ROHAN TARANG

We have spent almost 5 years in Rohan Tarang.

This evening, a young lady who is a member of the managing committee told me that the society wanted to start an in-house magazine (ezine) for residents of Rohan Tarang and she wanted to use a paragraph from a review of Rohan Tarang I had written 4 years ago on completion of our one year stay in Rohan Tarang.

I am posting the paragraph once more for her convenience.

ROHAN TARANG WAKAD PUNE

Rohan Tarang is a nice place to live at the best location in Wakad Pune.

Well designed bright and airy apartments, nice friendly cosmopolitan IT crowd, good ambiance and superb view of the Mula River, well connected yet quiet and relatively unpolluted, Rohan Tarang is the only residential complex in South Wakad, quite far away from the din and bustle of North Wakad which has become an overcrowded concrete jungle.

Luckily, this place is not in the middle of a concrete jungle and you do not feel boxed-in by huge buildings surrounding you like in most places in Pune, and in the proliferating townships on the other side of the road in Wakad. Here you have a much better view than your neighbour’s balcony.

There is plenty of natural light, plenty of fresh air, a breathtaking view of the Mula River and its verdant surroundings, and a “feel good” vibe, which fills me with cheer and makes me happy to stay at home.

I must say that the architect who designed these apartments in Rohan Tarang has done a real good job. One gets a feeling of roominess, brightness and liveliness here as this is not one of those ubiquitous cramped matchbox design flats, proliferating all over Pune, where one feels claustrophobic and uncomfortable the moment one enters.

The proximity of Rohan Tarang to Wakad Village enables one to enjoy a nice village-like atmosphere and one can walk down to to the verdant, unpolluted and uncrowded, serene and green park in the Mhatoba Temple Gardens on the banks of Mula River.

The cons are the lack of social infrastructure required for modern living and non-availability of Landline Phone and Broadband Internet Connectivity (BSNL, Airtel and other ISPs have not laid optical fiber cables so far to South Wakad) and erratic internet and cell phone connectivity via wireless.

Hopefully things will improve as development takes place.

(Above Review Written by Me in November 2011)

PS: Plenty has changed in Wakad since then (Nov 2011).

The best thing is the proliferation of new restaurants, eateries and shopping places that have sprung up nearby in Wakad and Hinjewadi.

But I am still patiently waiting for the Xion Multiplex to open, since, as of now, there is no cinema anywhere nearby, and you have to go all the way to ESquare Multiplex which is 12 Kms away.

And, of course, there is no Mall in Wakad either, but then, I don’t miss that too much.

WAKAD PUNE GOOD FOOD GUIDE - DESI CHULHA IS WORTH A TRY

WAKAD PUNE – GOOD FOOD GUIDE

DESI CHULHA – WORTH A TRY

“Eating In” IN WAKAD

By

VIKRAM KARVE

When I lived in happening places like South Mumbai and New Delhi – we used to “eat out”.

But after relocating to Wakad – in Pune – we “eat in”.

Sadly – in Wakad – there are very few decent affordable eateries where you can “eat out”.

So if you are a foodie – and you happen to live in Wakad – then – whenever you feel hungry – the best thing to do is to pick up your mobile phone and order your food “home delivery” and “eat in” – yes – it is best to eat outside food in the comfort of your home.

That is exactly what we do when unexpected guests land up demanding food.

Last week I decided to try out “Desi Chulha” – which I had noticed during one of my evening walks – and – as is my habit – I had picked up a “home delivery” menu.

We ordered the “signature dishes” – the “chulha” dishes – which the menu claimed are cooked on traditional chulha (wooden) fire.

I must say that both the paneer and chicken “chulha” dishes were delicious and and had a unique rustic taste which was different from the “run of the mill” fare you get in most places.

The pudina flavoured biryani was delicately spiced and tasty – very scrumptious and lip-smacking in taste.

Only one thing where there is scope for improvement – I wish they increase the quantity of chicken and paneer in the dishes (which was much less than normally served).

On the whole – it was a sumptuous satisfying meal.

DESI CHULHA is certainly one of the good eateries in Wakad – and is definitely worth a try if you live nearby. 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
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Disclaimer:

This is my experience. You are advised to do your own due diligence before trying out the eatery reviewed above.

