Yes its true and a fact that Michael Jackson is no more around us.

Its been a almost a week now, families and his relatives preparing for a grand funeral for Michael. I still remember the tragic day I was on my way to office, when I heard 3 continuous song of Michael. It seems like they are celebrating his b’day or some, but I was shocked to hear about his mysterious death. He died at 50.

I was not a hardcore fan of Jacko, but suddenly I felt that yes I am missing the King of Pop and I felt like I should pay tribute to Jacko from my part. Some of his tracks like ‘Thriller’ and ‘Billie Jean” was my favorite of all time. I remember the days when I used to try moonwalk after watching his videos. It’s amazing how many people he touched with his talents. MJ, for most of this generation was an icon who made uncompromising music. His loss is irreplaceable.  

Even though he was surrounded by many controversies in last decades, he conveyed a message to world community through his music everytime. Jacko your name, your music will live forever and you will always be in our hearts. You will be always be remembered. He was a true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility. I don’t have words to express. I was very sad, when I came to know that he was planning a comeback in this July 2009.

 Jacko I cant forget you throughout my life and you will be my favorite pop icon. MAY GOD REST HIS SOUL IN PEACE.

                                                

Michael at his best

Love you Jacko..!!!!

 

 

 

  

 

Hey Friends…. I apologize for not been so regular on my blog. Was bit busy with project assignments in States. As hardcore fan of cricket, I was upset because of the change of venue of IPL-2 from India to SA. I had big plans to see matches in Mumbai. But now m bit excited, Guess what…. I got a project assignment in South Africa. Landed in SA on 9th of May, I thought it would be easy for me to get away with tickets for IPL matches. But my dreams shattered when I was told that all tickets for semis and final are sold out. Now I could see no ray of hope…and have to devote ma self in work.

Then I thought what if I couldn’t get tickets for semis and final, I can always try for league matches so as to make ma self-content. So I went back to IPL official site and searched for tickets for league matches. Bingo…I got tickets for Deccan Chargers v/s Kolkata Knight Riders. Even though I love Mumbai Indians as a Mumbaikar, but I love Gilchrist, Gibbs and RP Singh. So I am bit excited to watch them live at Wanderers. It’s on Saturday (16th May 09). Hey friends If anyone has tickets for semis oir final, pls let me know.

Rest of all is fine. Will get back to you all after the match to share my experience on the ground. Bye for now. Cheers

Today we are paying tribute to all the martyrs and innocent people who got killed in the dreadful massacre which happened exactly on last Wednesday. Just slight memories of that incident and innocent people lying on the ground bring tears into my eyes.

 

I would like to ask everyone, “What Next ?”.Everyone says, This was one the major attacks in Mumbai and also in India, Yes I agree, but what about the earlier attacks?

Casualties would be the same had terrorists carried out these attacks on 10 small hotels instead of TAJ and OBEROI. But enough is enough.

 

I request you all to keep circulating mails of terror attacks, mails exposing politicians, mails regarding governments in competencies in protecting us and INDIA, their in competencies in taking quick stern actions against culprits .Today I saw the news that politicians spend hundreds of crores of taxpayer’s money to protect themselves. Some of them may be at genuine risk, but there are several politicians who surround themselves with gun-totting commandos and end-up harassing ordinary man and blocking traffic. More than 250 crore is spent on VIP protection.

 

Its time for Media to force these politicians to answers all questions. Media should make available a platform to pressurize the politicians by common man. They should devote a column in newspaper strictly dedicated to this incident so that it should not get lost easily within a fortnight or a week.

 

This is a wonderful opportunity for India, when Pakistan is on the backfoot. Let us technically agree that Pakistan govt is not directly involved in it. So, let the Pakistan Govt give logistic support to India to get into their territory and blast out these terrorists agaisnt whom we have sufficient evidence. There is a recent precedence too. Pakistan has given logistic support to US to carry out its operations at Waziristan, a place inside Pakistan, where US drones are eliminating terrorists. We will assure Pakistan that there will be no civilian damage. This will show India’s stand and seriousness in fighting terror. If Pakistan is sincere, they must have no objection…

 

As a got up in the morning, it was not the same day as usual. At night at around 10.00pm I saw the news that some gangs are firing each other at Oberoi Hotel. But next morning I saw the news the there were no gangs but Mumbai was under terrorist attack. Then one after the other I saw many places which were attacked by terrorist. I was really scared by seeing terrorist openly firing at innocent and unaware crowds at VT, Metro,Taj etc.

