ENGAGEMENT HALWA

ENGAGEMENT HALWA

A Sweet Delicacy from Kalyan

By

VIKRAM KARVE

When I was a small boy, in the 1960s, Pune was a beautiful verdant town, laid back, with a lot of soothing greenery, a nice place to live in a salubrious pensioner’s paradise. 

Yes, Pune was more of a pensioner’s paradise, a place for good education and a beautiful tranquil place to live in. 

One travelled by the railways, and in those days there were no direct trains from Pune to the “upcountry”. 

So one caught the Deccan Express from Pune in the afternoon and got down at Kalyan Junction in the evening. 

At Kalyan you had dinner in the Railway Dining Room and waited for one of the famous Mail trains, like the Calcutta Mails via Nagpur or Allahabad or the Punjab Mail, or the late night express trains, which would come from Mumbai and take you to your destination in the upcountry.

That’s all I knew about Kalyan – its famous Railway Station with well maintained and comfortable waiting rooms and the decent dining room which used to serve sumptuous meals.

For years we passed through Kalyan, yet we never explored what lay beyond the railway station. 

Did the city have a heritage, a culture, a signature cuisine…?

So I was most pleasantly surprised when at a recent Alumni meet in Lonavla, Sateesh Pol told us that he lives in Kalyan and we were most happy when he introduced us to the unique speciality of his town – Kalyan Halwa.

Now I am sure you know what Halwa is…!

Maybe, as you read this, you’re relishing a plate of your favourite Sooji Halwa (also called Shira made from Semolina or Rava and Ghee), Doodhi (Pumpkin) Halwa or Gajar (Carrot) ka Halwa.

Halwa is a dessert made from various kinds of fruits, vegetables, grains and lentils. The ingredients in Halwa are grated finely and fried in ghee and sugar. Nuts and milk may also be added. Halwas have the consistency of a very thick pudding. 

Halwa is the name given to a huge range of sweets made in the Middle East, Central Asia and India. The word itself comes from the Arabic word for sweet, "Hulw".

In the seventh century, hulw was a date paste that was kneaded with milk, which eventually evolved into other forms including stiffer confections made with wheat or semolina flour and sweetened with fruit paste, syrup or honey and flavoured with nuts, spices or even rose water before deep-frying.

Soon local improvisations were introduced in recipes for halwa and each place had its own unique halwa. Middle Eastern halwa can be made with nuts, dried fruits, yoghurt, honey and spices. In Turkey and Greece, halwa is made without grain and is made with cooked egg, syrup, nuts and sometimes fruit. 

In India there are many varieties and assortments of a range of halwas. The word “halwai” is probably derived from the word halwa, and this indicates the popularity of halwa.

I am sure you have tasted the ubiquitous Sooji, Doodhi, Satyanarayan (Shira with bananas) and Gajar Halwa, and also famous local specialities like the delicate melt-in-the-mouth slabs of Mahim Halwa or Ice Halwa, the deliciously satiating Badami Halwa, the tasty and nourishing Kozhikode (Kerala) Halwa, the delicious fruit and vegetable halwas, rich wholesome halwas made from cashewnuts, almonds and dryfuits and full of nourishing pure ghee.

But let me tell you, the Kalyan Halwa that Sateesh Pol had got for us was truly superb – well I can say that it is one of the best halwas I have ever tasted. The slab of halwa, which Sateesh had got from Anant Halwai in Kalyan, was nicely packed in airtight foil on which the words Engagement Halwa were written.

Sateesh explained that this halwa is so popular that it is distributed during engagement ceremonies and so Kalyan Halwa is also called mangani halwa or engagement halwa.

Let me tell you that this lip smacking halwa is really superb. It is truly delicious, and sumptuously rich, embellished with copious quantity of dry fruits, and prepared in pure ghee. The aromatic halwa tastes luxuriant and imparts a wonderful flavour and leaves a very lingering aftertaste which is exceptionally pleasing, a scent of lovely fragrance on your palate and a satiating feeling of delightful gratification.

Well, Sateesh Pol had brought Anant Halwai’s famous Shrikhand too, which was also top class … creamy and lip smacking …  but then I have had equally good Shrikhand in Pune and other places too.

