WISHLIST 2014

It wasn’t just another year that passed by. 2013 ended with lots of promises, dissatisfactions and hopes- all three in equal amounts. As we step into a grand new year now, I couldn’t help but pray for betterment in all fields of life, affecting all of us. By us, I mean the janta, the aam aadmi (no, the reference is not to the political party), hum-tum jaise log. So I prepared a wishlist 2014 that I want to share with you. (For those who have read ‘F?@k Knows’ written by Shailendra Singh, they can call this ‘The F?@k It List’).

I WISH…: BOLLYWOOD, AAMIR KHAN, RANVEER VS. RANBIR, ITEM NUMBERS

The 100cr-200cr grossing films were the worst films of Indian Cinema in 2013. So unintelligently scripted, pretentiously humorous and bogusly stylish they were that you just sit and wonder why and how did they gross so much in the box office (and you also wonder how you fell for the hype and went to watch the movie the first weekend itself, buying platinum tickets)! We go to multiplexes just for entertainment- that is undoubtedly accepted; but you sell us stupid films (first by showing nice package of luring trailers and awesome sound tracks), treating the audience like dumb brainless fools in the name of entertainment, is really humiliating. I wish Bollywood gives us intelligent and convincing films, for if it doesn’t, people like us will stop going to theatres, and wait for the movies to arrive in the box at home.

Of all the Khans, I love and adore Mr. Perfectionist-Aamir Khan the most (No offense Shahrukh, I am still your biggest fan).  But what is this in Dhoom 3? IS THAT PERFECTION? IS IT EVEN MILES CLOSE TO PERFECTION?! And you sold tickets to this movie for 1000bucks?! I am so cruelly let down, I feel ashamed. I think you have been trying too hard for too long (Delhi Belly, Talaash, Dhoom3). I wish you take a break, and bring back your biggest venture that made the whole country respect and love you…I wish you start Satymeva Jayate- Series 2.

Ranbir Kapoor, your leg movements (when you dance) are your biggest drawback. Mirgi ka daura, you understand? Your legs seem to suffer from that. And you are undoubtedly Bollywood’s most promising actor in this generation. We don’t expect you to score 100-200crores. We expect you to do good acting, and good sensible movies. 2013 is over- dump that Besharam attitude. You also don’t have to depend on the paparazzi to tell us who you are with at Ibiza- all of us know you are a stud. For 2014, I wish you a proper choreographer, mindblowing script offers and lesser controversies.

I went to watch Ram-Leela only because of Deepika (and Priyanka too), but boy, Ranveer Singh was the highlight of the film. He has grown as an actor, and he alone poses threat to the biggies of the Bollywood. He is the up-coming new superstar. I wish to see Ranbir Vs. Ranveer, in any form possible (movie release on the same day; both of them together having coffee with Karan…anything!).

Yo Yo Honey Singh, is here, Mr. Producer. You can do away with the item numbers now. They have become passé anyway. And, if you ever step out of your humongous villas and studios, or your big fat cars, you will find that songs sung by Honey Singh are played everywhere now, and those item numbers aren’t heard anymore. I wish to hear more of Yo Yo, and less of aah…aah….

I WISH…: POLITICS- DELHI, JHARKHAND, INDIA.

I have been neutral to politics all these years, silently following the updates and taking in all that media has to offer. But, I can’t stop myself from supporting Kejriwal. Yes, he seems to be a nice guy, you know. When the Anna Hazare revolution started, he was just another supporter. But when he used to speak to the media, and put forth his point of view with conviction, we were like…’whoz he’? And now, he is the CM, and as much like we saw in Nayak the movie, he is taking Delhi into a totally new level of politics. Bhak Sala had said once that AAP is the fastest growing start-up formed by an IIT-ian. True, isn’t it? People say that the calendar of 2014 is same as the calendar of 1947. I wish to celebrate the Independence Day in the same spirit too.

Meanwhile, at the national level, Narendra Modi is assumed as the undeclared future PM. Congress spokesperson have become less aggressive in the news channels, and they are trying their best to use their support to AAP as a leverage. But Mr.Modi is totally unshaken by their strategy. His unassuming confidence has an aura of winners. Why shouldn’t he? After all, he has transformed Gujarat into heaven. I wish to see him doing the same magic all over the country.

Jharkhand was declared as a state in 2000. Since then, there have been 5 CMs, and Jharkhand was thrice under Presidential Rule. Jharkhand was formed with the promise of unrestrained growth, but with such unstable governance, growth and the economy seems to have taken a backseat. My city, my state, could have been much better than it is today. I wish to see someone hold the office of CM for next five years, and fulfill the promise of growth in true sense.

I WISH…: MEDIA AND TELEVISION

“Gaur se dekhiye, yehi hai who… jurm ki ek dehla dene waali dastaan…”…PLEASE! We are so sick of these jokes now. And if the show itself wasn’t irritating enough, they have imitated the same dialogues in a jelly (chewing gum? Toffee? What is the technical word?) ad. Baksh bhi do hamien ab!