 

It was clear that terrorist have chosen famous Landmark locations for their murderous mayhem. Taj Hotel is one of the heritages of Mumbai for past more than 100 years.

I am not the expert but I think the main intention of the terrorist is to scare the people and most importantly destabilize India as India is developing day by day.

 

It would be not fair if I did not mention the three top police officers Karkare, Vijay Salaskar and Mr.Kamte and other brave police officers would laid their lives for our country. I salute the daredevilry of these officers who did not bother about their lives to fight such a cowardly and menacing act by some misguided youth. My homage to the brave policemen who gave their today for our safe tomorrow.

 

Even now while I am writing this post, I heard that Commandos were airdropped at Nariman House. I hope that we will defeat the terrorist because forgiving a terrorist is left to GOD,but fixing their appointment with GOD is our responsibility. Not even a single terrorist should be kept alive.

 

Friends please find the help lines in case anyone needs,

Helplines:

 

Taj- 022-66574322, 022-66574372, 1800 111 825;

Trident- 011-23890606;

MEA control room -    91-11-23015300   ,    91-11-23012113    and    91-11-23013537   .       MEA fax number: 91-11-23018158

 

Emergency Contact Numbers:

MUMBAI: Following are the emergency contact numbers in Mumbai for the public:
Emergency contact numbers:
1. Police hotline 100

2.BMC Disaster Management Cell  22694725
3. Blood Banks 1910
4. Ambulance Services 1298
5. General Complaints 1916
6. Railway Any Emergency 23004000
7. Travel Agents Mumbai 149
8. Airport Police Helpline 28225709
9. Indian Red Cross Society for Blood bank 22663560
10. Missing Persons Bureau 22621547
11. Police Control Room Helpline 22620111, 22151855
12. Traffic Control Room Helpline 24937747, 24937755
13. Mantralaya Nariman Point Helpline 22024243
14. Collector of Bombay 22661231
15. Traffic Helpline 25181717
16. J J Hospital Blood Bank: Dr. Ganesh, Dr.Nair –
022 23739400
17. Bombay Hospital: Ms Purohit — 22067676 Extn 216
18. St George Hospital Direct Blood Bank:
Tarun – 22620344
19. Taj Hotel: 022-66574322, 022-66574372,
1800 111 825
20. Trident Hotel: 022-23890606

Courtesy: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Mumbai_emergency_contact_nos/articleshow/3770561.cms

 

 

Dada roars..!!!!

It was a day of emotion and drama.It was Dada’s retirement day and yes TIGERS LAST ROAR. I was emotionally touched when I saw dada waving and throwing his t-shirt to the crowds bringing back memories of Lords, where we saw dada’s aggression for cricket.

I am not a die-heart fan of Dada, but Saurav was the best captain India has ever produced till now. He will be remembered for uniting the team and instilling them the fighting spirit and aggression ( the most needed qualities for modern sport person apart from talent). I really enjoyed watching Dada’s offside stroke and overall captaincy.

His true captaincy came to lights during World Cup 2003 when India were considered as an Underdogs with Ganguly selecting new sets of players. But we outperformed each and every team and reached finals. It would not be fair to ignore Dada’s entry into world cricket.The first glimpse of Saurav goes back to Toronto series where he rose to fame after successful test debut in England.His resilience and attitude is something I will always remember and try to emulate in the endeavors of my life also. He is example of determination personified and what he did is possibly something that cant be emulated in the years to come.Saurav is pioneer in making the Indian team that we see today.

Good that his last test ended on the series ending note, with Dhoni even allowing to lead for 3 overs, we saw dada still enjoying his last three overs of careers. I know that Dada’s ending days were not so cheerful, lots of controversies, criticism. But this is Indian cricket, today Dada then it can tendulkar, dravid next. But everyone knows Dada’s contribution to Indian cricket and the way he has lead the team.

