Day 31

Blackberry 10 is officially launched globally. The news that has genuinely made my day. By far the best moment of the day. OMG! This device is something I desperately crave for now. I am cent percent buying it as soon as it is available in India. Witnessed the official launch of Blackberry 10.

Two major announcements made by the President & CEO of Blackberry, Thorsten Heins: 

1. 'Research In Motion' has been officially renamed to one exclusive brand name, 'Blackberry'. 

2. Alicia Keys - Global Creative Director of Blackberry.

Key features & highlights of The Blackberry 10: 

1.  Whole new interface, operating system & platform.

2. Blackberry Hub, Blackberry Flow, Blackberry Peek, Blackberry Balance, Blackberry Remember,     Blackberry Story Maker.

3. A One Thumb interface & platform.

4. Writing without Typing Keyboard with Multi-Linguial ability. 

5. BBM services now includes BBM Screen Share, BBM Video Call.

6. The most number of applications than any other 1st Generation Smart Phones. 

7. Over 70,000 application available including the top 1000 applications from all the present platforms including apple & android. 

8. The Keep Moving Project. 

The Blackberry 10 has been launched with 2 all new models: 

1. Blackberry Z10 - Complete Touch Screen

2. Blackberry Q10 - Touch Screen with the traditional QWERTY pad.

Availability:

UK - 1st Feb 2013

Canada - 5th Feb 2013

United Arab - 10th Feb 2013

USA - 1st March 2013 

The prize will vary depending upon the carriers. 

                                   What a beauty designed. In sheer love with Blackberry 10. 

Blackberry Q10

Blackberry Z10

The video link to witness the real time Blackberry Experience: 

http://tremolo.edgesuite.net/blackberry_experience_launch/desktop_dvr/index.html

Day 30

Happiest belated birthday Maitri aka Chotuuu. God Bless You.

Everyone of us goes through a phase in life which makes you get a step closer to the thing you aspire in your heart. A phase that is unexplained coz' its a state of trance. A perpetual state when the heart wants a thing but the mind rejects it out right. I am passing through this phase. This phase is tricky,  logical & analytical. The tranced phased leads to the clash of heart and mind at every moment.

I came across a series of moments today when I felt that, the world takes me for granted. Is it really my fault when the people around, takes me for granted?? How is it possible for a selfless guy to make sure he is not taken for granted?? Or has the world really taken me for granted? Help me here. After a long philosophical introspection, I conclude it's not practical. 

You love something and you go behind it from your heart but you find out it's not yours. You stay positive and you wait until you find out that it's lost forever. The hope dies leaving behind a single ray which lets your heart pumping for a second chance. Rarely does someone get a second chance and I am lucky. I got it. Happily accepting the second chance, I run behind it again with all the hopes to find out it's gone again, forever. This leads to this unexplained state of trance. Its a WTF moment. This time that single ray vanishes too *sigh* Its tough to keep fighting for the one thing you really like but that's how it is, LIFE. With an ambiguous decision of learning how not to express, the path starts. A path which is unknown to me for 21 years. Seems impossible to walk on but shall give it a try. Expressing leads to a tension free state but it burdens you with hurt, a lot of hurt. A perplexed state defined when the heart cries to express and mind shouts not too. Both looks correct at their respective places. What to implement?

There was a moment today when I decided too only focus on my career, personality, photography and writing. A decision taken by mind which somewhere is over powered by heart. Another perpetual state which cannot be explained. A list of such moments leads to such trance. A list that needs to be sorted and analyzed for getting me out of this scary state. 

I can also put the above thoughts as, "__________________"; UNEXPRESSED WORDS. 

#MadUpdate. 

Love All. 

Day 29 (i)

One of my favorite short story.

When I was a kid, my mom liked to make food for dinner and every now & then I remember she used to cook for us. One night in particular when she had made dinner after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of bread jam and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I was waiting to see if anyone noticed the bunt biscuits. But dad just ate his biscuits and asked me about how was my day at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember I heard mom apologizing to dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said, "Honey, I love burned biscuits." Later that night, I went to kiss daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked the biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your momma put in a long hard day at work today and she was really tired. And besides, a burnt biscuit never hurts anyone but harsh words do. You know, life is full of imperfect things, imperfect people ... I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. What I've learned over the years, is that learning to accept each others faults and choosing to celebrate each other's differences, is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship."

