Itinerary Of Pondicherry “The Mini France In India”

Pondicherry called Mini France has always fascinated me. After dreaming the virgin beaches of Pondicherry the “Mini France” in it for many years,one fine day I packed my bags and boarded in GT.Express from Agra Cant at 21.45 pm.There is no direct train for Pondicherry from Agra.Nearest station to Pondicherry is Chennai.This train journey took 33 hour in travelling a distance of 2,100 Km and reached at 6.30 in morning.

At Paradise Beach

Road Journey From Chennai To Pondicherry: Sea, Coconut Groves, Salt Pans and Birds Hi Birds.

Next phase of journey was on a hired Taxi from Chennai to Pondicherry at a distance of 170 Km. This journey was along ECR (Eastern Coastal Road).Taxi was running along Bay of Bengal. Nice view of the beach and the Bay of Bengal all along on our left side and the paddy fields on the other. 

The drive was so picturesque that I didn’t notice the time flying by. The bright cloudless sky was above us.

Some where  on way from Chennai to Pondicherry, there were huge salt making set ups of huge mounts of pure white raw salt piled up contrasting with the dark chocolate brown mud surrounding it.These vast salt plans were formed as a result of the sea water evaporating. 

Street Vendors in Pondicherry

A Mini France in Pondicherry

A Mini France still exists in India in the French Quarter in Pondicherry, which has a history of being acquired and colonised by the French East India Company to set up a trading centre.

As we walked across the tree lined streets the French connection could be seen with the town boasting of a French architecture. Even some streets have French names.

Pondicherry was a French colony until 1962 and hence all over Pondicherry, French influence reflects in all facets of life. Pondicherry is famously known as the French Riviera of the East, and is one of the most mesmerizing and charming places in South India.

A Traffic  Police of Pondicherry

It was the largest colony of French India, whose marks can be seen on the city even today, be it the architecture of the houses, or the way the city has been divided. The town is divided into two sections, The French section and The Indian Section.

The buildings with yellow color are the French quarters and buildings with white color are the Tamil quarters. The road near the beach where the French colony is situated is marked as “Rue” which means “Road” in French language.

What We Saw in Pondicherry

We reached Pondicherry at 3.00 pm and settled in pre booked hotel.After a shower and a small nap, we were ready to explore Pondicherry.

Pondicherry has some great beaches I wished to sit by the beach side savoring the salty air permeating the ambiance. We saw some policemen in extremely attractive uniforms patrolling the streets. They had very interesting hats and many people took pictures with them, as did I.

A Street Shop in Pondicherry

Rock Beach and the Gandhi Statue Promenade Beach or Pondicherry Beach

Is a 1 kilo metre long sea shore stretch in the city of Pondicherry. The beach has also other tourist attractions such as French War Memorial, Mahatma Gandhi statue and The Promenade.There was Bay of Bengal spread far and across. The view of the sea was such as what I had not seen so far. The vast spread of immaculate water with thick.

Rock Beach-Pondicherry

A wave rushing towards the sandy shore was a real treat to the eyes. The evening breeze totally refreshed the tiredness and laziness.

Right in the middle of the promenade is the magnificent statue of Gandhi ji. This four-meter high statue made of black stone is surrounded by 8 granite pillars, which were supposedly brought from a small fort near Pondicherry, Gingee. The space in front of the statue plays host to various cultural and musical activities throughout the year. 

At Pondicherry Beach

We had tea on one of the benches placed all over the facility and then started getting ready for a visit the Pondicherry Beach.

Similarly, the Beach road of Pondicherry running down the Bay of Bengal is an interesting spot for an evening get-together when while enjoying the cool breeze, and lose yourself in your solitary thoughts looking beyond the Mighty Sea.

Rock beach,Gandhi Statue Promenade Beach

A sunset in Bay of Bengal was like a romance for me.The Sun was ready to set slowly. The Orange red blob rolled down the sky.The small crystals in the sand sparkle and glow brilliantly orange, with the sunrays.The sky was more purple than red now, highlighting the transition from day to night. A sunset was like a romance

We did some window shopping in the local market that has a variety of shops some selling interesting pieces of art. Also we found some bakeries that boasted of their French lineage.

LE CAFÉ

It was once the port office when the railway ran along the Beach Road from the South Boulevard to the old 240 meters iron pier. A cyclone in 1952 largely destroyed the pier whose remains can still be seen poking out of the water.

