2008 on a winning note!!

The zeal to succeed is always ennobling; more so in the time of terror and recession. Saluting the undying spirit of West Delhiites, West Delhi showcases some thrilling success stories scripted by them in the year 2008. To remain optimistic and happy is a congenital human attribute. This is the reason why amid the gathering gloom over recession and the threat of terrorism, everyone is looking for a reason to smile and whoop it up this New Year Eve. There is no doubt that these are, to quote, Dickens, "the best of times and the worst of times.’’ But there is no taming the resilient spirit of West Delhiites. Their greatest asset is their ability to bounce back instead of getting bogged down in the quagmire of defeatism. And, no one personifies this trait better then our very own Sushil Kumar, Olympic medallist wrestler from West Delhi. A native of Baprola village in Najafgarh, Sushil this year became India’s fourth-ever individual Olympics bronze medalist, putting India on the medal tally of Olympics. For sure he can be rightly called the next nawab of Najafgarh after Sehwag. If Olympics saw the birth of a new star, same is true for international cricket. West Delhi’s very own Virat Kohli from Shankar Garden, near Vikaspuri did India proud as it won the U/19 World Cup (2008). Gautam Gambhir from Karol Bagh is another cricketer from West Delhi who is making his mark as an opener in both the versions of the game. After topping the batting average in the recently concluded test series against England, Gambhir has now jumped to 10th spot in ICC rankings. Then there is the speedster from Ranjit Nagar, Ishant Sharma, who has become a regular bowler for the Indian squad. He shot into international limelight early this year in Australia when he knocked the living daylights out of Ricky Ponting by dismissing him many times in one-dayers and test matches. In fact, he played a crucial role in halting the Australian juggernaut. Other prominent youngsters from West Delhi, who are all set to make it big in the field of sports in the coming years include Amit Mishra (Cricket) Arantxa Andrady (Tennis), Vishal Singh (Cricket) from Tilak Nagar and Shaun Andrady (Soccer) from Delhi Cantt.

From real to reel world, West Delhiites left their indelible stamp everywhere in 2008. Several youngsters made their debut on the small screen and came out with guns blazing. Take the case of Rishita Monga from Vikaspuri, who was crowned as ’Ultimate ibibo MTV i Superstar’. In this popular reality show she portrayed herself as Priyanka Chopra. With this popular crown 20-year-old Rishita finally announced her arrival into the glam world and is planning to make it big on the silver screen. Same is true for 15-year-old Sukanya Gupta, a talented singer from Rishi Nagar (near Rani Bagh), who is on song these days. This young girl has participated in a host of singing competitions including Sa-Re-Ga-Ma-Pa Little Champs and Sansui Antakshri. Adhar Mohla (DJ) from Punjabi Bagh and Mayank Anand (fusion player) from Janakpuri will also be in the big league quite soon.

In the field of academics, art and painting also, West Delhiites did not lag behind. Shalini Arora from East Punjabi Bagh became the recipient of prestigious BOLT (Broad Outlook Learner Teacher) award for here innovative software programs. Shalini is teaching Computer Science in DLDAV School, Shalimar Bagh. Sankha Samanta from Vikaspuri is known as the man who has made maximum number of stamps for Government of India. He has designed more than 1,000 philatelic items that include more than 250 postage stamps and 150 covers.

With 2008 all set to become history, it is perfect time to bid adieu to this passing year with a winning smile.

Read more...

No Horn Please

With the New Year’s Day being observed as a ’No Honking Day’, would North Delhiites play it safe? North Delhiites are not happy at the recent decision of the Delhi Police to celebrate January 1 as ’No Honking Day.’ Now, you may call it a typical case of status deprivation to use the educational jargon. How can it be possible? They are, after all, governed by the seat of their pants. In other words, they believe in instincts rather than logic or knowledge. You may cavil at their impertinence in having their way, but do you have the right to grudge them their freedom of choice and expression? If they don’t honk, they won’t be able to avoid collateral damage on roads. In fact, foisting such facile justifications come easy to North Delhiites. Rash driving is their besetting sin. After all, when all you have is hammer, everything looks like a nail. The first day of New Year is all about whooping it up; after all it is not everyday that you get to celebrate this particular occasion!

"There is no denying the good intentions of the traffic police in declaring January 1 as a ’No Honking Day.’ No doubt, honking is a nuisance on Delhi’s roads. But while driving on the road, how can you do without honking? At times, pedestrians cross the roads dangerously without even looking properly at the speeding vehicles,’’ says Sanjay Kumar, a marketing executive from Pitampura.

For 26-year-old Mohit Chabra, working with a private firm, ’No Honking Day’ may upset his applecart. He cannot imagine life without honking. After all, in Delhi, the more expensive car you have, greater is the need to flaunt your importance and what better way to do this than by mindless honking? "I will definitely try to abide by the rule; but I don’t think it is going to make any difference to the attitude of an average North Delhiite.

There will be people who won’t be even aware of this rule. And, if caught, the violators won’t mind paying the fine.’’

Read more...