Moral: 

Life is too short to wake up with regrets. Love the people who treat you right and have compassion for the ones who don't. Enjoy life now ... It comes with an expiry date. 

Day 29

Deepest Condolences to the family of my batch mate Bhooshan.

You passed away in the most unexpected manner. You were the happy go lucky person in my batch of 09’. I will never forget the moments when you used to help me 20 mins before the university exam with the basics.  I have no more words to describe this incident. I will miss you brother. May your soul rest in peace.

How accidents have taken lives of millions in the most uncertain manner has lately made me question the official authorities about there accomplishments. Do they really have a plan on paper? Do they really know the toll of the deaths occurring due to such non-planned roadways? Do they really care? Why has the town planning not done with the best possible human source?

I have lost 3 friends in past 1 year, which somewhere has made me, fear driving to an extent. An untimed death is a loss to the family, friends and nation.

I want to write more about the news of Mark Zuckerberg joining Politics, India registering the 3^rd consecutive win in the India-England ODI series, two more Jain rituals but at this moment, this sad demise has taken the grip of my mind.

Will write again tomorrow. Off to give some rest to my eyes.

Love all.

Day 28

Birthday wishes to a promising rotaractor, Dhruvang Thakkar. God Bless You. 

The best moments of a hectic schedule are when you realize with in that you can actually work more effectively when you have more responsibilities on head. What a start to the end & what refreshing end. Wow !! Dad speaking an amazing dialogue before the start of the day, "Normally, a family leaves the house to earn together. In our case, the entire family leaves the house for Social Service."

It was World Polio Day today. A day dedicated for a global awareness of Polio. Few years ago, Rotary International set a mission to create a Polio free world & in 2013 it is said that only 3 countries of the world still register polio cases that too in hundreds only. The announcement of a Polio Free World by WHO is not far. A day when Rotary International should be recognized by a Noble Prize for their selfless efforts in curing polio world wide with the help of Rotarians & world leaders. The day starts at 9am with appreciating Rotary clubs hosting a polio booth. Further, a very crucial Rotaract weekly meeting of my home club, Rotaract Club of Kankaria was carried with full heart and a positive open discussion on the club issues was done. A small discussion was held with our parent club about the 2nd half of the year & the coming year. New club board is finalized with only minor changes in future.

Congratulations Maa for being elected as the President of Rotary Club of Kankaria for 2013-14.

The night was even better with the Second function, The DJ Night. When I first heard that a DJ Night is being organized; I was not very sure of how well it would turn out to be. Will it actually be a DJ Night or will it only be music & food? With all such anxiety in my head, I drive down to Sanghvi Farm located at Gandhinagar. As soon as I park the car and open the gates, my eyes see blue & green lighted farmhouse & my ear drums registers a sound which automatically sends a message to the legs to start dancing. My first reaction, "Umm .. Good che". Walking down the blue carpet bestowed for the invitees, the farmhouse where we literally played cricket was transformed into a perfect DJ Night Setup. It practically had everything, from numeral lights to flying speakers, a set of 3 DJ's producing music from all the commercial genre's to sitting camp fires, Table beverage services to 4 professional photographers & 2 videographers.  Second reaction just registered, "Unexpectedly Awesome". The bride to be looked real beautiful Golden n Blue designer one piece. The groom looked Mr. Perfect with Black Suit with Red boundaries. The food was delicious and spicy(for me) which ranged from soups, cheese ball starters, chinese cuisine and main course saw the traditional 'Chole Bhature & Gulab Jambun'.  Wow! Wow! Wow! A classic DJ Night with an Elegant touch. Something which I have always loved. Sharing a few photos below. This function touched my heart more because of a small re-union of my old group of friends. The strange moment was when I knew practically 80% or more invitees. Here, I'll mention, "that awesome moment when you enter the venue and people turn over to you just to greet you 'Kem che bhai' with a genuine smile. The Celebrity feel moment.'

