader. And with that foresight and a good set of values (the last debatable, but still).

If our leaders of the independence era had what it took, we would have been one country instead of three. And hopefully India would have a better set of people in the parliament - good leaders who cared for the well being of the citizens with a vision of a tomorrow better than today and a today of justice, fulfillment. Not dole for God's sake. Honor, Esteem and Respect.

Can these guys stand up just once and be the leaders they ought to be; just once. That would probably be the day.

Long live Dinesh Trivedi. Salutations Sir.


20/Jan/2013

And now the next Gandy has taken over the Congress. I must say that he once had no idea he wanted to be in politics and his sister was much ahead of him in the league. Anyhow, nice guy he is but not the shrewed cockey one he needs to be to survive in Indian politics. Good luck anyway.