And Mr. Arnab Goswami, would you please let your guest speakers speak as much as you do, if not more? And please stop trying to make every other issue a national debate by your sensational oratory, or by inviting 10-12 guests and letting them swear and threaten each other on national television. If you don’t have any REALLY sensational news, just don’t air the program.

The news media is becoming powerful year after year, and it is only for the good of the people. But I wish they work independently, free of any inhibitions or constraints from any strong influences.

The concept of interactive television is catching up, albeit in a different way. The live online social activity going on along with the live telecast has returned the fun of watch television. I wish more and more channels, and more and more sitcoms start using hashtags, to encourage social activity along with the show. It is just so much fun that way!

Some shows are running their 11^th season, and some shows their 7^th season. I want to see something fresh this year, for the first season.

I WISH…: ECONOMY AND GROWTH

We are moving with a lopsided growth- the rich is getting richer, the poor is getting poorer. Inflation, stagnant market, and lower consumption are hampering the economy. We need some strong impetus to push the economy back to the earlier growth rate. – side 1.

Ask any young guy what his dream start-up would be, I am sure as hell it will be related to online and retailing. See, that’s not the problem. Everyone, including the big grand companies, is moving into large scale retailing. That’s still not the problem. The problem is, nobody seems to be interested in manufacturing anymore! India, like all first world countries, has become a market for Chinese products. Had it been only to cellphones and toys, it would have been acceptable. But machineries? Home appliances? Shoes? Kitchen appliances? Furniture fittings? Everything has to be imported??! We are definitely going wrong somewhere.  - side 2.

Many companies in India import the products from China, put their logo on it, and sell it in Indian market at double the price. There is no manufacturing done here to employ Indian citizens. So we have unemployment (underemployment also) and rising prices. People are left with lesser disposable income, which results to lower consumption, which leads to stagnant market. (side 1+ side 2). I wish to see more companies entering into manufacturing, and Government supporting them with ideal infrastructure and economic support.

I WISH…:PEOPLE AND WORK

I hate people who create drama about food saying “yeh nai khana, cholesterol zyada hai; who nai khana, gas hota hai”. Fuck it yaar! Eat whatever suits your taste buds! But next morning, get your ass up early, and workout like hell! That’s it!

I used to wonder why would-be engineers and doctors get drunk so much. I think I got the answer. Yes, I did, and it occurred to me just today morning. The answer is- they are superhumans.

Laughing, are you? Well, I am serious. The thing is, we are smarter than the earlier race of humans, and we are way more capable than them. But we have bound ourselves to social norms of attending school, going to college, and getting into the highest paying desk job. What happens is, since getting into good engineering college, good MBBS College, or good MBA institute is made so damn difficult, we assume that getting into it is indeed the right thing to do. We don’t check, for once, whether our heart is in it or not. And once through the entrance, we find ourselves lost. Not only because we don’t find the subjects interesting, but also because we have 1000 times more potential to do better in different field. We are superhumans with supercapabilities, caught in the wrong place. It is like Superman doing the dishes. The result: we drown ourselves in alcohol.

I wish people, everyone in general, realize their true potentials and interests and go for it. And for those wishing to start-up a new venture, I wish they roll this year. THE RIGHT TIME IS NOW.

People doing 12-hourers in office, please note that we do not consider you hard working, we think you are just plain stupid. And people doing 12-hourers in business, please note that you are contributing to the economy and the society more than the people earning salary 10 times your revenue. I wish you more customers!

I WISH…:ME

I have lost 7 kilos last year, and I wish to lose 5 more. I want to start writing my second book (the first one is complete, but has not gone into publication yet), and finish it by this year end. And have the first book published. I want to earn like crazy (yes, I am a greedy man). I want to write more blogs for you to read. I want to get back to my glass-art work. I want to do more of photography.

I wish to have 6-pack abs; sell millions of copies of my first book; own an audi and a BMW; live in a luxurious villa in the most expensive part of the city; chased by the paparazzi wherever I go…sounds too far-fetched, eh? Impossible??!

Har ek topic pe jo itna bole, sab kuch possible thodi hai! But wish karne mein kya jaata hai, hai na?! hehehe!

Oh, and one more wish- I wish you make your wishlist too! Gotta go now…btw, my name is PrasanjitSaha. Nice to meet you. J cya-tata-bbye! Aah, wait! HAPPY NEW YEAR YAAR! CHEERS!

What is on your WishList2014?

See Also:

Was it Love, or Was it Not?!

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The Truth About Tattooing, and such other Taboos

Why do some people get their bodies tainted with some permanent black ink? Why do some people damage their bodies with some metal pierced through? Why do some people ruin their hair with awful colours? Why do some guys work out so heavily just to get a pattern of muscles over their tummy?

I have asked these questions to a lot of people (only those who didn’t get any of the above done), and have got as many different answers as you can imagine. Yet the most recurring answers were:

·         Those ‘some’ people are crazy

·         It is just the passion of young people

·         Those people want to stand out of the crowd

·         They want to prove that they are different from the rest

·         They are trying to get other people’s attention.

Well, all these are only true at the superficial level. But deep within, each one of them is wrong. There is only one reason for all that. There is only one, true, valid explanation to this:

IT IS LIBERATING.