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LIFE IN A “NO NEIGHBOURS” APARTMENT - INCOHERENT RAMBLINGS OF A RETIRED NAVAL OFFICER TURNED HOMEMAKER

LIFE IN A “NO NEIGHBOURS” APARTMENT

INCOHERENT RAMBLINGS OF A RETIRED NAVAL OFFICER TURNED HOMEMAKER

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Unlike most retired naval officers who have settled down in Pune, I do not live in one of those crowded run-of-the-mill ex-servicemen’s “ghettos” that have mushroomed in the dense polluted concrete jungles of Kondhwa and beyond, in the rather out-of-the-way south eastern part of Pune towards Saswad or the proliferating colonies near Hadapsar, Mundhwa and Nagar Road towards Solapur and Ahmednagar.

In this respect, I am fortunate to live in a posh residential complex, a “gated community” located in Wakad, an upmarket modern cosmopolitan suburb of the spacious well-connected western part of Pune towards Mumbai.

Commonsense says that it is better to live towards Mumbai than towards the hinterland.

But the main reason we decided on this location is because my wife’s workplace is nearby.

In Pune, owning to the hugely chaotic traffic, commuting is the biggest problem, and it makes sense to live near your workplace. That is why we chose Wakad which is just a stone’s throw away from Hinjewadi. 

In fact, in peak hours, it takes less time to travel 100 kilometers speedily on the expressway from Wakad to Navi Mumbai than it takes to excruciatingly crawl just 25 kilometers across Pune to Kondhwa or Kharadi.

The traffic in Pune is so bad that an ex navy friend of mine, who had bought a home in the “ex servicemen’s ghetto” beyond Kondhwa, has recently shifted to Wakad, since he works in Hinjewadi Phase 2, and he found it very strenuous to commute to work and back every day. Just imagine, he has given his own house on rent and he himself lives in a rented house - what an irony. 

I always tell young naval (and army officers) who are retiring early and are going to work again for a second innings career that they must buy a house near their workplace. Since most of the industry in Pune is at Hinjewadi or in industrial clusters in the Western Part of Pune, it makes sense to look for a home in these parts. But if you (and your wife) want to fully take sanyas and totally retire and you love to spend your time reminiscing with like minded ex defence service families the auld lang syne way, then maybe those retired service officers colonies are ideal for you.

Life changes after retirement, especially if you are from the navy, army or air force.

Since we have moved in here, my life has changed.

After my retirement there is a “role reversal” – now my wife works and I am the “homemaker”.

Believe it or not – I am the only veteran ex defence services officer in our entire residential society comprising around 300 apartments.

Moreover, there are hardly any “retired” people living here either.

Almost all the residents are young upwardly mobile IT “Techie Couples” in their 20’s and 30’s who work in the nearby Hinjewadi IT Park.

The pros of living here are that this is a beautiful place to live in, convenient and well connected, and it feels good to be among modern urban youngsters.

The cons are that everyone calls me “uncle” and though everyone is friendly and courteous, there is hardly any social life as everyone seems to take the advertisement tag line “no neighbours apartments” quite seriously .

The work culture of the IT crowd is quite clear – slog on weekdays working late hours and unwind on weekends in malls, multiplexes, lounges or outdoors.

No one has time for a relaxed tête-à-tête.

I yearn for the company of old navy buddies to reminisce and discuss the “good old days”.

In army cantonments and navy residential complexes, there is a neighbourly culture and you can count on your neighbours to help you out in times of distress.

Out here, in modern urban cosmopolitan life, everyone is busy with their own careers and affairs resulting in a “keep to yourself” culture and you are all on your own, as I realized when my wife had a fall and I had to rush her to hospital.

However, there are pros and cons everywhere, and you have to take things in their stride.

After retirement from the Navy, after I have started dabbling in writing and blogging, my social circle has changed – Bloggers and Writers Groups, Literary Circles, Alumni Associations et al

Of course, I make it a point to attend meetings of the Navy Foundation and get-togethers at NDA and IAT, but, in Pune, such events are few and far between.

I always liked to spend time with myself.

I love my leisure.

So I quite enjoy my retired life in my “no neighbours” apartment.

I have plenty of time to do whatever I want – read, write, blog, tweet, surf the internet, watch TV or go on long walks in the verdant surroundings with my pet dog Sherry who is my constant companion or just peacefully sit under the cool shade of trees in the beautiful green park on the banks of the Mula River and meditate, reflect or hear music.

Well, after retirement, I quite enjoy playing the role of a homemaker.

