The mesmerizing magnificence – Malaysia- a  travelogue

Whilst the first and by far the most common word that would appear all across Malaysia , one that ironically welcomed us at the airport was ‘KELUAR’ which means  ‘EXIT’ ! be that as it may this country was geared up for tourists all across its length and breadth .  Tourism is one of the most important sectors of Malaysian economy , in fact second only to industrial/ manufacturing sector. The thrust on tourism is distinctly felt . As we landed in KLIA-2 , which was previously called Low cost carrier airport (Malaysia is also the birthplace of many low cost air carriers like Air Asia , Malindo airlines etc) , the first thing I felt was the calm and composed nature of the people and the sparse populace as my subsequent stay confirmed , in a stark contrast to India , this country was a quiet country despite the teeming entourage of tourists flowing in .

As I headed to the city round up of Kuala Lumpur , the board signs reminded me of the heavy influence that Sanskrit and urdu/Arabic words have had on the Malaysian language , the Bahasa Malaysia . Words like “bahaya” for danger derived from “Bhaya” in Sanskrit,  such examples were aplenty . Yet as our guide informed Malaysia populace was a amazing mix of all the ethnicities of Asia – the Indian subcontinent, the mongoloid and the south east asian  . Kuala lumpur is a commercial centre and it has  many high rises that looking up and straining the neck for so long made me get a pain in my neck (one of my colleagues in fact suffered sprain in the neck , whether it was because of The Petronas towers it is not known !). The Petronas towers were the most truly remarkable structures , standing tall , these architectural marvels seemed to follow us wherever we went around the city. Brilliant pieces of architecture as they were , they were also aesthetically pleasing to the eye and the night lighting increased their splendor and selfies galore with different poses and new devices were bought to aid in taking selfies !

Islam flowed through the lives of the Malaya people here like a quiet river flowing through a country. It was not azaan from loudspeakers but the quiet prayer rooms built at all public places that signified the presence and distinction of Islam here as compared to the subcontinent . Islam here has influenced and in turn has got influenced by the local culture.

Of the ethnicities the most distinct from the mainstream were the Chinese people , they were more separated whilst the Indian Malaysians seemed to have become one with the local populace. Following traffic rules , discipline on streets and a love for quiet business was apparent as I visited the shopping malls , the streets like China town (Petaling Jaya) , Low yat , adjoining street to the pavilion mall etc.

The Capital gains of Malaysia – Putrajaya

While having received ‘gyan’ from the net ,from day 1 here I was pestering my friends to visit Putra Jaya , it took no less than the High Commissioner from India to Malaysia to finally influence them to visit the brand new capital Putrajaya . Around 50km from Kuala lumpur , this entire city was built by the Malaysian government and the city evokes an unparalleled splendor and being one of the most recent capitals built , looking at it one wonders about the adage – Rome was not built in a single day ! The bridges , the mosques , the Prime minister’s residence , the national square , national monument all a heady cocktail of modern, Islamic and malayan architecture , it was as though a long ballad written in cement and steel ! Yet there was again a quiescent splendor , little crowds and large lung spaces , green spaces abound by design . Putra jaya – was an example to be emulated .

LANGKAWI – step in  , be duty free !

Literally coming on the weekend and being free from the official class hours and discovering this duty-free wonder island was a refreshing experience . It reminds one of Goa . The hustle –bustle of tourists from every nook and corner of the world , buzzing night life , streets lined with restaurants of every possible cuisine . Pristine beaches, endemic wildlife , present a nature sponsored break from the routine. Island hopping tour takes you to various uninhabited islands with limestone caves , the splendid back waters. Noteworthy being the pregnant maiden’s lake which provided picturesque setting and a swimmers’ paradise.

A little further the cable car and the sky walk on which the shooting of the bollywood hit Don took place and the visit to a zoo was all great. Cenang beach is a beautiful beach especially sunset being exquisitely soothing to the eye  and the Parasailing adventure there provided a extraordinary view with an orange  setting sun , blue waters and green islets of land - picturesque and serene.

