The experience that 2014 was.

I opened my blog today and realized the last time I wrote something was back in May and it was such a depressing post that I couldn't even read it again. What I also realized is that after that post, it has only been an upward curve for me. That was probably the lowest point of my year and I would never want to go back there. 
But after those deplorable initial months, I have encountered only strokes of luck and contentment. 

It all started with having the best summer of my life in New York City. It wasn't just a trip abroad, it was a journey of self-exploration and introspection with my whole perspective on things in life being changed. I spent my time there with the best people possible, lived dreams that I've had since I was a little boy and made friends who I've become as thick as blood with. I came back a changed person and a much happier person. NYC is not just a city, it's an experience.
And this year, has only been about experiences. 

That's what I learnt from my summer and that is how I strived to spend my year ahead. 
Experiences.

2014 was all about new experiences. I have had such brilliant experiences this year and this is why I feel so alive because I've lived so many times this year. 

Once you let go of something or someone that's been holding you back and making you unhappy no matter how much you love it, it only gets better. I finally let go of something that had been holding me back and keeping me down and miserable and I have only felt better and happier. 

Experiences. 
The experience of having flings and not losing yourself in someone for a change, the experience of meeting people you never thought would become so important in your life but they do, the experience of eating as much as I want without caring about getting fat, the experience of travelling with your friends and creating memories that you'd never forget, the experience of becoming an uncle to your sister's daughter, the experience of finding someone who you're so comfortable with, the experience of attending concerts of artists you are crazy about and living the dream. The experience of life.

Experiences.
We're always holding ourselves back from going out and experiencing what we've always wanted to do. Being careful, being cautious. And then, when you look in retrospect, you are filled with only regrets. 
What could've been of your year had you not held yourself back. What memories you could've had if only you'd said Yes instead of No. How impulsive decisions can lead to the entire course of your life changing. 

I don't like getting philosophical but it's true when they say life begins when you leave your comfort zone. 
I have had such a brilliant year. I have had the lowest of lows and the highest of highs. It's not just been a perfectly upward curve either, there have been a few bumps but isn't that all supposed to be a part of the experience as well?

Thank you, 2014. You have taught me a lot, made me mature a lot, made me go back in time a lot, made me cry & laugh a lot, made me love a lot and made me live a lot.

You were one dazzling experience. 
2015? Bring it on. 

CWG Opening Ceremony: I was there!

So, I was at the grand CWG '10, Delhi opening ceremony last night.
One word: LAVISH!

When we Indians do it, we do it in style.
Our infrastructural development might've been slow, but hell we can dance! :D
And what spectacular lighting and technicality!
The AEROSTAT!
IT WAS FABULOUS!
And it is being considered one of the best opening ceremonies ever held.

Wait, what were they saying about the games a fortnight back?
Seems like everyone's forgotton.
World media, Indian media.. you guys got SO OWNED last night! xD

It was amazing and unforgettable. I am never going to forget last night. I was there in the JLN Stadium. I could feel the energy.
When the crowds cheered when India came with the flag.
The fantastic crowd cheered even when Pakistan made their entry.
And when CM Sheila Dixit was mentioned. We love you madam Chief Minister. :)

Last night. I shall remember always. My country shone worldwide.
My country, the best country.

Incredible India.

The Commonwealth Games 2010

Well, I guess the whole world knows about the Delhi CWG 2010 by now.
I've been wanting to do a post on them since a very long time but I just wanted all the matters to settle then and then commence.

Alright. So, today was the last day of school before Autumn Break was to commence. My English teacher was asking each one of us our plans for the autumn. When she asked me, I blatantly said, "Ma'am, Ill be going to see the Commonwealth Games" ..
To that, there was a response of utter preposterousness and ridicule by each one including my teacher.
She said, "I hope no tile falls on your head"

Now this really pinched me. Yeah, I know what the media has been saying for the past one month.
I've seen it all. At one point, I had started to lose hope but I still believed in my country.
The media hyped each and every negative aspect of the games and NEVER, NEVER EVER highlighted anything positive about the games.
The upgraded metro, the innumerous flyovers and bridges, the world class stadia etc.
Never did they do anything to promote and encourage an Indian athlete.
Yeah, I know an overhead bridge collapsed, a minor slab of tile caved in and there was grave criticism for the Games Village.
But which country and which event has not faced hiccups?
The International media never misses a chance to do some India bashing.
BBC World News went on a rapid rant about how awful the Games conditions' were and quoting all these comments by random what-not officials from Australia, NZ, England etc saying what a mistake it was to give India this chance to showcase it's progress.

We all should realize that there are ALWAYS two sides to a story.
http://commonwealthgamesvillage.in/
http://sports.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/sep/17/slide-show-delhi-commonwealth-games-village-suresh-kalmadi.htm#contentTop
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=128322373885609#!/album.php?aid=289638&id=7319903884&fbid=469892953884&ref=mf
Yep.

What upset me most is the perception of the Games created in the minds' of Indian people.
When BBC posted negative articles about the Games, I saw a lot of Indians saying, "OH, This is India" , "Nothing can happen here. It was a mistake" , "The politicians are so corrupt. Oh, this country is stupid"
HOW CAN YOU CALL YOURSELVES INDIAN? HOW DO YOU LIVE WITH YOURSELVES?
I guess all of these so-called Indians should rather leave the country than rant about it incessantly on an international forum showing the world how disintegrated we are.
I defended the Games on and on in every forum. I tried to highlight every positive aspect and I didn't deny the faults which had emerged. That is because I believe in my country and I love it.

The Commonwealth Games were supposed to be about the spirit of sports, festivities, a platform to show that YES, we are emerging into the global scenario. Sadly, India's image has been marred.

Now, with just 3 more days for the Games. The International delegates and athletes are very happy with the whole set up. All of them giving a thumbs up to the village.
One of the British athletes said, "It's a world class village with excellent facilities"

So, you see now.
It's all about belief.

The Delhi Commonwealth Games 2010 WILL be a success.
India will shine.

The Delhi Sky

I just found this picture of the Delhi sky during twilight in one of my friends' Facebook albums.
Thought I'd share. :)

New Delhi is a wonderful city despite all the potholes and the traffic. :)