I enjoyed my life in the Navy and now I am enjoying my life after retirement even more.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2013

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., all rights reserved.

NB:

All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2013. All Rights Reserved

Did you like this post?

I am sure you will like the 27 short stories from my recently published anthology of Short Fiction COCKTAIL
To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:
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http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-karve.html

COCKTAIL ebook

If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the links below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll
If your are a Foodie you will like my book of Food Adventures APPETITE FOR A STROLL. Do order a copy from FLIPKART:
http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer and blogger. Educated at IIT Delhi, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and an anthology of short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional  and academic research papers in journals and edited in-house journals and magazines for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing and blogging. Vikram Karve lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramwamankarve@gmail.com

Twitter: @vikramkarve

      

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE IN PICTURESQUE WAKAD

FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE IN PICTURESQUE WAKAD

Vikram Karve

 

 

The view from my ninth floor balcony is awesome.

Early in the morning, at dawn, I look towards my left, towards the eastern horizon, in the distance, I can behold the breaking of the sun’s upper crest over thick layer of grey-white smog that envelops the city of Pune, and soon the silhouettes of the tall buildings in the concrete jungles of Aundh and Baner become visible.

The air in Pune City may be quite polluted, but here, high up on the south facing terrace of my top floor apartment in Rohan Tarang, in the southern part of Wakad, the air is pure, fresh and so refreshing that I can cleanse my lungs with it, almost like the pristine morning air in the hills of Girinagar, in the foothills of Sinhagad Fort, which lies beyond the range of hills I can see in the distance.

I stand in my open-to-the-skies spacious terrace-like balcony, at the edge, look around in front of me, have a panoramic view. 

The scene is picturesque and the mood is uplifting. 

The placid waters Mula River meandering down from the verdant hills in the distance, bisecting its lush green scenic valley, renders an air sublime stillness to the environment.

On this side of the river lies the well laid out, clean and tranquil Wakad village, and at this early morning hour, everyone is in their homes, except Pappya , the redoubtable white guard dog, who moves around like a sentinel at the entrance of the village. 

Wafts of pleasing devotional music emanating from the famous and beautiful Mhatoba Temple gently uplift my spirits and enhance the sublime ambience.

On that side of the river, across the valley, there is large tract of greenery, fields and farms, being gradually swallowed up by the expanding concrete jungle spreading out from Baner in the distance. 

Soon it will be all dust and grime, as the construction work of buildings starts, but then all this is quite far away, and will not disturb the glorious view or equanimity, which I enjoy from my balcony.

Sunset from my terrace is a special event. 

First the orange sun plays hide and seek with the peaks and troughs of the range of hills far away from where the Mula River emanates.

Then the sun suddenly goes below the horizon and the sky gets lit up like a painting, first a crimson red, then the interplay of colours starts, both in the sky and on the waters of the Mula River, yellow, gold, silver, grey and then it is dark.

In the darkness of the night, to your right you can see the fast moving lights of the vehicles on the Mumbai – Bangalore Bypass Highway, a distance away right ahead are the floodlights of the Balewadi Stadium and colourful neon signs of the numerous hotels and inns like Holiday Inn, VITS, Orchid and Sadanand Residency, and towards the left, to the east, just a few lights in the high-rise apartments at Baner and Aundh, most of which are empty as they have been bought for investment and not to live in.

Though progressive and in the midst of modernity, with clean well-lit roads and neatly laid out, the beauty of Wakad is that it is a quaint, serene, picturesque village which still retains a delightful old-world charm. 

FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE FOR MHATOBA UTSAV

On normal days, sleeps early, and the nights are quiet, but tonight is special.

As I write this, the annual Shri Mhatoba Dev Utsav is being celebrated and the entire Wakad village has been brightly illuminated. (Mhatoba is the Gram-Daivat of Wakad)

Shri Mhatoba Devasthan Temple (Mandir) has been beautifully decorated and brilliantly illuminated and looks superb. 

In fact, the illumination of the temple dome is truly exquisite. 

There is a jatra, carnival, music, and people have come from distant places to the Shri Mhatoba Devasthan Mandir in Wakad to have darshan, seek blessings and pray to the God Mhatoba, the village Deity of Wakad and Hinjewadi and participate in the utsav or festival. 

It is celebration time, the entire place, even the Mula Riverside Park and Garden, is brimming with people, of all ages, dressed at their best, the atmosphere is festive, the place is resonating with positive energy and happy vibes, and from my balcony I enjoy a grandstand view which is truly breathtaking.