Lotus flower pond in lawn of  LE CAFE

 Le Cafe is a tourist haven.Hot espresso with a perfect crema top is best sipped along the back row of tables which look out onto the crashing waves. And ice cream, topped with strawberries and fresh mint, should be inhaled immediately before it melts.

Paradise Beach 

At a distance of 8 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Paradise Beach, also known as Plage Paradiso, is an isolated beach located at Chunnambar. The tides at the beach are strong at times and it is not advisable to go deeper into the sea. 

Paradise Beach

 The only way to reach the beach is by a speed boat or by small ferries carrying 40 or 80 passengers at a time. We reached the pick point in a Taxi.Ferry takes up to 25-30 minutes to take you to the beach.

Paradise Beach

Around 9.00 in morning we reached the Paradise Beach located about 8 kilometers from Pondicherry near the mouth of the backwaters. A ferry sailed us to the sands through the backwaters. There were some tents pitched up on the beach where one can rest or just watch the sea or you could just walk up to the sea and play in the waters.

Paradise Beach of Pondicherry

The tides at the beach are strong at times and it is not advisable to go deeper into the sea.I’m at the beach, watching the constant ebb of the waves.The seagull’s ride with the wind, dipping in and out Of the Sea in search of food.

Paradise Beach

Back in town we had lunch and then went to our hotel. After a short nap we were ready again to go around the town. 

Aurobindo Ashram

The next we visited Auroville or the ‘City of Dawn’ about 8 km from Pondicherry. The bodies of Sri Aurobinda and the mother lie in rest here. People from all over the world visit this place to pay homage to the duo and those in quest for soul-searching peace. 

Aurobindo Ashram-in Pondichery

This city was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa (known as "the Mother") the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo. with the idea of a futuristic city where people of goodwill can live together in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. Around 2000 people live here with most of them being non Indians. 

History has it that during the inauguration ceremony of Auroville on 28th February 1968, soil from 124 countries was placed in a lotus-shaped urn and mixed to symbolize universal oneness. This urn is today sited at the centre of an Amphitheater in the Matrimandir Gardens. The light falling on the globe acts as a focal aid to concentration.   

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Next we went to Sacred Heart Church which is a colossal edifice structured in Neo-Gothic style. Founded in 1902, the church has its interior decorated with beautiful stained glass paintings and terracotta motifs. All of the 28 windows have various depictions of Christ's life painted on them. The ambiance inside is very peaceful, perfect for making prayers and communication with God.

Thus ended a short but extremely tranquil trip of Pondicherry the “Mini France in India”: which I considered one of my most enjoyable trip.In last I realized that Pondicherry is one of the best places to settle down in.

At Dinner Table in Pondicherry

Here ends Itinerary Of Prondicherry “The Mini France In India”There are many more places in Pondicherry “The Mini France of India” to steal your heart .Due to time constraint I skipped those amazing points.My Camera was full of sweet memories of Pondicherry.

Written photographed and posted by Engr Maqbool Akram

Karvan of Dream Merchant Kavi Gopal Das Neeraj passed away

 Kaun samjhe meri aankho ki nami ka matlab

Zindagi geet thee par jild bandhne men kati

                 कौन समझे मेरी आँखों की नमी का मतलब

ज़िन्दगी गीत थी पर जिल्द बंधाने में कटी...

The Karvan of Gopal Das ‘Neearaj’ passed away on 19^th July 2018.Yes I am talking of Padam bhushan Gopal Das “Neeraj”.Popularly known as Kavi Neeraj. He has written more than 100 Hindi film songs, in a period of filtering with big silver screen. His style is considered easy to understand, but has also been compared with high quality Hindi literature.

Kavi Gopal Das "Neeraj"

 Bollywood lyricist and poet Gopal Das Neeraj passed away at 93 years of age. He was born on January 4, 1925 in the Purwali village of Etawah district of UP. Gopal Das Neeraj wrote the song for the first time in the film “Nai Umar Ki Nai Fasal”. 

His first film song “Karvan guzar gaya aur ghubar dekhte rahe”, was composed for film Nai Umar Ki Nai Fasal, Starring Tanuja and Rajeev, directed by R. Chandra. The film was released on Jan 1, 1966.

This film was shot in the Aligarh Muslim University campus. After this he wrote several songs for films such as Prem Pujari, Sharmilee, Mera nam Joker, Gambler, Kanyadan and many more.films.