It was the inimitable Engagement Halwa from Kalyan, a true signature delicacy, heritage cuisine, which was truly distinctive and matchless – a feast worthy of Kings…!

So, Dear Reader, the next time you are in Kalyan, or a friend from Kalyan visits you, make sure you try out Kalyan’s unique Engagement Halwa … and do remember to tell us how you liked it…

And do tell us about your favourite halwa too … and the food speciality and heritage cuisine of your hometown.

Happy Eating.

VIKRAM KARVE 

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2010

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.  

VIKRAM KARVE educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU and The Lawrence School Lovedale, is an Electronics and Communications Engineer by profession, a Human Resource Manager and Trainer by occupation, a Teacher by vocation, a Creative Writer by inclination and a Foodie by passion. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles in magazines and journals for many years before the advent of blogging. His delicious foodie blogs have been compiled in a book "Appetite for a Stroll". Vikram lives in Pune with his family and pet Doberman girl Sherry, with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts. 

Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog - http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com

Academic Journal Vikram Karve – http://karvediat.blogspot.com

Professional Profile of Vikram Karve - http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve 

Email: vikramkarve@sify.com
Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll  
http://books.sulekha.com/book/appetite-for-a-stroll/default.htm

CUTE PUPPY GOOD DOG How to train your Naughty Puppy and make it a Good Dog

CUTE PUPPY GOOD DOG

How to train your Naughty Puppy and make it a Good Dog

By

VIKRAM KARVE

1. Do not punish your puppy. Punishment teaches a dog only one thing – how to avoid punishment. So, instead of beating or scolding your puppy, teach the puppy what to do, what is the appropriate behaviour you expect of your pet, and reward the puppy when it listens to you both by treats and caressing it lovingly saying “good dog”.

2. Do not have unrealistic expectations of your puppy – after all he is a dog. Have reasonable standards and train your puppy lovingly and patiently. Remember there are breed to breed differences in intelligence and adaptability to training and obedience too.

3. Do not leave your puppy alone, especially when he is small. Never tie up a small puppy or lock him up in a crate. Remember that a small puppy loves human company and hates to be left alone. (Will you leave your human baby all alone in your house or lock the baby up in a cage…?). Raising a puppy properly takes time, love, patience and commitment. If you are very busy and do not have enough time to devote towards bringing up your dog then please don't get a puppy into your family. All members of your family must love dogs and be commited towards devoting time and love towards the dog and his upbringing and care.

4. Do not keep your pup indoors all the time and keep him completely isolated from the outside world. Take the puppy outdoors regularly for walks and play. Let your puppy interact with other humans and other dogs and animals, socialise, learn to play, get a bit rough and tough, fight it out, develop immunity and courageous spirit.

Follow these tips and spend maximum time with your puppy, talk to your dog regularly, train, play games and lovingly caress your puppy. 

The ideal time to get a puppy into your home is when he is three weeks old and you must totally focus on the development of your puppy till he is about six months old. 

Training your puppy and watching his antics as he grows up will be a rewarding and happy experience and you will transform your cute puppy into a good dog who will be a joy forever. 

Remember Good Dogs don’t just happen – you have to make them happen…!

(NB – If you have a female puppy, for “he” read “she”… By the way, I prefer female dogs – they are more loving, intelligent and loyal – like my darling Sherry who you can see in the picture with me…)

CUTE PUPPY GOOD DOG

How to train your Naughty Puppy and make it a Good Dog

By

VIKRAM KARVE

VIKRAM KARVE 

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2010

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.  

VIKRAM KARVE educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU and The Lawrence School Lovedale, is an Electronics and Communications Engineer by profession, a Human Resource Manager and Trainer by occupation, a Teacher by vocation, a Creative Writer by inclination and a Foodie by passion. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles in magazines and journals for many years before the advent of blogging. His delicious foodie blogs have been compiled in a book "Appetite for a Stroll". Vikram lives in Pune with his family and pet Doberman girl Sherry, with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts. 

Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog - http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com

Academic Journal Vikram Karve – http://karvediat.blogspot.com

Professional Profile of Vikram Karve - http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve 

Email: vikramkarve@sify.com
Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll 

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

THE END OF THE WORLD

THE END OF THE WORLD 

A Mulla Nasrudin Story 

By 

VIKRAM KARVE

Do you worry too much about the future…?

Do you plan your life in meticulous detail…?

Then, maybe it is apt for you to read this famous Mulla Nasrudin story which exemplifies a simple philosophical approach to life: 

An eminent group of academicians and scientists of all specialisations who were passing by Mulla Nasrudin’s town had heard about his fame as the “wise philosopher” so they decided to meet him. 

They sought an appointment with the great Mulla Nasrudin and he asked them to meet him at midnight, so at the stroke of the midnight hour  they all  came to Mulla Nasrudin and said: “We have been travelling all over the world interacting with experts, researching, calculating and even contemplating for years trying to determine when the world will come to an end. Yet we still have not found out the answer. Tell us, Mulla Nasrudin, do you know when the end of the world will be…?”

Nasrudin coolly answered: “Of course I know… in fact I have known that information for a long time….”

“What…? You know the answer…?” the dumbfounded scientists, academicians and specialists exclaimed and asked Nasrudin, “Are you sure…? Have you have really calculated when it will be the end of the world…?”

 “Of course, Nasrudin said nonchalantly, “I know the precise moment when the world will come to an end.”

“Really…?” the astounded group of experts said incredulously, and then they all pleaded with Nasrudin, “Please tell us when the world will come to an end… please tell us… please share your knowledge with us…”

“Okay…I will tell you… the end of the world will be exactly when I die… yes, the moment I die, at that precise moment will be the end of the world,” Mulla Nasrudin said confidently.

“When you die…? The end of the world will be the exact moment when you die…? Are you sure…? Are you certain that will be the end of the world…?” the bewildered scientists, academicians and specialists asked Mulla Nasrudin.

“Yes… The end of the world will be the moment I die – certainly for me it will be the end of the world…” Nasrudin said with finality, and briskly walked away.

Dear Reader... think about it. 

Let this story perambulate in your mind till comprehension slowly dawn s within you and you get the profound meaning, the significance and the import of this simple story – and then whenever you start worrying about the distant future and are tempted to make long term plans remember this story and apply the philosophy embedded in this story to your own life…!

Do you agree with this simple philosophy of life...? 

Please do comment and tell us...! 

VIKRAM KARVE 

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2010

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.  

VIKRAM KARVE educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU and The Lawrence School Lovedale, is an Electronics and Communications Engineer by profession, a Human Resource Manager and Trainer by occupation, a Teacher by vocation, a Creative Writer by inclination and a Foodie by passion. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles in magazines and journals for many years before the advent of blogging. His delicious foodie blogs have been compiled in a book "Appetite for a Stroll". Vikram lives in Pune with his family and pet Doberman girl Sherry, with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts. 

Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog - http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com

Academic Journal Vikram Karve – http://karvediat.blogspot.com

Professional Profile of Vikram Karve - http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve 

Email: vikramkarve@sify.com
Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll 

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

THE DAY AFTER I QUIT SMOKING

Continued From:

MY LAST CIGARETTE

http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-last-cigarette.html

THE DAY AFTER I QUIT SMOKING

By

VIKRAM KARVE

On a request by some of my friends, I am reposting this self-help article which so many found useful. It may be worthwhile to browse through it once again, even if you have read it earlier. May NLP help you lead a better healthy and happy life.

Whenever I undergo any training or course, I try and apply the concepts and skills I learn during the program upon myself in order to ascertain efficacy of the training for I firmly believe in the time-tested adage that “The Proof of the Pudding is in the Eating”.

Thus, the first thing I decided after completing NLP Practitioner Training was to try and apply the concepts I had learnt and imbibed on myself.

NLP stands for neuro-linguistic programming.  

Sounds complicated and high falutin, isn’t it...? 

Actually NLP is quite simple – let’s see how I applied it in my daily life.

At that point in time, I was a smoker. I had tried to quit smoking many times with little success.