Actually the huge windows of all rooms in my spacious and airy house afford a wonderful view, but I love standing in my roomy open terrace balcony, especially at night under the starlight open sky, and enjoying the magnificent view. 

And as I write this spectacular illumination and festive air fill my heart with joy.

PS:

I am lucky that I live in South Wakad, towards the river side of the Aundh – Hinjewadi Road. 

If you live in the concrete jungle in North Wakad on the other side of the main road – well, then that is a different story! 

WAKAD FOOD GUIDE - EATING in PUNE

“EATING IN” in PUNE

WAKAD FOOD GUIDE

By

VIKRAM KARVE

There are places where you “eat out”.

But if you live in a desolate place like Wakad near Pune, then you “eat in”.

There are no decent eateries in Wakad where you can “eat out”. So if you are a foodie and, by some bad luck, you happen to live in Wakad, then all you can do when you feel hungry is to pick up your mobile cell phone (there are no landlines out here in Wakad) and order your food home delivery and “eat in” – yes, eat outside food in the comfort of your home.

Here are a few places in and around Wakad from where I order my food “home delivery”.

This is just a “laundry list” of 10 eateries with contact details.

1. ADITYA  (Veg and Non Veg Meals) – 02065101088

2. INDIAN IN A BOX (Snacks and Light Meals – Veg and Non Veg) – 02022931800

3. MOTHER’S KITCHEN (Veg and Non Veg Meals) – 02032609482

4. HYDERABAD HOUSE (Biryani and Kabab) – 02032344966

5. VINISAIL (Wraps and Meal Combos) – 02060508885

6. SAUNDARYA GARDEN (Veg and Non Veg Meals) – 02032001007

7. THE SHANGHAI COURT (Chinese) – 0203254493

8. MAST KALANDAR (Veg Meals and Snacks) – 02060126044

9. KINGS PARADISE (Veg and Non Veg Meals) – 02060507080

10. FAASO’S (Wraps) – 02022934341 (Closed Down Temporarily)

And of course, there are the ubiquitous DOMINO’S (02022932786) SMOKING JOE’S (02022934000) MCDONALD’S (02066000666) and SUBWAY (02022932011).

And there are eateries like NAAZ (07875448695) EDDY’S KITCHEN (02065292757) GHAR KA KHANA and Rustic Taste Earthy Style (8796901018) which I have not tried yet.

As I said, the above is just a “laundry list” with contact details.

Of course, I have ordered from most of these places and I may have reviewed a few of these takeaway restaurants too.

I look forward to your comments and views on what you think of the food from these eateries.

Also, do tell us if you know of any good eating places in Wakad Pune, where you can “eat out” or from where you can order home delivery to “eat in”.

Soon I'll tell you some value for money places to “eat out” in Wakad (in case I find some and in case you discover some good place do tell us).

Till then, order your food home and “eat in”.

HAPPY EATING

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012

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., all rights reserved.

Did you like this article?

I am sure you will like the 27 short stories from my recently published anthology of Short Fiction COCKTAIL
To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-karve.html

COCKTAIL ebook

If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the links below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll
If your are a Foodie you will like my book of Food Adventures APPETITE FOR A STROLL. Do order a copy from FLIPKART:
http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional research papers in journals and edited in-house journals for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com

vikramkarve@hotmail.com

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

SMART HOME - a Gimmick Best Avoided

BUYING A HOUSE IN PUNE
SKIP THE FANCY FRILLS LIKE SO CALLED SMART HOMES
Smart Homes May Not Work in Pune
My Terrible Experience with DIGIHOME
By
VIKRAM KARVE


Many Builders in Pune advertise fancy frills in their projects. But remember, it is you who are going to pay for all those fancy things from your pocket and you will be saddled with lifetime maintenance costs too. 


Sometimes, these gimmicks can become headaches, like it happened in my case with the DIGIHOME  high-tech “intelligent home” System which has turned out to be a nightmare and unmitigated disaster. 


These sophisticated systems may work well abroad, or in metros with reliable and good infrastructure, but they are not suitable for a infrastructure-deficient city like Pune which is plagued with erratic electricity supply. 