The visit to Batu caves reminded me of the Indian connection that this land carried with the ancient Indian civilization with the tall statue of Swami Ayappa , the presiding deity in this magnificent limestone caves . The caves were awe-inspiring. But unfortunately we missed the dark caves tour which was closed at the time of our visit.

The good , the bad and the ugly .

Tourists always have some extraordinary and some sour experiences . First the bad one – As it happens in India ,two taxi drivers literally bullied us by charging illegal extra sum for bags that we were carrying , which were only laptop bags , when confronted by my friends they started into abusing India and Indians . We left huffing and puffing and with a  bad taste must say.

On the contrary , the security lady of the mosque in Putrjaya was so cordial and profusely aplogised us for the mosque being closed after 7.30 pm for non muslims , her genteel and humble nature made us feel good not just about Malaysia but about Islam as well.

On the last leg of the travel we had been to Sunway Lagoon which was rather unremarkable amusement park.  Those of us who had been to Genting well gambled their time well I suppose.

Over all the trip around this “truly asian” country left me with an new insights , learnings , lots of fun. Flying back I enjoyed the sweet after taste that a wanderlust can experience after exploring a new land.

"phantoms in the brain"

Where you slid behind those crimson curtains ,
(the red still hurts the eye )
where the smell of your hair still thick ,lingers,
I lay still and bereft ,memories I behold.......
cushioning me to retire into a lucid dream,
a dream alone perhaps t'was.
the senses are yet to recover from your touch
some words still unsaid , much still untouched
those days were thick with a viscous consciousness
an awakening that shall not sleep
an amorous potion perhaps, pervading my senses,
mountains , valleys and ridges and canyons
I moved the paths of meandering rivers,
yet the quest remains unquenched...
memories are the pillows I hold on to
As I fall into a stupor
phantoms still haunt me now
whither lies the cure ,
Do I need one though, am not so sure .....

What of those paths I never could traverse ,
what of those blind alleys I shunned away from ,
what about those risks I did not dare take ,
what about the mirages that did not betray me ,

The past that could never be , 
the future that could be ,
myriad possibilities , unexplored mysteries ...!
turning behind to look ahead into the future ,
what of those blunders i never could commit...!!!

BEYOND THE BEAUTIFUL ...
As there she stood ,
feet soaked in blue water ,
as a lovely silhouette formed on sands below
and above lay the crimson spread .

love as it entangled ,
when and how - I never knew ! 
and there beyond the beautiful 
stays forever - a feeling
ever true , ever new !

THE THUNDERBOLT

In the midst of the woods was your quaint cottage ,
Painted in saffron and blue ,
With the dusky intoxication around, fenced by green foliage ,
A quiescent splendor of your beauty as it descended.....
Struck by a thunderbolt I lay yearning for more 

In all candour I surmise the improbability of that moment,
Years pass by- transcending epochs ,
yet the thirst , the chill ,the choke , the chutzpah , the cherish
Shall remain forever - like a shimmering glow of warmth within......

Chutuku kavithe

Swaradi berethe sangeethawaagi ,Mounadi berethe muguLnageyaagi,Chittadi berethe chaitanyavagi,Cheluvalli berethe chandanavagi...nee beretha reethige sothe naa

sothu suride naa preetiya soneyaagi....

The saga of the SANGAM – the inter services meet @ LBSNAA , MUSSOORIE

         As we arrived after a long journey via Delhi- Dehradoon to the hallowed portals of LBSNAA in Mussoorie ,  travel sick yet thrilled , welcomed cordially by the an Officer trainee of The IAS , we were to endure the arduous trek up the hill to our designated rooms in MAHANADI , panting for breath we felt pity for the OTs of the IAS for the daily “trek” they would have to undertake ! The rooms in the accommodation provided were par excellence , settled comfortably and facing the chilly inclement weather due to  “western disturbances “ we were welcomed with the touch of wit and warmth by the course team and officiating Director of LBSNAA , the whole sense of informality and the extent to which the OTs of the IAS stretched themselves to make us feel comfortable was incredible.

       The next few days only got better with the weather improving miraculously and acquaintances turning into friendships and the mutual exchange of pleasantries in toto turning the whole ambience of the campus into a brilliant sangam of hearts and minds . As sportsmen and women engaged in friendly duels and the cultural teams displayed their splendid talents there was a overall festive atmosphere interspersed by the DJ night, the management games , quiz – what more could one ask for !

       As we came to the close there was this nagging feeling as to why did this not happen earlier and the hope that this shall not be a one off affair .

         And then we had to bid adieu to the mountains and the wonderful people we met in those three momentous days , all felt like a beautiful summer holiday , the sangam , the mélange of minds had come to an end .

My Interview :

Optional – Psychology  , Grad : MBBS , Hobbies : poetry , reading , watching Indian and world cinema and movie reviewing.

Chairperson – Alka Sirohi

Chair person : So you have studied Psychology . What is the difference between Psychology and para-psychology ?

A: Ma’m , Psychology is the study of human behavior and mental processes . Whereas parapsychology is the study of those phenomena which cannot directly be perceived by senses , ex: Extrasensory perception , clairvoyance and other such phenomena

C: So you mean it is the study of paranormal phenomena ?

A: yes ma’m.

C:  So you are a Doctor , So tell me Dr Abhishek , If there is a case where a boy travelling on a road meets with an accident and he gets injured in his right abdomen and you are in the emergency room of a hospital and he comes to you , how do you mange this case

A: I said all the necessary examination will be done then Madam asked me about the investigations . then I answered about USG abdomen , CT abdomen etc . then the discussion continued about splenectomy , side effects of splenectomy , post splenectomy precautions and  vaccination .( I could notb answer the vaccination part fully but rest were fine .)

Finally Ma’m asked the next member to ask questions .

M1 : There is a talk of reforms  everywhere . Electoral reforms , police reforms , administrative reforms etc . First – Do you think we need so many reforms  , can we not do without so many reforms ? secondly , what are 2  areas of reform you think are vital ?

A: Sir , first of all I think it is vital that we have so many reforms , especially for the Indian scenario wherein we are a country in transition , an emerging economy and at this stage of development reforms are indispensable .

So should I pick one reform or two

M1 : pick two

A: Sir then Administrative reforms …

M1: (interrupting) No Administrative reforms is broad , pick up specific reforms.

A:  ( I thought for some seconds , I picked up Labour reforms and police reforms  , basically because I had studied them well .)

Labour reforms – To see through India as a emerging economy skill development is essential , so we need to amend the APPRENTICESHIP ACT , secondly the labour laws should be liberalized – basically 85% of Indian labour is in the unorganized sector , 11% of the labour within the organized sector are casual workers , so 96% of labour sector is out of labour laws’ ambit and for 4% we have hundreds of labour laws – so for skill development and for a liberal economy we need labour law reforms

Second , I actually thought for a while then , said Police reforms , started listing out recommendations various committees and the SC guidelines in the Prakash Singh case , but 

M1 asked me not to list those recommendations but what I feel should be reformed .

 I answered -  

·         Police should be freed from the executive

·         Autonomy should be balanced with accountability – District and State level police complaints cell must be established

 He then asked about Economic reforms :

Second wave of liberalization should be ushered freeing licenses in most other sectors where they exist. Tax reforms : DTC , GST .

Also PPP in social sector , private sector involvement in areas like health , education to a greater extent.

M1 : What about electoral reforms ?

A:  - Decriminalisation – Those chargesheeted must be barred from contesting elections

NOTA option must be strengthened with annulment of elections if there is more than  50 % polling for NOTA option.

M1 : It is said that in our justice system an innocent should not be punished at any cost , i.e. even if some are let Scot-free no innocent should be punished . Do you agree with this ?
A: Yes sir I do agree . because any civilised nation s duty is not just   to punish a criminal but the punishment is to act as deterrence . So if an innocent is punished it is a blot for the civilised society .

M1 (interrupting) : But then how can you let criminals go unpunished ?
A: yes sir they must be punished and there must be an assured certainty of punishment only then it will act as a deterrence but this rule is to guard the civilisation ....many nations are moving from retributive justice to reformative justice .....

M1 : Satyameva Jayate episode on health . comments

A : Pharma lobby , is definitely present , it is a sad fact . About unnecessary tests and procedures – professional discretion must be allowed , good and bad ppl in every profession , black sheep exist . but guidelines must be prepared for standard treatment , ex: as mentioned in the clinical establishments , registration and regulation act .

Shift to M2

M2:

1.Karnataka as a linguistic state and the relevance of borders

2. Border disputes of K’taka

3. What was the extent of K’taka in ancient times

4. Do you think problems will be solved if we have that big state ?

5. Name two other states involved over border dispute over linguistic boundaries

6. Ideology of Shiv sena

7. Attitude of SS towards north Indian migrants

8. Attitude in Indian cities towards NE – Indians . (mentioned Nido case )

I answered these  questions . 

M3 :

1.    Importance of cardiovascular examination ? supplement to that Splenic injury management case .

2.    Do you think Corruption in cricket is overhyped , while the fact is that corruption exists in all spheres ?

Answered that Cricket represents the spirit of the country , part of the folklore of the nation’s story , can’t let that be corrupted , having said that corruption in any sphere must be curbed .

    3 .  Since Chess is an individual ‘s game , don’t you think Vishwanathan Anand deserves Bharat Ratna more than anyone else ?

A:  Though what you said is true sir , I believe that even in a team game the contribution of an individual is phenomenal as in the case of Sachin Tendulkar , and As I was following Anand – Boris gelfand match even chess involves a team ,, but then of course Anand ‘ contribution to sports is enormous and he definitely deserves Bharat ratna , now that the sports criteria has been included . So does Dhyan chand posthumously .

3.    So will you take up his case?

A: (smiled ) Sir I don’t know  to which forum I can take his case , in my capacity I would write a letter to the editor of a newspaper (smiled again).

M4
questions 

1               M4:  Doctor – population ratio in India ?
          A : I know the health personnel to population ratio . It is 19:100000
 M4:  Is it satisfactory ? (I answered that its grossly inadequate )
 M4:  Then why did you leave medicine ? Are you not needed more over there ?

 M4 : Foreign universities setting up campus in India . Comment
  A: spoke about  foreign universities bill , Times Higher education list of 500 universities only should be allowed . need for proper regulation to discourage fly by night operators . UGC norms must be prescribed to these universities too.

UNDER THE STARRY SKIES

In mute protests and mutant thoughts ,
The restive self always asks ,
questions with answers unknown 
of dreams with destinations unknown

Yet i look as i rarely do ,
the white "stains" on that clear dark infinite 
quiescent unease at the splendor of it all 
so near yet so far ...

I chase them to eternity and never find them
yet they say their positions shape my future
millions may come millions may go
but they stay on forever !

yet when i know even they can fall from grace
from heights unfathomable
of lives shone with brightness
yet all which is just as perishable as me

Under the starry skies
with my dreamy eyes
I look,
and all that I see are - reflections !

Untitled

As the voice inside croons ,
to the distinct dis"harmony" ,
To the jiggle of the world I swoon,
Out of step , out of place .

Crouching into the forbidden spaces ,
Uncouth - remorseful advances ,
But "truth" s an unforgiving mistress ,
disheveled , bruised , in chronic distress !

To say that is all already been unsaid ,
To guzzle up the spirit of a deserted mind ,
Yet I collect the bones from the closet ,
set a new journey like discovering the Indies !!

The boy did grow up ,unfortunately
In an unconscionable world in deep slumber .
A schism still pervading ,
and a dream's still waiting , intruding , invading ...