Truly Dada…I will miss you and hope even India will truly miss one of the legends of World Cricket.

Dada the inspiration...

Dada receiving awards

Adios...Dada

Courtesy- www.timesofindia.com/cricket

 I think its a perfect gift to INDIA on its 61^st Independence Day. After a memorable achievement Abhinav Bindra returned to his motherland India Abhinav had “realised the dream” of a billion Indians by winning the 10 metre air rifle event at the Beijing Olympics, President Pratibha Patil said on Monday as she congratulated the Chandigarh sportsman who got India its first individual gold medal.

I still remember that moment when the Indian Flag was moving up ahead of rest of the country’s flag. National Anthem being played at the Olympics brought tears in my eyes and am sure it must have done the same for many others ….The 23-year-old Delhi lad, a two-time Olympian, went into the final a joint leader with two others at 597, and shot a 102.1 in a nerve-wracking climax to emerge top from a strong field of 122 shooters from nearly 100 countries. The last time India won an Olympic gold medal was the hockey win at 1980 Olympics in Moscow. And I can say that in a country like India, getting into any sport other than cricket itself is a challenge. Abhinav has shown the young generation that if you want to succeed in any sports, you can achieve it. India has got another hero from non-cricket now. This feat had shown us that if we are determined and hard working we can achieve anything.

I can bet this is the best ever present Indians could expect before Independence and I hope this is one of the many to come for India. Words cannot do justice to these feelings of profound ecstasy and hysteria. Just wanted to congratulate Mr.Bindra for gifting INDIA a long awaited gift. I am posting some snaps when Abhinav landed up in Indira Gandhi National Airport and received a warm welcome by all.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY to all the Indians.

JAI HIND

 

 

Picture courtesy: http://www.indianbytes.com/story.php?title=Pics_Indias_new_pin-up_golden_boy_Abhinav_Bindra_returns_to_huge_welcome_at_Indira_Gandhi_National_Airport

Thank God , it rained. After a good shower on 1^st July, monsoon performed a disappearing act. No rains for past few weeks had left Mumbai hot and dry. Since Mid-July is consider as peak time for rainy season, but it was different scenario this time. But at last it rained on Sat 26 July, reminding  a blurred memory of floods on same day earlier. Good to see everyone smiling now. But it’s a usual practice of blaming monsoon for continuous downpour but when rains stop, then crying and blaming monsoon for not pouring. I think this is the reason why Monsoon is really confused….!!!…hahaha

So , let monsoon do his job and we shall enjoy each day and every season. According to information water levels of all six lakes are rising. Since it’s a weekend in Mumbai, its been good relieving weekend for Mumbaikars.

A heavy monsoon downpour flooded streets and disrupted transport in Mumbai on Tuesday morning, with city officials advising citizens to stay indoors. According to meteorological department officials, Mumbai has received around 395 mm of rain since morning, submerging several parts of the city. “The incessant rain has flooded many low-lying areas in Matunga, Sion, Worli, Lower Parel in central Mumbai, Chembur and Wadala in the eastern suburbs and Bandra, Andheri and Borivali in the western suburbs,” an official at the Mumbai disaster management cell said.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has urged people to stay indoors till 5 p.m. as a high tide of about four metres is expected this afternoon. Fishermen have also been asked not to venture out to sea. According to the disaster management cell of the local civic body, high tide will be at 1100 hrs while low tide will be at 1600 hrs, which is expected to create more problems as flood waters are unlikely to recede fast. Only then the flood gates will be opened to allow rain water to drain.

I am providing some important telephone numbers you can call if you area is flooded in the city.(reference taken as per BMC information)

Mumbai: Important numbers you can call if your area in Mumbai is flooded this monsoon.