The DIGIHOME system has not proved robust enough to withstand the frequent and unpredictable power failures on a daily basis which are common in Pune. In our society, Rohan Tarang, the problem has been further exacerbated as the DIGIHOME System fitted here suffers from faulty design, improper installation and lack of trained customer service technicians. 


In a nutshell, the DIGIHOME Smart Home System has proved to be an unmitigated disaster.


Dear Reader, if you are thinking of going in for a Smart Home in Pune, please read the what I wrote about my experience with the DIGIHOME System almost an year ago, so that you don't make the same blunder as we unwittingly did and get conned into a smart home that drives you crazy - yes, the malfunctions will drive you crazy - like geysers being switched on and off without warning, alarms suddenly start ringing for no rhyme or reason, door bell speaker telling visitors that you are out when you are inside. Yes, DIGIHOME is a gimmick gone terribly wrong. Read on....

DIGIHOME – Faulty Design, Erratic Performance, Poor Customer Service, Waste of Money

The aim of DIGIHOME Solutions is to enhance the quality of life. But in actual fact DIGIHOME has made my life miserable as the system is malfunctioning ever since installation more than six months ago.

In brief, I would summarize the problems of the DIGIHOME System as follows:

1. Faulty Design and Improper Installation

There is some basic flaw in the hardware and/or software that causes repeated malfunction of the system. 

Maybe the system is designed to work in Western Countries like USA and Europe where conditions are ideal and there are hardly any electricity power failures or fluctuations but the design is not appropriate or robust enough for Indian conditions. 

In India, and especially in Pune, where the electric power supply is most erratic and fails repeatedly many times a day, the DIGIHOME system trips, resets incorrectly, malfunctions and behaves in a most erratic manner. 

The installation has been done in a faulty manner and this has entailed a lot of rework. 

Wrong RFC Units were installed which had to be changed causing damage to the plaster and the placement of the door unit is incorrect, which serves no useful purpose. 

Basic Safety and Security features do not work or have not been installed, like main door latch security. 

It appears that there was apparently a lack of coordination between the builder Rohan Builders Pune and DIGIHOME Solutions during installation.

2. Erratic Performance

 

The performance of the system is most erratic. 

Sometimes the doorbell never rings, safety and security features are unreliable, intercom does not work, Local Console trips, system malfunctions, hooters and alarms keep sounding intermittently for no reason  – for example, since last night a continuous shrill noise is emanating from the Console which is most irritating.

3. Poor Customer Service and Clueless Technicians

It seems that the technicians are not properly trained and some of them are quite clueless due to frequent turnover and new faces come every time. 

For the last six months a number of technicians are trying to repair the faults and make the system function properly but without success. 

They seem to be experimenting on a trial and error basis rather that diagnosing defects systematically. 

The response is quite lethargic too and there seems to be a rift between the “blue collar” and “white collar” employees.

In my opinion the DIGIHOME System is a waste of money and serves no useful purpose. In fact, it causes inconvenience and frustration due to erratic performance. 

There is no point investing in futuristic technologies which do not work in local conditions. 

Maybe the infrastructure in Pune (for example, uninterrupted reliable regulated electric power supply) is not geared up for advanced technologies or maybe these futuristic systems for "intelligent" homes like Digihome are not robust enough to work properly in prevailing local conditions.

I wrote this one year ago. There was no improvement and, in fact, the DIGIHOME System started misbehaving so much that we finally shut it down. That is what most residents have done. However, since the system remains connected to the main power supply crazy things keep happening from time to time, like just this morning my geysers got switched off and I had to go down all the way to the DIGIHOME UPS Room and set right the tripped switched. Meanwhile, the customer service technicians have stopped coming as the guarantee period must be over - guarantee for a system that never worked...!!! LOL

Moral of the Story

When you buy a house, avoid fancy frills and gimmicks like smart homes which may give you more pain than pleasure and become a drain on your resources. 

And if you are an investor then what's the point of paying for fancy frills and gimmicks that just increase your cost but do not give you any returns?

Happy House Hunting

LIVING IN PUNE - WALKING IN WAKAD and MEMORIES OF GIRINAGAR

LIVING IN PUNE

WALKING IN WAKAD and MEMORIES OF GIRINAGAR

Sunday Morning Post

By

VIKRAM KARVE

This morning, I woke up early, almost at the crack of dawn, and went for a long walk with my pet dog Sherry.

I got out of the Rohan Tarang main gate, turned right and took the left fork through Wakad village.