Congratulations Sagar Jiju & Foram Di for a consecutive super ritual/function night. Loved it!

Insane Dancing

Sitting Campfire

Green Setup

The Groom & The Bride

Liverpool FC registered a 5-0 victory in the previous fixture. Another Wow moment for me. Its been ages to see Liverpool FC perform in such world class manner. Thank You Liverpool FC for such a beautiful game. Keep playing the same, score more goals and I still believe we have a chance to prove the world that we do deserve a top 4 spot. All the best for the future fixtures.

The day finally comes to an end with me still sick and an university exam in the afternoon tomorrow.

Good Night.  Love All
                         

Day 27

Wishing you all the love, happiness & prosperity Chinmay & Samay. God bless you both.

The active week started with an active day. From shopping to selection of cloth material for the coming functions, handling a part of today's ritual to keeping a firm mindset of revising the syllabus tomorrow (at any cost) for the Management - 2 exam on 21st Jan 2013. Amazingly planned and superbly executed. I am definitely going to be a good manager in near future, be it personal management or professional management.

So, the first marriage & reception of bhabhi's(Brother's wife) brother at Merryment Party Plot were grand. I have been to a lot of marriages till now but never really understood why is arranged at such  level. When I was in my teens, I used to think that it is either the money the family possesses or it's their family status which needs the flaunting. It's only when you are not just an invitee, you truly understand the depth behind the arrangements & the cash flow. What I understood today was, arrangements at this level are only done when a lot of emotions are attached to it. The western world believes spending money in such rituals is a waste coz' they normally have 2-3 repetitive associations like this (if you know what I mean). But in the land of culture & values, such rituals are held once in a lifetime. Loved the arrangements at the reception and the service was a true Thumbs Up. Well done bhabhi & Congratulations.

The second ritual of the day, my sister's 'Haathkuri' was a small function but a really sweet gathering. 'Haathkuri' ritual in Jains sees the bride wearing a fancy, colorful "dhaaga" (thread) on the right ankle. This "dhaaga"is then undone after the completion of marriage. I did not ask the details behind this ritual, but I personally believe it's superstitious. But nevertheless, the "dhaaga"is really trendy. It's fun to add the style quotient to a religious ceremony. 

I reached home before a few minutes thinking tomorrow is a sunday. But it's a social day again with social commitments starting from 9am to 3pm. It's gonna be a happy morning as the day starts with a good deed. A mission started by Rotary International. Will write more about it in detail tomorrow. The tiredness today is more because of the sudden change in the climate in Ahmedabad, from 27 degrees to a drastic 13 degrees. I got bad cold due to this which interestingly made me a guy with a heavy voice. I will someday go deep into this transformation only to understand how a normal voice is transformed into a heavy voice. 

India registers a 2nd win against England at Ranchi today making the series 2-1 (India leads). Mahendra Singh Dhoni, The Best Indian Captain so far. Bleed Blue ! 

P.S: The blog seems random only because my health's down and I need rest to be active the whole week. Will be more discreet in describing the details in further blogs. 

Advise: Stay Active as long as your body permits. You'll see life in a much positive manner. 

Good Night. Love All.    

Day 26

Shocked to hear about Sophiya Haque's death. May her sould rest in peace. Deepest Condolences to her family. 

Every family who has a girl child in India awaits her wedding day. I have a younger sister so my family will see her wedding after me. But, I have a very special wedding coming up in a week. There are so many Indian rituals that are followed all through the wedding process. Here, I am talking about my sister's wedding on 23rd March 2013. She was born in a Jain 'T Series' family, as aunty would describe. A family that religiously are Jain but maintained a cordial open mind with the ever changing world. So, she is 24 and she is about to get married in a week. A whole new life is going to unfold for her. I am curiously waiting to know how well she manages this new chapter in her life. 