BMC Commissioner – Jairaj Phatak – 9820092861, 22620525
DMC, Disaster Mgmt – S Shinde – 9820702503, 22704403
AMC (Western Suburbs) 9833184848 – Kishore Gajbhiye – 22620251
MMRDA Commissioner – Ratnakar Gaikwad – 9867876767, 26591234

Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) – RA Rajeev – 9833181818, 22620251
AMC, (Eastern Suburbs) – Madhav Sangle – 9920555100, 22620251
Or call the ward officer
WARD-OFFICERS:
A – Balamwar V M: 22661353, 9820702619
B – Gadkari S Y: 23736622, 9833539011
C – Bole V G: 22014022, 9820935610
D – Chore C D: 23861426, 9820702621
E – Patil P J: 23081471, 9820702620
F/S – Patwardhan V B: 24135460, 9869313204
F/N – Karwande S K: 24024353, 9820702616
G/S – Thorat P K: 24305031, 9820702606
G/N – Pai N V: 24212776, 9820702624
H/E – Mistry U D: 26182217, 9820702657
H/W – Rathod G P: 26422311, 9820702612
K/E – Dhakne R B: 26840103, 9820702618
K/W – Dhamne S M: 26239165, 9820702607
P/S – Kolekar B P: 28722244, 9820702625
P/N – Kshirsagar M M: 28823266, 9820702614
R/S – Shankarwar V V: 28054697, 9820702513
R/N – Khanolkar A B: 28920242, 9833578993
R/C – Waghralkar A S: 28930341, 9820702622
L – Khoje A S: 26505103, 9820702610
M/E – Mehta S C: 25283900, 9969037702
M/W – Pawar R W: 25283900, 9930356222
N – Prabhu V P: 25094161, 9820702603
S – Kale H A: 25947570, 9820702604
T – Masurkar P R: 25645289, 9820702607

 

 

 

 

 

Yeh..Mumbai is raining again, rain in much more than the expected rain. Though entire Mumbai was waiting for rain god to bless them. Since every coin has two sides, even Mumbai’s monsoon has proved that even before. Streets and rail tracks are again filled with water. Many people are being evacuated from low level areas because government did not want to repeat the last year incidents again. This is only fifth day of rain and Mumbai has started panicking. Why Mumbai has started facing this problem severely from last two years? Mumbai always get lot of rain but this much of noise was not there earlier. What has happened? Is it rain or some other reasons are there? Rain has some reason behind all this because there is an increase in /cm rain. However the main reason behind all this is much deeper. According to Mumbai Municipal Corporation the main reason behind all this is old sewerage system. This reason is true up to large extent, because due increasing population of Mumbai city its sewerage system has become outdated. Mumbai city immediately need a better sewerage system which can hold these kinds of rains.

Following are some information just to keep you all updated on Mumbai monsoon:

Flooding points

 

There a number of chronic flooding points in Mumbai which result in disruption of traffic and flooding of settlements.

 

City

1. S.V. Road Low level

2.  Burhni College

3. Slatter Road

4. Hindmata

5. Wadala Station

6. Sandhurst Road

7. Mumbai Central

8. King Circle

9.Sakhubai Mohite Marg

10 Maratha Mandir

 

Eastern Suburb

1. Kurla Station (W), Near Rickshaw Stand

2. L.B.S. Marg, C.S.T. Junction to Sheetal Cinema, Kurla (W)

3. From Premier Road up to Milind Nagar Nalla, Kurla (W)

4. Shanti Nagar, Baigan Wadi

5. Sindhi Society, Chembur (W),

6. Between 21st Road and Subhash Nagar Road, Jeevan Bahar Society, Chembur (W)

7. Shanta Jog Marg, Tilak Nagar, Chembur (W)

8. Savan Bazar, N.G. Acharya Marg, Chembur (W)

9. Kirol Road, Near Fatima High School, Ghatkopar (W)

10. New Pant Nagar from Vallabh Baug Extension, Lane upto Railway Police Quarters, Ghatkopar (E)

11. Naval Dockyard at L.B.S. Marg, Jn. Chirag Nagar Raod, Ghatkopar (W)

12. Bhandup Village Road, Near Progressive Steel Co. Bhandup (W)

 