Then, instead of going straight ahead into the verdant riverside park as I normally do, I turned left, crossed the pedestrian bridge over the river Mula (which has turned green covered completely by Hyacinth and there is hardly any water visible). 

We crossed the narrow bridge and entered the fields of Balewadi in Pune

Yes, we had crossed the “border” – Mula River - between Pimpri Chinchwad (PCMC) and Pune (PMC).

I unleashed Sherry free and let her run, frolic, cavort and gambol in the uninhabited unpolluted expanse, and I played with her too, letting the cool morning air refresh my lungs.

After some time we walked on the track towards Balewadi and Baner.

As I looked around at the vast expanse of unpopulated land around me, I hoped that this would remain as it is, unoccupied, uninhabited, and not metamorphose into another of those concrete jungles, which are proliferating all over Pune.

Soon the summer sun was up and it was getting hot. So we turned back, walking briskly, crossed the bridge over the Mula River between Balewadi and Wakad, and turned left into the verdant Mula Riverside Park.

I relaxed for some time under the cool shade of the abundant trees and foliage while Sherry  ran and rolled on the leafy grass of the lush green lawns.

I love my Sunday Mornings and this was indeed a lovely start to a bright Sunday.

As we returned home, my mind was filled with nostalgic memories of my morning walks up the hills of Girinagar.

So, Dear Reader, allow me a bit of Auld Lang Syne Complex, permit me to reminisce, hark back to those good old Girinagar Days, and post below a small piece I wrote a few years ago when I lived in that Pristine Paradise near Pune called Girinagar.

Here is the link to the map of Wakad - Mula River - Balewadi area where I went for my morning walk: http://g.co/maps/ttfz8

GIRINAGAR - A PRISTINE PARADISE IN PUNE

Tell me, which is the most beautiful, most pristine, most unpolluted and most verdant place in Pune?

I’ll tell you – it’s a lovely place called “Girinagar”.

Pune has changed – for the worse.

The pleasant, salubrious, tranquil, stress-free, easygoing, cozy, affable Pune I once lived in no longer exists.

Yes, the Pune I once lived in no longer exists...!!!

Every nook and corner of Pune has suffered the ravages of “modernization”.

Except one place – Girinagar.

Yes, there still exists a pristine paradise in Pune – a Pristine Paradise called Girinagar.

With the mighty Sinhagad Fort towering as a Sentinel, Girinagar is a fascinating place located on the slopes of the hills adjoining the cool blue Khadakvasla Lake.

The view from the Girinagar ridge is amazing.

You can see backwaters of Panshet and Varasgaon dams in the distance, and close-by down below the serene expanse of the Khadakvasla Lake held back by the mighty dam.

The metamorphosis at sunset is enthralling.

The dance of colours, on the waters of the lake, from yellow to orange to crimson to blue to grey and then a still darkness – I have not seen a more magnificent sunset view anywhere else.

In the mornings as you climb up the hills cleansing, refreshing, revitalizing and invigorating your lungs with the clean unpolluted pure fresh air, you look in the distance and see the heavy layer of smog settling down over the city of Pune, and you know how lucky you are to live in this paradise called Girinagar...!

When the monsoon arrives, and it starts raining, the sensuous mist envelops all around, everything is a soothing green, and the atmosphere, the environment, the ambiance in Girinagar is simply magnificent!

Truly a “pristine paradise” in Pune...!

Pune may have changed but time stands still in Girinagar. All the green hills in Pune may have disappeared but lush green verdant hills of Girinagar still stand strong.

Yes, Girinagar remains the same as it was in 1984 when I first visited it. (Some old timers tell me it is the same since the early 1970s)

In the evenings, I often stand in my tall balcony high up on my 9^th Floor Flat in Rohan Tarang in Wakad and see in the distance the silhouette of Sinhagad Mountain outlined vaguely against the fading light of the setting sun and my mind harks back to nostalgic memories of my unforgettable days in Girinagar.

Here is the link to the map of Girinagar Pune: http://g.co/maps/8d7n2

Link to the maps and photos of Girinagar in the foothills of Sinhagarh Fort on the backwaters of Khadakwasla Lake: http://g.co/maps/56ucn

Sinhagad Fort http://g.co/maps/cgvhy

GIRINAGAR is towards the northern tip of the map. 

Have a bright and happy Sunday.

VIKRAM KARVE 

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012
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., all rights reserved.

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About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional research papers in journals and edited in-house journals for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.