Now I’d try a simple concept from NLP to give up smoking.

I succeeded beyond my expectations and gave up smoking in a day.

I conquered the craving, the urge, for smoking and never suffered any “withdrawal symptoms”.

I quit smoking forever in one go.

Let me describe to you, Dear Reader, that red letter day of my life.

I woke up early in the morning, as usual, made a cup of tea, and the moment I took a sip of the piping hot delicious tea, I felt the familiar crave for my first cigarette of the day.

I had identified my first “Smoking - Anchor” – Tea.

I kept down the tempting cup of tea, made a note of the craving [anchor] in my diary, quickly heated a glass of water in the microwave oven, completed my ablutions, stepped out of my house, and embarked upon my customary morning constitutional brisk walk-cum-jog deeply rinsing and cleansing my lungs with pure refreshing morning air, which made me feel on top of the world.

I felt invigorated and happy. I had overcome my craving and not smoked my first cigarette of the day.

Returning refreshed from my brisk bracing morning walk, I stopped to pick up the newspaper, and spotted my friends ‘N’ and ‘S’ across the road beckoning me for our customary post-walk tête-à-tête with tea and cigarettes at our favorite the tea-stall.

Here lurked my second “Smoking - Anchor” – my smoker friends.

I felt tempted, but I steeled my resolve.

I waved out to my smoker friends, turned away and briskly headed home.

They must have thought I’d gone crazy, but it didn’t matter – I had avoided my second cigarette of the day.

That’s what I was going to do the entire day. Be aware, look inwards, fully cognizant and mindful in order to ensure that I identify all the stimuli that triggered in me the urge to smoke – my “smoking anchors” which could be anything, conscious and unconscious, internal and external, tangible or intangible – people, situations, events, feelings, smells, emotions, tendencies, moods, foods, social or organizational trends, practices, norms, peer-pressure.

Then I would conquer and triumph over these stimuli, demolish these negative “smoking-anchors” and establish and reinforce new positive “healthy” non-smoking anchors using a Technique called FORCE FIELD ANALYSIS

I’ll tell you more about Force Field Analysis later. You can read about this technique in my blog too:

http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/post/2008/11/force-field-analysis-an-effective-management-tool.htm

How to Conquer Addictions using Force Field Analysis

http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/post/2009/07/how-to-conquer-addictions.htm

MY FIRST NON-SMOKING DAY

Dear Reader, read on and see how my first non-smoking day progressed.

After breakfast, I didn’t drink my usual cup of coffee – a strong “smoking anchor” which triggered in me a strong irresistible craving and desperate desire to smoke.

I drank a glass of cold bland milk instead, and thereby averted my third cigarette of the day.

It was nine as I reached my workplace and I had not smoked a single cigarette. Rather I had not smoked my customary three cigarettes!

It was a long day ahead and I had to be cognizant, observe myself inwardly and devise strategies to tackle situations that elicited craving for smoking – recognize and conquer my “smoking anchors”.

Anchoring is a naturally occurring phenomenon, a natural process that usually occurs without our awareness.

An anchor is any representation in the human nervous system that triggers any other representation.

Anchors can operate in any representational system (sight, sound, feeling, sensation, smell, taste).

You create an anchor when you unconsciously set up a stimulus-response pattern.

Response [smoking] becomes associated with [anchored to] some stimulus; in such a way that perception of the stimulus [the anchor] leads by reflex to the anchored response [smoking] occurring.

Repeated Stimulus–Response [SR] action reinforces anchors and this is a vicious circle, especially in the context of “smoking anchors”.

The trick is to identify your “smoking anchors”, become conscious of these anchors and ensure you do not activate them.

And then transcend from the SR Paradigm to the SHOR Paradigm to set and fire new positive anchors.

What is SHOR Paradigm...?

SHOR stands for Stimulus-Hypothesis-Options-Response – do read the article on SHOR Paradigm in my blog:

 

http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/post/2009/06/information-processing.htm

The moment I reached office I saw my colleague ‘B’ eagerly waiting for me, as he did every day.

Actually the freeloader was eagerly waiting to bum a cigarette off me for his first smoke of the day. “I only smoke other’s cigarettes” was his motto!

