2008 in Retro

As I watch the pouring snow from my room window,with a song[Nizanga Nenena ! ] from my most favourite film of the year[Kotha Bangaru Lokam] being the background music, I started to muse about the year about to pass-by in 10Hrs !

I'd start saying that 2008 was the best year in my life short life so far !

Personally and professionally, its been a very enriching year, thanks to the almighty.

But personally, its was nothing short of a roller-coaster ride.

-I went on a pilgrimage to some amazing places near Kumbakonam and rarely had experienced that peace in the past. I spent very memorable time with Shri Krishna Premigal.

-I got through executive MBA of IIMB, but just when I was about to pay the fee, I got engaged. I took no time to brush off MBA aside, as I always believed that stability in personal life is most important for happiness and wanted to dedicate myself completely to laying strong foundation for marital life,rather than being caught between fire and frying pan...But then it was god's will that I lose both. My marriage was called off amidst some very dramatic circumstances and those were the weakest moments in my life...Its was too tough to digest and forget with all the Vedanta I'd read. Bhagavan Ramanar has said that pain can be nullified by asking "Who am i? ". When I tried to, I had a real tough time. I remember the scene in the movie "Kannathil muthamittal" when the girl had just seen a bomb blast very close to her and the memory would just get replayed in mind when she tries to sleep etc. I was more or less in the same state and I couldn't meditate even , as the deeper I go within, the more this thought came out gushing , alloyed with intense anger and vengeance !! But this was the time when my spiritual being became strongest and I had some fascinating dreams of saints guiding me.

And the whole thing happened as a blessing from Tirupati perumal, as he had decided the calling-off for us and re-assured us with shakunams or fortuitous incidents in Tirupati.

-It was then that I realized the true colors of relations and some friends around me. Moral of the story being, I need to SOLELY rely on my inner-strength and god's grace to circumvent tragedies. Nothing else helps much.

-I went on a very uplifting trip to Rameswaram. I used to get goosebumps on the thought that Iam walking on the sand on which Shri Ram had set his foot. Excellent place.

-I went on a wonderful trip to Valparai ,top slip,pollachi and cmbtr. Amazing beauty !

-And then professionally, I leart a lot too .

-Most importantly, I made some very nice friends.

-I learnt quite a bit of investments too[How to play in Casino?]

- I derived great pleasure in Sachin and Vishy Anand's acheivements this year. They are my idols.

I could write pages of the experiences I got in 2008.

Some other time ! But 2008 rocked !!

Thanks you dear god !! Pls send more of it this way !!

In 2009,
May serenity touch you gently
every morning,
May peace be your companion
through each day,
and in every restful hour,
May dreams renew your soul.

Wishing you a year
of health, happiness,
and all good things !!!