The song from Prem Pujari written with most beautiful lyrics ever. The way Kavi Neeraj symbolizes love using colors of flower, the pen of heart just keeps me in awe. Again he uses the symbolism of clouds and rain (things which go hand in hand) and chandan and water (yet again essential to each other); conveying the fact that how much the protagonist’s female love is essential to him. The use of words like madir, madhur, veena, gitanjali ring lovely music to my ears.

Kavi Gopal Das "Neeraj" in Exhibition of Aligarh-2018

Gopal Das Neeraj was a people’s poet; Neeraj says his poetry was shaped by his broken heart, desire and years of suffering. “Mera tan rogi, man bhogi, meri aatma rahi yogi.” It is this contradiction that makes his poetry tangible. 

It reflects in its pure form in “Kal Ka Pahiya” (“Chanda Aur Bijli”) which won him Filmfare award and in popular mode in “Bas Yahi Apradh Main har Baar Karta Hoon, Aadmi Hoon Aadmi Se Pyaar Karta Hoon” (“Pehchan”).

 Phoolon Ke Rang Se dil ki qalam se

This evergreen song is a true masterpiece. Every word of Neeraj is extremely beautiful.The best ever lyrics, the best ever poetry one can write for a loved one and what a superb composition by S.D. Burman. Dev Anand priceless expression and Kishore da. What we can say about him. You are really great. 

Phoolon Ke Rang Se -Film Prem Pujari Lyric by Kavi Neeraj

 Poetry is the soul of this song; Neeraj defined love in such delicate expression and words so simple, it leaves the listener spell-bound.

Phoolon Ke Rang Se, Dil Ki Qalam Se Tujh ko Likhi Roz Paati

Kaise Bataun, Kis Kis Tarah Se

Pal Pal Mujhe Tu Satati
Tere Hi Sapane, Lekar Ke Soyaa
Teri Hi Yaadon Men Jaaga
Tere Khayalon Men Ulajha Raha Yun

Jaise Ke Malaa Men Dhaagaa Haan, Badal Bijali Chandan Pani Jaisa Apna Pyar
Lena Hoga Janam Hame, Kae Kae Bar
Han, Itana adir BarSaanson Ki Saragam, Dhadakan Ki Vinaa,

Sapanon Ki Gitanjali Tuu
Man Ki Gali Men, Mahake Jo Haradam,
Aisi Juhi Ki Kali Tuu
Chota Safar Ho, Lamba Safar Ho,
Suni Dagar Ho Yaa Mela
Yaad Tu Aae, Man Ho Jaae, Bhid Ke Bich Akelaa
Haan, Badal Bijalii, Chandan Paani Jaisa Apana Pyaar
Lena Hoga Janam Hame, Kae Kae Bar

Puurab Ho Pachchim, Uttar Ho Dakkhin,
Tuu Har Jagah Muskurae
Jitana Bhi Jauun, Main Duur Tujhse,
Utani Hii Tuu Paas Aae

Aandhi Ne Roka, Paanii Ne Toka,
Duniyaa Ne Hans Kar Pukara
Tasavir Teri, Lekin Liye Main, Kar Aaya Sabase Kinara
Haan, Baadal Bijali, Chandan Paani Jaisaa Apanaa Pyaar
Lena Hoga Janam Hame, Kae Kae Bar

Han, Itana Madir, Itana Madhur Tera Mera Pyar
Lena Hoga Janam Hame, Kae Kae Bar
Kai, Kai Bar Kai, Kai Baar 

My flowers of obeisance to Kavi Gopal Das “Neeraj”

Kavi Gopal Das “Neeraj” was caught by the eye of Dev Aanand, in a kavi sammelan; He introduced him to S.D. Burman for his new film “Prem Pujari”.

Neeraj took a leave of six days from D. S. College in Aligarh, and reached Bombay at the invitation of Anand. “He put him in luxurious hotel in Santa Cruz and paid him Rs.1000/= even before signing him.Next day he took him to S.D. Burman.

Who gave him to write to tunes and a given situation ,the song should start with ‘Rangeela Re’ and  about a girl who sees her beloved coming to a party with another girl. It should have elements of frustration in love, jealousy and satire.

He worked the whole night and came up with “Rangeela Re Tere Rang Main Yun Ranga Hai Mera Mann, Chhaliya Re…”

Next day he went to Dev Anand’s office and showed what he had written. After reading it, he embraced Neeraj and exclaimed how he could do it in one night. “He immediately took me to Burman da’s home and proudly presented me to him and said: See, I told you, Neeraj has done it. When Burman da listened to it he said ‘Dev you go, now we will sit together.’ After he left, Burman da admitted that he gave me this complex situation to make me give up.