I politely told him I had quit smoking and told him to look for a cigarette elsewhere.

He looked at me in disbelief; taunted, jeered and badgered me a bit, but when I stood firm, he disappeared.

I had not smoked my fourth cigarette of the day!

I removed from my office my ashtray, my lighter, all vestiges of smoking, declared the entire place a no-smoking zone and put up signs to that effect.

The working day began. It was a tough and stressful working day. I was tired and suddenly my boss called me across to his office and offered me a cigarette.

I looked at the cigarette pack yearningly, tempted, overcome by a strong craving, desperate to have just that “one” cigarette.

Nothing like a “refreshing” smoke to drive my blues away and revitalize me – the “panacea” to my “stressed-out” state!

It was now or never!

I politely excused myself on the pretext of going to the toilet, but rushed out onto the terrace and took a brisk walk rinsing my lungs with fresh air, and by the time I returned I had lost the craving to smoke and realized that physical exercise is probably the best antidote – a positive “non-smoking” anchor – and, of course,

I had not smoked my fifth cigarette of the day!

It was the famous Stoic philosopher Epictetus who said:

“Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not. It is only after you have faced up to this fundamental rule and learned to distinguish between what you can and cannot control that inner tranquility and outer effectiveness become possible.”

We often let our feelings set our anchors, govern our lives. We let feelings drive our thoughts, not realizing that thoughts drive actions, actions produce results, and results in turn produce more feelings, reinforce anchors, causing a vicious circle which may ultimately lead to loss of self-control.

Such “feeling-anchors” not totally controllable, as many times feelings are produced by external circumstances beyond your control, and if negative feelings are allowed to drive our thoughts and actions, then undesirable results emanate.

The best solution is to establish “thought-anchors” as drivers of your actions.

It is well within your control to think positive, good and interesting thoughts.

In fact, the happiest person is the one who thinks the most interesting and good thoughts, isn’t it?

That’s the essence of NLP.

Reprogram your anchors, recondition your mind, control your own life, change for the better, enhance your health and happiness, and elevate your plane of living.

This technique works for me, and I’m sure it’ll work for you too.

Maybe it is so effective because it is so breathtaking in its simplicity.

VIKRAM KARVE 

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2010

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.  

VIKRAM KARVE educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU and The Lawrence School Lovedale, is an Electronics and Communications Engineer by profession, a Human Resource Manager and Trainer by occupation, a Teacher by vocation, a Creative Writer by inclination and a Foodie by passion. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles in magazines and journals for many years before the advent of blogging. His delicious foodie blogs have been compiled in a book "Appetite for a Stroll". Vikram lives in Pune with his family and pet Doberman girl Sherry, with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts. 

Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog - http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com

Academic Journal Vikram Karve – http://karvediat.blogspot.com

Professional Profile of Vikram Karve - http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve 

Email: vikramkarve@sify.com
Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll 

MY LAST CIGARETTE

MY LAST CIGARETTE

By

VIKRAM KARVE

The first step towards quitting smoking is to learn how to enjoy smoking.

And in order to learn how to derive supreme enjoyment from smoking one must first master the art of smoking. 

Seems absurd – a paradox – isn’t it...?

I stopped smoking more than seven years now and I know I shall never smoke again. 

Let me tell you how I quit smoking. Maybe someone out there may benefit from my experience.

I got my clue from an apocryphal teaching story I read somewhere. I reflected upon it, carrying it my mind for a long time, until I fathomed the story’s inner depth and meaning.

A seeker asks the master, “Can I smoke while meditating?”

“No!” scolds the master angrily.

Another seeker then asks, “Can I meditate while smoking?”

“Yes!” says the master knowingly realizing that this seeker is on the path to enlightenment.

This is the key, the first step.

If you really want to stop smoking, first learn to meditate while smoking. 

Here’s how I did it.

One evening, I take one cigarette, just one, and walk down to Marine Drive and sit down on the parapet, at the southern tip near Nariman Point, in the cool sea breeze watching the sun being swallowed up by the Arabian Sea, crimson-yellow petals being thrown high up in the distant sky gradually devoured by the enveloping twilight. Soon it is dark, quiet and tranquil, and I feel calm and relaxed.