Fly to your DREAMLAND

This New Year’s Eve, North Delhiites would travel to Swiss beaches, African jungles and to the sets of Bollywood. Thanks to the theme parties that would give them a taste of the world, right at home. Gone are the days when New Year’s Eve was a very personal affair, restricted to either a small get-together at home or a terrace bon-fire party with friends. The concept of theme parties is now catching up amongst the party freaks in North Delhi. The bigger, the better is the tagline for North Delhiites who are going all out to get the world home in their New Year parties. From Goan Beaches to the beaches of Switzerland, you name it and it is all there, right at your home. The beachside ambience is simply perfect for the New Year’s Eve, exclaims Sumit Sethi of Shalimar Bagh. Beachside Party was the theme of his last year’s New Year bash. "We had a beach created at home and the dress code was obviously beach wear. It was quite chilly outside and we got the entire venue covered. We made sure that even the temperature was perfect for those dressed up according to the dress code. It was sheer fun. The guests enjoyed sitting in boats and chilling out on the sands with palm trees all over," narrates Sumit. Well, for this year, Sumit’s guest will witness one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Eiffel Tower. Playing up with the theme of ’An evening in Paris’, Sumit has already aroused the curiosity of his guests.

To make people have the real-life experience, these parties are given 3-D effect. "There is no point in transforming the venue to a particular theme, if it doesn’t give you the real feel. We focus on giving add-on effects like mashals are put up all over in the Arabian theme, celestial bodies are created in the Space theme and so on," explains Director Eventz Delhi, Ranju, a theme party organiser. A lot of focus is given on the light effects as well. "Neon lights, UV lights, gobo lights, city lights and even the pillar candles are lit to suit the ambience," explains Ranju.

While last year’s hits include sets of Bollywood flick Om Shanti Om, this year too the look of 60s and 70s are in demand. Ashok Vihar’s Ekta Bajaj had OSO theme of her last year’s New Year bash. "All the guests were dressed up in outfits of 60s—bell bottoms, big white glares and huge hairdos. The jazzy retro theme set was created with a splendid display of colours and guitar as the main prop. The party simply rocked," recalls Ekta. This movie freak plans to have Bollywood as the theme for her this year’s party too. All the leading stars will come live—to her home, rocking in their Bollywood ishtyle. Does that give you an idea?

Read more...

Resolve them in 2009

It’s that time of the year when commitments comes from within to set right individual mistakes and shortcomings – towards changes that are generally interpreted as advantageous. We call it ’New Year’s Resolution’—the name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year Day and remain until fulfilled or abandoned. However, a pragmatic look reveals that those resolutions are rarely maintained in the long run. A day or maximum of a month, not many resolutions find their place for more than this. At a time, when the serious kind of resolutions are soon lost and forgotten, there are some that can be amusing yet one don’t have to take pains to remember them. Says Apoorva Jain, BSc. (Applied Sciences) student from Hansraj College, "I have realised that resolutions cannot be strictly adhered to. So, I have resolved that I will help break the resolutions of all my friends, who have set any. This is fun, but something that needs no strictness can be achieved easily." Siddhant Jain and Shobhit Baijal, residents of Model Town-II, have brought out their fun quotients in New Year resolutions. Shobhit is all set to break rules this year, before they are even formed! And Siddhant’s resolution has already found a place in his room quite early that reads, ’I hope to be able to make people think happy thoughts when they think of me’. Likewise, first year BCom(H) student Ritika Gupta from SGTB Khalsa College says she resolved to attend all lectures at her college, which have everything to do apart from studies. No matter how successful one has been in following resolutions in previous year, one makes fresh resolutions for the next year with determination. To materialise the things thought of may be difficult, still some people manage to do so. New Year resolutions offer a sense of direction to people to lead the coming year. With crossed fingers, let’s wish to maintain our resolutions, just like these young North Delhiites.

Read more...

"हाल-ऐ-दिल"

"हाल-ऐ-दिल"

पलकों पे आए और भिगाते चले गए,
आंसू तुम्हारे फूल खिलाते चले गए..

तुमने कहा था हाल-ऐ-दिल हम बयाँ करें
हम पूरी रात तुम को बताते चले गए...

मुद्द्त के बाद बोझील पलकें हो जो रही,
हम लोरियों से तुम को सुलाते चले गए...

तुम्ही को सोचते हुए रहने लगे हैं हम,
तुम्ही के अक्स दिल में बसाते चले गए....

अब यूँ सता रहा है हमें एक ख़याल ही,
हम तुम पे अपना बोझ बढाते चले गए .........

Read more...

Merry Christmas

Wishing every one Merry Christmas & praying that peace and prosperity comes to each and everyone's life this christmas. God bless all

Read more...

Santa Claus is coming....

Read more...

Merry Christmas

Two thousand years ago the King of Kings was born.'
The Lamb of God' later made to feel the thorn,
If his words are accepted and not scorned,
They will make us all reborn.

Though God's grace, Joseph and Mary presented
A gift to the world that day,
which we can all repay,
by living the ten commandments each and every day.

Try to remember and keep in your heart and mind
Jesus's gospel while here on Earth,
Redemption not a life lived in constant mirth.
Peace on Earth, good will toward man
Everyone should try it, whenever they can.

The Lord gave us the option and choice of 'free will,
'Now it's up to us to fit the bill.

So when you’re Christmas shopping for family and friends,

and money is tight at both ends,
Remember that the greatest gift of all,
Is your love of Jesus in the manger stall.

Read more...