IIMs/IITs and Masala Novels

Am just amazed to see the latest trend of IIM and IIT graduates to turn to writing. Its become a whole new category in itself. Someone I know (a former colleague) just published his book. I read an excerpt on his website - and it was PATHETIC!

With all due respect to the person and his writing 'skills', I am amazed to see publishers print that kind of stuff. The grammar was terrible and the plot was as interesting as a wet carrot. I guess the Press with its inordinate amount of coverage to these institutions, has got people really curious on what actually happens inside. So curious that they pick up just about anything as long as there's an IIT or an IIM printed on the cover. Of course, Chetan Bhagat has opened up a whole new category of english readers, through his 'masala' style of writing. These low cost (Rs. 95 per book) and not-so-sophisticated english readers do not expect top class writing and are happy with, to put it crudely, a 'book' version of Bollywood films. Moment you add IIT/IIM to the title, you've got a winner.

Chetan Bhagat's writing style will probably not win him a Booker but atleast the books are interesting. The newer writers I feel are just trying to ride the wave through the brand names of their alma mater.

Another person I know has turned a writer. Full credit for following their dreams, but rheir writing style SCREAMS WANNABE. Am sure they will improve with time but I only hope that the person concerned is not trying to free ride the writing wave just because they got the privilege to study at one of the top institutions in India.

Personally, I agree I don't write too well either, but I think I have read enough to spot crass/wannabe writing. And nothing irritates me more than the garb of being a writer when you're actually just free riding on your institute's name.

Gujarat - Holocaust

Hard to believe these people live a few kilometers from where I live. Words do not come to my mind. See this video.

Politically In...Never-correct

Why am I the most politically incorrect person you'll ever meet???

I hate those social occasions where you need to speak with people you barely know. I speak my mind most of the times. That is if I speak. Most times, I don't speak, because I guess I am a little shy/reticent/introvert. And people mistake that for arrogance.

Essentially, I hate thinking so much, but I do and I can't help it. And at social occasions, am always thinking about what should I say, whether I should talk to XYZ person or not. Maybe, it's not that complicated, but in my mind, it is.

I'd rather hang out with my college buddies, eat, drink and enjoy life. Sigh!...when will I stop missing college?...:p

Hutch Buggers

I just paid an obscene amount of money as my telephone bill at the Hutch Kiosk. At the end of the payment, I kept on pressing buttons and unfortunately, when it asked me if I need the transaction slip, I pressed 'No'.

Now the money I paid was huge and I don't even have proof of it. Its happened once before that the stupid Hutch Computer didn't register my payment and if that happens now....I am doomed!!

Finally a New Phone

Bought myself a new phone over the weekend.

The whole process of conducting the research and finally selecting a phone I liked began 6 months ago but couldn't buy it then due to certain problems. And on Sunday, after trying out various cost permutations and combinations from around 6 different shops, I zeroed in on the Sony Ericsson w710i.

11k bucks later, thanks to the indecisive shopper that I am, I am regretting my choice. I think I should have bought the w700i. Could have saved around 2000-3000 bucks. Damn...I hate shopping!