Just the thought of leaving the family you are born for a family you have hardly known is scary. How beautifully our mother has accomplished this major responsibility is what we realize when we see the girl child of the family go to an other family. Parents and siblings are wanting to know if her daughter or sister is safe, happy, protected, loved, cared and valued in the family she has dedicated her life too. Jain's have rituals which may be different from other Hindu religions. 

First ritual which I was a part of was 'Thap' on December 10, 2012 where in the bride and groom have a gathering at their respective homes with all the family members and close friends. It is believed that after the ritual of 'Thap' is over, the marriage is bound to happen at any cause. Nothing in this world can stop the marriage of the bride and groom, not even death of a family member. It took over my mind when I understood this but still I don't agree with this. Never mind, me agreeing to it or not will not change it.

The second ritual is not a Jain ritual, it's something which youth all over the world tend to follow. It's a trend as the world say. The second ritual which I was a part of was a Bachelorette party on January 5, 2013. When I got an invite for this party I actually thought it would only be a small get together of her close friends, some music and food and its over. I was wrong here. I never knew that girls could also host a hell of a bachelorette party. The party was themed, 'Prince & Princess Party'. A specific dress code was called for where the guys would turn out to be the cool prince with a T-shirt & Denim and girls would wear a one piece and a crown ordered for them. I turned to be the most awesomely cool prince with the true cool prince attire. This is what every one had to say. I am obliged to be the best always *smart*.  Putting up 3 most cherished moments of the night. 

The Princess to be Bride

My Princess & The Princess to be Bride

My little Princess

The jam packed wedding week is on from today. I have two important weddings to attend and my last two exams are still pending. How am I going to manage all these together? I am going shopping today for the weddings. A super busy day for me. Its gonna be a lot of fun though. I'll put up my schedule for the coming week. Its a week which I shall not forget for years to come.

18.1.2013 - Sangeet Sandhya
19.1.2013 - Marriage & 'Haathkuri'
20.1.2013 - DJ Party
21.1.2013 - Mehndi
22.1.2013 - Sangeet Sandhya
23.1.2013 - Marriage
24.1.2013 - Reception

As soon as I am done with the reception in Ahmedabad, I'll be on my way to Udaipur for the next 3 days i.e. 25th January 2013 to 28th January 2013 for my father's conference. It's gonna be an active week ahead. Looking forward to all the different rituals with maximum fun.

Love All.

Day 25

It's only almost 3 weeks to my 22nd birthday. I remember how I celebrated my 21st birthday. Last year my birthday was a day when I received a gift from practically everyone I really cared for. That was the first birthday in 21 years when I received gifts. 

With one year passing by like a whirlwind, I cherish the gift which my little sister, Nirja gave me the most. The only non-materialistic gift which I received. I did not show the series of emotions I went through after I saw this video she made for me & took it with only a smile and it was a total disaster. She expected me to show the emotions and expressions I experience during the viewing. 

So, after a year ... I admit that this video is the best gift which I have ever received. Thank You Nirja. I Love You. 

Sharing with all of you a gift that I cherish.

Day 24

Chandelier 

Ceiling 

The Lamp Pattern

Deep Shah

A few more clicks during the month of January 2013. Getting in the discipline and routine is tough but possible. 

Day 23

First Try with Light Art

Pure Freedom

Nature's Creation

Uploading a few of my latest updates on 'Shashwat Desai Photography' page on Facebook. I absolutely feel like an artist when I portray my thoughts through my clicks.

Day 22 - Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi wins the Ballon D'or 2012 for the 4th consecutive year. It's a great achievement for the little player from Barcelona. A player who has worked really hard to be a true brand name in the world of soccer. I use to be a professional soccer player too. I know what it takes to be on the top. I have experienced it at my local, state & national level. I myself am a die hard Cristiano Ronaldo fan. But I am happy with the result only because Messi does deserve the recognition. He respects the game & respects the other achievers too. 

That's the Messi mania between 2009 and 2012. Wishing you a great season ahead.

