South Karnataka

Had been to South Karnataka on a temple pilgrimage from week ending 6th June to 11th June 2009. Covered Kollur Mookambika, Murdeshwar, Dhareshwar, Idugunji, Shringeri, Dharamstala, Kukke Subrahmanya, Kateel and Udupi. Total distance covered in excess of 1000 kms. The scenery was breathtaking throughout the entire journey starting with drive from Kundapura railway station onwards. Dense and thick forests along the way all throughout was absolutely breathtaking. Udupi was a busy town, though other places where we halted for the night viz. Kollur and Kukke Subrahmanya left a lot to be desired. Power situation is absolutely poor in these parts. Food was no problem and in fact it was scintillatingly delightful. Karnataka is a mystery left to be discovered by one and all. It was indeed beautiful. The drive up to Shringeri was breathtaking and Shringeri itself was a delight in itself. What beautiful facilities have been created there a mix of the old and the new, the heritage stone temple being almost mystical. Kukke Subrahmanya was a surprise because there were book stalls inside the temple complex itself which is a new attraction for me. Picked up Gandhi's autobiography for just rs.95/- only. Got some more books from Udupi, there were some three small stalls where we purchased lots of books that we do not get otherwise in Bombay. At every place food was served free in the temple complex itself. The method of serving food was unique in all the places and the innovative methods adopted for serving at a time, more than 1000 persons deserves to be patented. Murdeshwar had a breathtaking statue of Shiva which was about 23 foot in height and near the Arabian Sea. There were other statues as well, which was an absolute wonder.

Mohammad Rafi 29th death anniversary

July 31st was the 29th death anniversary of the legendary Mohammad Rafi, the greatest playback singer in Hindi known to millions of Indians, much loved, much revered, truly a sad loss to India even 29 years after his death. An emotional day for all Indians.

100 Great Modern Lives

Just finished reading an exhausting "100 Great Modern Lives" a book about profiles of 100 great persons in the 19th century, qualification being they should have been born in that century. It includes profiles of people like Charles Dickens, Richard Wagner, Dostoevsky, Van Gogh, Gandhi, Chaplin, James Joyce among others. It was like 100 biographies and to that extent a very inspiring book and a collector's item. I love to read biographies of eminent persons, scientists, artists, sportspersons, achievers and this book fulfils my dream.

Black Beauty

Just finished reading "Black Beauty" by Anna Sewell, a beautiful book from the eyes of a beautiful horse who is loved as well as mistreated by his owners. Written in a beautiful language, this book captivates you like no other. It reminds me of "A Tiger for Malgudi" that beautiful book from RK Narayan, again from the eyes of an animal, the majestic tiger. These are timeless classics.

Paths of Glory

Just finished reading "Paths of Glory" by Jeffrey Archer the scintillating account of George Mallory' everest expedition of 1924. I would think this is one of Jeffrey's best books to date as it brings to life the famous expedition in a brilliant narrative.

The Messenger

Just finished reading "The Messenger" by R.K. Laxman, who is the brother of the famous R.K. Narayan, one of the most well known and well liked writers from India. Laxman is a famous cartoonist by himself having had many cartoon books as well as the daily cartoon strip in the Times of India. Laxman writes almost likes his brother of small town simple people and their little problems in the big world.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

Just finished reading "Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea" by Jules Verne, the father of science fiction. It is an absolutely amazing and fascinating story of Captain Nemo and his "Nautilus" and his adventures under the sea. Never a dull moment despite the heavy usage of scientific terminology.