Taking the INSCRIPT exam

The Rajbhasha department under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India conducts proficiency examinations for skill in INSCRIPT typing in Hindi. INSCRIPT (meaning INDIAN SCRIPT) keyboard empowers you to type in any of the indian languages provided you are aware of the phonetics used in the particular language. Though there are many sites through which you can type in vernacular like Quillpad and Lipikaar, INSCRIPT helps to fine tune your skills. This January I had appeared for this examination which was conducted at Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram and qualified the exam with 91% marks.

Fauji diary - A Salute to Capt Omkar Nath Rao

Omkar Nath Rao was a second generation soldier and the only son of his parents. We met at the Officers Training Academy, Madras (now Chennai) where we were coursemates. I don't remember how and when we became good friends. I have known Omkar from close quarters, we continued to remain in touch even after leaving the academy, did the young officers course together at MHOW in 1997. He was always looking for a meaningful contribution to the uniformed life so he opted for a tenure at Siachen glaciar. By the time he completed his tenure at Siachen, his battalion was in a field area. He chose to be with his battalion in the Uri sector.

the days at Academy

young officers course at MHOW'Dil chahta hai'- at the Mandu fort
Brother in Arms

Capt Omkar Nath Rao was lost to his family and friends in a exchange of fire at the Indo-Pak border on 11 March 2000. He was given 'Sena Medal' for gallantry (posthomously).Homage can be paid to Capt Omkar Nath Rao by clicking here.

The Valentine boy turns Five

Our son Aryaman turned five on 14 February. This smile was captured while he bought the cake to me.

Our trip to Los Angeles Part I

Been informed of being the lucky winner of the Sony Big Bond Prize by the end of November 2008 ( Refer my previous posts God tussi great ho ! and Sony Big Bond Prize.) we were really looking forward to this trip. The trip to Los Angeles was organised by Sony India Ltd from 17 February 2009 20 February 2009. The travel arrangements were made by Carlson Wagonlit Travels. The Thai Airways flight originating from Mumbai to Los Angeles via Bangkok took us to our destination. Even when we had landed at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) , I was still under the impression that it must be a trip for a group of people who have won lucky prizes from Sony. We were pleasantly surprised to meet Andy, the driver of the Limousine which was sent for taking us to our hotel - Hotel Mariott Downtown LA. Andy was carrying with him the itinerary for the next three days which was handed to us very curteously. The itinerary was handled by India USA Hospitality and besides other details it included a visit to Sony Picture Studio,tour of Culver City, Hollywood, Dinner at Beverly Hills and a day at Disneyland.

At one of the rides in Disneyland

The guests are recieved at the entrance by Minimouse herself.