P.S: I hope Cristiano makes it as a winner in 2013. *fingers crossed*

Day 21 - Anand Mahindra's 'FightBack'

Anand Mahindra

Tech Mahindra had long back developed an application called 'FightBack' which was being used only by the staff members of Mahindra Group.

After the gang-rape of a woman in New Delhi; Anand Mahindra has now thrown open this smart phone application for public use, beyond Mahindra employees.

The 'FightBack' application tracks a user's location and sends SOS messages to selected contacts in case of an emergency.

This application is now available for download on the company website for free & IS ONLY FOR INDIAN MOBILE NUMBERS.

The 'FightBack' app allows the user to press on a panic button whenever he/she feels unsafe.

It tracks the location using GPS and alerts chosen contacts about the location map and is available on Android and Blackberry.

www.fightbackmobile.com

Steps - How to download the application

1 - Register yourself or login through Faceback with Post click.
2 - After the successful Login in the portal, Click to Download.
3 - Enter the mobile number on which you want to deploy for the Fight Back application.
4 - Select your handset on which you would like to download the application from the device list.
5 - Click on Download button, and you will receive the link to download via SMS.
6 - By clicking on the downloadable link within the received SMS your application will start downloading.

Personal Note: 

I personally salute Anand Mahindra for his effort to protect women all over the country, which by far is the most simple and soon to be talked after effort. Genuine and true respect for you sir. You have the power to change the society for better and I am glad you are using your power for the betterment. The phrase, " With great power comes great responsibility " is defined by you by this big step. Thank You once again Sir. All the respect for you.  

Day 20

"Humpty-Dumpty had a great fall." I am implying this well known quote for the Indian Cricket Team. What a disgraceful display of cricket today. India loses to Pakistan by 85 runs. A series lost. Pakistan is 2-0 up and I am super sure about the 3 match at Eden Gardens. India wins extravagantly. What's the point of winning after two loses with our most fierce opponent. India needs magic. India needs a miracle. India freaking needs bowlers.

Only a few weeks ago the whole set of mass media and our so called senior players wanted Sir Sachin Tendulkar to retire from this form of game. They wanted the most atrocious batsman on the planet to retire, a batsman who can make the bowlers go weak on their run only by his sheer presence. The stupid selectors, senior lame players do not understand that India needs Sachin. I am considering his age and injuries as his mental decision to announce retirement. But today every Indian realized how badly India needs Tendulkar. India mourns tonight. A defeat that should probably kill the game of the players.
Gambhir & Shewag have been playing more with the tantrums, egos and attitude than what they are freaking paid for. They are paid and in the team to come on the pitch and score runs. They are batsman. They have a whole nation's responsibility. They have their age now but they haven't yet grown up mentally. This is what I feel looking at their previous games. Its been an age when I saw a ton from both of them. I seriously hope that Sachin Tendulkar does the Allan Border again.

Every morning when I sip a hot cup of coffee in my hand and the Ahmedabad Mirror in other, I hope to read some good quality news that shall inspire its reader than just informing them about the rapes, murders, loots and politics. Yes, media is meant to show what all is going around the world but I have a different way of looking to it. If I have a 25 page paper that is being read by over a billion people I would certainly not dedicate half of the total pages to negative news. I would probably collect the shit bad news from around the globe and fit them into a page or two. The rest of the pages shall display a collection of positive good things happening around the world.

Media all around the world does not understand that it has the power to rule one's mind. I have friends in media and I know every small gimic they play to make sure that they have more readers. I know some of the news which we read everyday in papers or we view it on the television is self made just for the readership or the viewership. I understand that some cases have the need to be highlighted. But this does not mean that you need to show or print every small thing in context to that highlight. Please there is much more goody things happening around the world which also is craving media attention.

It makes me feel sad every morning when I read the news about rapes, murders, attacks and loots but I would certainly want to start my day with reading something good and not "a minor is raped and the rapist is stet free." Come on, I am just starting my day and the media makes sure that it starts with  hatred towards society. How about not reading the newspaper or reading only the good section of the newspaper? I would have loved to read that but the good section is hardly any. Get that.

It was such a fine start to the beautiful chilled morning. It was all time 8 degrees today morning in Ahmedabad. I so wished it did not get ruined. But the media and Indian cricket outraged the entire day. urgghhhh

Love to all.

Day 19

The past decade has seen a change in almost every possible thing present in the world. But the biggest trend shift which I observed is, "How I Look?".

I have been talking a lot with my social group and the question which I get countered the most is about looks and every thing related to it. There was a time when a complete personality was important. Today, if you have the right fat, cuts and muscle you have 80% secured your place in other's heart. Rarely, I find people not following these stupid trends. Looks are important but not that important which leads you to forget who you really are as a person. This trend shift is only because the younger generation tends to shift there minds towards actors to a great extent. A teenage guy or girl today looks up to John Abraham or Priyanka Chopra for looks not realizing that these people have the resources, finance and the need to look good. 

I have no objections on idolizing actors as your role models but please go deep when you are setting a role model for yourself; coz' if you really are going to follow them, you need to know them with real depth and not reel depth. Idolizing an actor as a person is way different than idolizing a character portrayed by the actor of your choice. The younger generation needs to understand that most of the actors and actresses have altered their looks either by taking supplements or getting under the knife which is not healthy or required in our daily life. 

I want to look good. I too want to have the OMG Hot body but I am not going to forget myself to achieve that. For me, a personality as a whole is more important. I believe it is the persona of the person that gets you fit with your social network. Giving importance on grooming ourselves is more important than just grooming your looks. Looks is a characteristic which compliments your personality; it is not the characteristic which makes your personality. This is the point which needs to get in the head of teens. 

When you spend thousands in a gym, I don't object. I just don't understand the mentality you hit the gym with. Sweating it out rigorously just to look good will harm your body physically and scientifically eventually. A normal human body requires a minimum of 8 hours of sleep and it requires 45 minutes of physical exercise. This tendency of sweating it out just for the abs will lead you to stop sweating it out over a period of time coz' your body says no, which will further lead to ugliness. But if you sweat it out to stay fit, the body will show results effectively and at a faster rate coz' you are giving your body what it needs. You need to stretch a little but not to an extent of its tearing out.

These were all the random thoughts working in my head right now but all I really want everyone to understand is, 

LOOKS are not THE MOST IMPORTANT Thing, PERSONALITY Is. Work on your Personality as a whole and not only your looks. 

P.S: I know this is the most random blog. I still love it.

Day 18

Wishing every one a very happy & a prosperous new year.

January 1, 2013 looks so different in writing but feels the same. Every new year we tend to set resolutions for the coming year and some of us actually try to accomplish them. I don't believe in setting resolutions specifically on a new year. We have so many new year's celebrated all around the world through various religions.

I read Amitabh Bachchan's tweet and I totally agree with it. Why to wait for the new year to decide our resolutions? Resolutions are normally meant to groom ourselves for a good today and a better tomorrow. This can only happen by learning new good things, implementing the resolutions you take every day and believing in ourselves. This is what I do.

2012 was a good year on a whole. We hear randomly people saying a true fact, years pass by but memories are meant forever. A glimpse of 2012 memories ...

Clicked Priyanka Chopra - Dream

Navratri - DESAI Parivar

Brotherhood - Shaswat Diwan & Sanket Shah

Uttarayan 12'

Grown Childhood 

Rakhi 12'

Kiddo's Farewell Shoot

Rock On Jooeeee

To the special one

Arvind Patel's 25th Anniversary Bash

Navratri - Gulmohor

The Fevistick Bond - Rakhi 

To Ashkuu

Vidip Patel & Krunal Patel - Anand

Re-living childhood

Clicked Priyanka Chopra - Dream

Boys Night Out

Vedanti & Haard's Birthday Bash

Rajpath Club Fashion Show

Valentine Shoot with Maul Gohel

Nir's Birthday Bash

It speaks for itself

Dad's Governor Shoot

Vaibhav Bhai's Reception

Navratri - Gulmohor

Mainland China - Dinner

To my Cousin

A Ride 

Vashisht Bhai's Reception