I take out the cigarette from my pocket and hold it in front of me, look at it lovingly and close my eyes. You must close your eyes – it accentuates your other senses, makes you more conscious of what’s going on inside you.

I hold the cigarette near my nose and breathe in the rich aroma of the tobacco, gently moving the cigarette as I take deep breaths, savoring the sweet fragrance of the tobacco tinged with the fresh scent of the paper and filter, until my olfactory system is truly and fully satiated.

I then put the filter between my lips, taste it and suck in air deeply through the unlighted cigarette. It feels good. I then open my eyes, light the cigarette, close my eyes, get ready and take a deep drag, focusing on my breath as I inhale, allowing the smoke to permeate deep within me, infusing a sensation I cannot describe, and watching carefully with my inner eye as I exhale – slow, long and relaxing.

Is my system being energized or depleted – I do not know – but I continue my unhurried meditative smoking, eyes gently closed, my inner senses fully conscious, aware, observing attentively, till the cigarette is over. I open my eyes, come out of my trance and instinctively I gulp in a huge amount of the fresh sea breeze and rinse my lungs and system.

As I walk back I decide that this is how I shall smoke each and every cigarette from now on – meditative mindful smoking – the only way I shall smoke.

Most “smokers” haven’t learnt how to enjoy a smoke. We keep puffing away every waking moment of their lives without even noticing it. You grab a quick smoke in a hurry, you smoke when you are bored, you smoke while talking, while working, while doing something - smoking and multitasking: You smoke unconsciously, cigarette after cigarette, without even realizing it. Is it worth it? Why smoke if you don’t enjoy it?

I decide. Whenever I feel like smoking I shall stop everything and prepare myself for a meditative smoke. Go to some quiet place where I can sit undisturbed, alone. Yes I must be alone. 

Meditative smoking is a solitary activity.

When I smoke, I shall only smoke – no multitasking. No more smoking with friends, with tea or coffee, no more smoking in the office feeling a guilt conscience that non-smokers don’t like it or at home with my wife nagging me, no more hurried puffs, no more mindless unconscious smoking – only meditative, mindful, conscious smoking in glorious solitude, maintaining inner calm and tranquility, and total awareness.

I follow this religiously, and soon I discover that the number of cigarettes required to satisfy me have drastically reduced and soon I am smoking only one cigarette a day – every evening, at sunset, just as I described it. For me smoking is a special occasion requiring solitude and a congenial ambience, and if I cannot create the right atmosphere, both internally and externally, I shall not smoke.

When you have mastered something it’s time to let go and move on. One day I feel I have mastered the art of smoking, derived all the enjoyment I wanted to from this activity, and reached a state of contentment and satiety. It’s time to let go. At sunset I go to my favourite place on Marine Drive, enjoy my final meditative smoke and toss the cigarette butt into the sea.

It’s been more than five years now and I haven’t had a smoke since nor have I ever felt the urge or craving to smoke. I know I will never smoke again – I have quit smoking forever.

Quitting smoking is easy. 

You must ensure you don’t start smoking again. You have to break the habit forever. For this it is best to use techniques like Force Field Analysis and NLP. And don’t worry about withdrawal symptoms – it’s a myth! 

I’ll write all about it here in my next article on “The Day after I Quit Smoking”.

VIKRAM KARVE 

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2010

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.  

VIKRAM KARVE educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU and The Lawrence School Lovedale, is an Electronics and Communications Engineer by profession, a Human Resource Manager and Trainer by occupation, a Teacher by vocation, a Creative Writer by inclination and a Foodie by passion. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles in magazines and journals for many years before the advent of blogging. His delicious foodie blogs have been compiled in a book "Appetite for a Stroll". Vikram lives in Pune with his family and pet Doberman girl Sherry, with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts. 

Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog - http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com

Academic Journal Vikram Karve – http://karvediat.blogspot.com

Professional Profile of Vikram Karve - http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve 

Email: vikramkarve@sify.com
Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll