A day in the life of LIFE

Do you expect the likes of Sonia Gandhi and Venkaiah Naidu to dine at budget hotels? Or expect them to hitch rides after a long drawn political rally from people they know in the cities they visit, sans the cavalcades?

I may be naive in comparing well established political parties with the toast of today, Paritaana, but yes, things can move on without the grandeur accompanying political extravaganza.

It was yet another normal Sunday, till 9:30 p.m when I decided to treat myself to some mouth watering golgappas [ a popular chat item in India] at Gangotree, when I received a call from Gauraw and Abhishek, my two flatmates who had chosen not to delve into the bliss of tamarind sauce and Dates’ chutney, that when loaded into the pooris, gurgles down the throat.

I was annoyed at receiving a phone call in the midst of devouring the pani puris, but Gauraw quipped, “Come to Hotel Ananda immediately. I have some news for you.” I shot back saying unless it was earth shattering [or greater than that] I would not let go of my golgappas for anything.

Gauraw paused and then exclaimed “ Raj purohit is here.” I could not get the context till, Abhishek whispered from behind Gauraw. “ Tanmay Rajpurohit from Paritraan is here”. [ Paritraan is the political party formed by a group of IIT alumni to transform the face of Indian democracy. Visit paritraan here


“Goodness Gracious! It can’t be true. The National President of the party, eating at a budget hotel”(when I mean that, it’s not all that bad – it’s just right for bachelors and students who are cash stripped more often than not)

I raced out to my flat to pick up my digital camera, (yes I have learnt to be proactive since I have got his suddent streak of meeting up with celebreties: after cine star Chinranjeevi, it was Tanmay's turn now) and reached the Hotel. I found my guys in one corner of the hall, and Tanmay and one other gentleman( whom I later recognized as Shrini – my ex batch mate at IMS Chennai and currently pursuing an MBA at Great Lakes, Chennai) dining diagonally opposite.

Gauraw and myself walked up to them with Abhishek following close behind, lest his dining seat be poached, and Gauraw exclaimed to Tanmay “ This is my room-mate”. After a brief intro, I turned to Shrini, as Abhishek picked up a conversation in Bhojpuri with Tanmay.

I told him about the blog I wrote for Paritraan and gave him the reference that it’s Rang De Basanti season after all, for which he reacted thus:

“Picturoney ladko ko kharab kar diya hai” (Films have influenced the youngsters a lot).

Allowing Shrini and Tanmay to continue with their conversation, we left for our table. Meanwhile I learnt that there was a rally and membership mobilization drive in the city the same evening and I had missed the same owing to my siesta time. (rather I was ignorant of it).

Well, I can’t complain about not attending the event, when I got to meet the MAN himself, in person.

I am leaving you with Shrini’s number since I don’t have Tanmay’s contacts. Those interested in working for the party or joining as members can get details through Shrini at 9884252631

I am told that Paritraan is going to contest in the Assembly elections as well in the State of Tamil Nadu. Here's wishing them good luck.

The Indian Revolution has begun. Are you aboard?