After that they three began to bond.” “Shokhiyon Mein Ghola Jaye” was taken from his poem “Chandni Mein Ghola Jaye”. It was his take on life but Dev Anand wanted it to be changed according to the requirement of the film. “I changed the antara completely.

Padmashree Dr Gopal Das Neeraj, popularly known as Neeraj, is one of my most favorite poets. I have no words to praise his poetry. He had penned a number of popular songs for Hindi films and worked with great music composers like S D Burman, Jaidev and Shankar Jaikishan.

Karvan guzar Gaya gubar dekhte rahe...

छिप-छिप अश्रु बहाने वालों, मोती व्यर्थ बहाने वालों

कुछ सपनों के मर जाने से, जीवन नहीं मरा करता है।

Written and posted by Engr Maqbool
Akram with help of materials available on net.











 

Role of Human Resource Management: key To a successful Organisation.

It is a common perception that Human Resource Management of an organisation is a non productive seat in terms of financial gains. They argue: organisation gets monetary profit from Engineering, Computer applications, marketing and financial experts.So they under estimate Human Resource Management Experts. Reality is that Human Resource Management is key to success of any organisation

Human Resource Management is key to s success Organisation

Human resources Experts are the most important component of a successful business —The role of human resource management in organizations is to organize people so that they can effectively perform work activities.

Human Resource Managers , professionals are consultants, not workers. They advise managers on many issues related to employees and how they help the organization achieve its goals.

Human Resource Managers oversee people as human assets, not costs to the organization. Looking at people as assets is part of contemporary human resource management and human capital management.

Today, smart companies do have a place at the table for Human Resource Managers.The challenge for Human Resource Management , now is in living up to the high expectations that come with the seat – expectations of high impact. It is not easy…

·       Strategic Management

Human Resource Mangers improve the company's bottom line with its knowledge of how the human capital affects organizational success. Leaders with expertise in Human Resource strategic management participate in corporate decision-making that underlies current staffing assessments and projections for future workforce needs based on business demand.

·       Employee Satisfaction

Employee relations specialists in HR help the organization achieve high performance, morale and satisfaction levels throughout the workforce, by creating ways to strengthen the employer-employee relationship. They administer employee opinion surveys, conduct focus groups and seek employee input regarding job satisfaction and ways the employer can sustain good working relationships.

·       Wages and Salaries

HR specialists develop realistic compensation structures that set company wages competitive with other businesses in the area, in the same industry or companies competing for employees with similar skills. They conduct extensive wage and salary surveys to maintain compensation costs in line with the organization's current financial status and projected revenue.

·                              ·       Analyzing Benefits

HR Experts have the skills and expertise necessary to negotiate group benefit packages for employees, within the organization's budget and consistent with economic conditions. They are also familiar with employee benefits most likely to attract and retain workers. This can reduce the company’s costs associated with turnover, attrition and hiring replacement workers.

·       Liability Issues

HR employee relations specialists minimize the organization's exposure and liability related to allegations of unfair employment practices. They identify, investigate and resolve workplace issues that, left unattended, could spiral out of control and embroil the organization in legal matters pertaining to anti-discrimination and harassment laws.

·       Training and Development

The training and development area of HR provides training that supports the company's fair employment practices and employee development to prepare aspiring leaders for supervisory and management roles.

                          ·       Recruitment and Onboarding

Human Resource recruiters manage the employment process from screening resumes to scheduling interviews to processing new employees. Typically, they determine the most effective methods for recruiting applicants, including assessing which applicant tracking systems are best suited for the organization's needs.

·       Working Together

At all levels of the organization, managers and HR professionals work together in developing employees' skills. HR professionals advise managers and supervisors how to assign employees to different roles in the organization, thereby helping the organization adapt successfully to its environment. In a flexible organization, employees are shifted around to different business functions based on business priorities and employee preferences.

·       Building Capacity

To build effective human resources, private companies compete with each other in a "war for talent." It's not just about hiring talent; this game is about keeping people and helping them grow and stay committed over the long term.

Summerising above write up that Human Resource Management is key to

 a successful organisation

This Blog on "Role of Human Resource Management: key To a successful Organisation”, has been shared by Sheeba Siddiqui an H R Expert,and posted by Engr Maqbool Akram. Photos of this blog are from sources at Net with thanks.