Western Suburb

1. Juhu Tara Road & S.V. Road Junction, Santacruz (W)

2. Milan Subway – Santacruz (W)

3. Andheri Subway, Andheri (W)

4. Marol Market, Andheri Kurla Road, Andheri (W)

5. Vidyanidhi Complex, JVPD North, Vileparle (W)

6. Gazdar Bundh, Santacruz (W)

7. Bhogale Chowk, Vileparle (E)

8. Junction of M.G. Road, Subhash Road Vileparle (E)

9. Veera Desai Road, Last Bus Stop, Andheri (W)

10. Kotkar nalla, Goregaron (E)

11. Piramal Nagar Nalla, Goregaon (W)

12. Rani Sati Marg, Makrani Pada, Malad (E)

13. Valnai Hutment Colonies, Kandivali (W)

14. Link Road, Guria Pada, Malad (w)

15. Malad Subway, Malad (E) & (W)

16. Opp. Kandivali Fire Station, S.V. Road, Kandivali (W)

17. Sambhaji Nagar, Dahisar (E)

18. Dahisar Subway, Dahisar (E) & (W)

CAR SAFETY TIPS

• CAR SAFETY TIPS

  • A well equipped emergency first aid kit with bandage, pain relief spray, antiseptic cream, anti-allergic like Avil, Aspirin, mosquito repellent cream or spray.
  • Car drivers with diabetes, blood pressure, asthma or illness for which they take prescription drugs, should keep a stock of their medicines in the car.
  •  In a disaster- like situation instead of trying to reach home, first reach the nearest acquaintance/Bank branch. Try to minimize travel.
  • Lower your window panes while driving through water logged areas.
  • Carry out pre-monsoon checks of batteries, tires, electrical wiring, engine, maintenance of your car including wipers and top-up the fuel of your car during the monsoon.
  • Ensure that your car have the recommended air pressure and sufficient tread depth.
  • Install in your car mobile battery charger and ensure your FM Radio is in working condition to tune into announcements. Ensure that you have at least one CDMA cell phone in the car. It seems that CDMA phones worked more effectively than the GSM phone during an emergency.
  • Handy things to be kept in the car :
    • Hammer: to break the glass in case of an auto-lock system failure.
    • Thick nylon rope, about 20 meters long, with a hook
    • Fully charged powerful torch.
    • A working whistle.
    • Plastic sheets and spare umbrella.
    • Keep extra tyre (stepni) ready all the times.
    • Adequate dry, non -perishable food items.
    • Adequate quantity of water.
  • Put emergency contacts in your cell phone, to enable any rescuer to inform your nearest ones at the earliest.
  • Ensure wipers are in good condition and functioning properly.
  • Keep your car’s workshop contact no.
  • Exercise extreme caution after a long dry spell. During a dry period, engine oil and grease build up on the road over time. When mixed with water from a new rainfall, the road becomes extremely slick. Continued rainfall will eventually wash away the oil, but the first few hours can be the most dangerous.Allow for more travel time during monsoon.

   

  Very Important points are explained with red bullets

  ·         Apply brake earlier and with less force than you would normally.

  ·         If you must continue driving, drive slower. Leave plenty of room between you and the next vehicle. Give a truck or bus extra distance.

  ·         Turn on your headlights.

  ·         Watch out for pedestrians.

  ·         Defog your windows.

  ·         Slow down when you are driving through still water. Even small amount can cause your vehicle to lose control.

  ·         Be very cautious at night. It’s much harder to detect flooded areas in the dark.

  ·         Never drive alone in the disaster -prone areas. Avoid low lying areas.

  ·         At any time your Life is more precious than your car, so in case you are stuck be prepared to park and walk.

  ·         Obey all caution signs.

   

Recently, the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) published the 19 days of high tide as red-letter days in the rainy season between June 3 and September 1 for this year.While the monsoon is expected on June 10, possibilities of it setting in early are high, says the weather bureau. In effect, this means, that on these 19 days, when the crest of waves at high tide is over four meters and there is heavy rain, the possibility of the city flooding is very high.

Sluice gates, which funnel floodwaters from the city to the Arabian Sea, are also closed on these days, increasing the possibility of flooding if there are heavy rains.  Please be alert if there are heavy rains during the afternoons.

 On 26th July 2005, combined with the high tides, an unbelievable 944 mm of rainfall, contributed to over 400 deaths in Mumbai region. It would be good to take note of the below dates and review your entities plans & preparations to meet any contingencies this monsoon season.