That’s it. Nothing else.

You won’t believe me? Ask a girl who just got a tattoo done. Instead of telling you how painful it was, she would tell you how ‘relieving’ it was…how happy she felt when she finally overcame the fear of getting inked. Ask the guy who just got his ear pierced. He knows you are aware of the odd comments he gets from his friends, but he boldly tells you that he feels more positive and more confident than before. Ask anyone who has done any of these things. The answers you will get will not be related to fashion, or age, or style, or craziness…it will be related to mind and heart.

My name is Prasanjit Saha. I am 26+, well settled businessman, blessed with good group of friends, and few good achievements to boast about. And, that’s not all: to top it up, let me tell you, I am perfectly sane. But:

I have a tattoo on my right arm. I had my hair coloured quiet a few times. I have developed recent fancy for six-pack-abs. I am ok with piercing, but that’s not really my thing.

Being 26+ and being into business takes away my privilege to call myself young, if I compare myself with college going kids. I am a crowd loving person- I always prefer being among aam aadmi type people because that way I feel more comfortable. I believe in individuality, and there is no need to prove the proven fact (not atleast with tattoos) that every person is different from the rest. And being blessed with such a loving family and friends, I never have to crave for attention- I already get too much of it. And, that’s not all: to top it up, let me tell you again, I am perfectly sane. So have I proved all your answers incorrect, appropriately?

Tattoo…piercing…all this is not about fashion, or style, or trying to be a rebel kinda thing. It is not about creating a personality type, or making a stand, or proving a thing. It is like…a block, a hindrance, a…a…confinement that needs to be crossed, overcome and won upon. It is like getting over your fears, fighting with it and finally conquering it to feel free. It gives you a sense of freedom. It gives you a sense of being complete. It makes you more confident. It unshackles you from the bondages that you had tied to yourself for all these years. It encourages you. It motivates you. It boosts you. It recharges you. It liberates you.

So if you are still apprehensive about tattoos, piercing, hair colouring, six-pack-abs or anything of that sort, just go for it. The feeling of getting over it is overwhelming. You have to be through it to believe it. And once you are through, it will work wonders for you in ways you cannot imagine.

Leaving you with your thoughts now, this is Prasanjit Saha, signing off.

PS: Do your thing.

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Jhuki Jhuki Yeh Nigahe (Poem In Hindi)

March 22, 2013; RedFM (Jamshedpur) Studio:

RJ Smita: So what are your hobbies...I mean apart from doing business, what are your interests?
Me: I love writing poems, stories, shayaris...(I answered impromtu)
RJ Smita: Great! You have any of them with you right now, to share with our listeners?
Me: Umm...yea... I have few of them in my cell phone...
(I took out my IPhone, opened my notes application and read the poem I had written just the previous night. Here it goes...)

Jhuki jhuki yeh nigahe,

Sehmi sehmi ye adaaye,

Koi raaz chupi hai inmein...

Koi dard hai yeh chupaye. 

Logo ke beech hai woh,

Fir bhi hai woh juda,

Khud se chahti hai kuch woh...

Aur kuch khuda se mangti hai dua.

Ishq hai usko kisi se,

Izhaar aur ikraar bhi hua.

Fir bhi kabhi kahi woh hai sochti...

Ki kuch baki hai, aur kuch poora hua.

Woh ishq mein hai anjaan

Ki ishq ka hai apna andaaz.

Dard toh ishq ka mohabbat hai

Dard ko ishq samjho e nadaan!

Woh ishq mein roti, soti, jagti,

Ishq mein hi har din guzaarti.

Par ishq ko na samajhti, na samjhati.

Ishq toh apne dhun mein naachti.

Waqt ko woh rokna chahti hai.

Ishq ko, waqt ko, khud ko samajhna chahti hai.

Par waqt ko rok na paye khuda bhi...

Waqt bhi ishq ke dhun mein chalti hai. 

Chalte hue waqt mein har ek lamhe ko mehsoos karo.

Bheer mein chalte logo ke dhadkano ko mehsoos karo.

Chubhte hue dard ko, beette hue waqt ko,

Khush rehne ke haq ko, tum mehsoos karo. 

Tum hi se hai saare dard,

Tum se hi hai saare gamm,

Tum yeh maan lo aur jaan lo...

Sochne se hi honge yeh kam. 

Us dard ko tum nikal jane do,

Waqt ke saath beh jaane do,

Is pal ko, is dhadkan ko

Tum khud mein samaa jane do. 

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Why Can't I Be Just A Friend?

Tu hai sexy, I am hot, 

 Lots of friends we both have got;

Jab we are together as a pair

Lot of people sit and stare...

"You both make a great couple", they say!

But I toh just laugh them away.Copyright Reserved by Prasanjit Saha.

All ur sahelis and infact saare log...

Ask u kab tak rakhega woh feelings rok!

I know we could be, or maybe we should be

Yet More than just friends: we never would be.

My feelings for u are strong

But usse love samajhna wud be wrong. 

Kyu zaroori hai relationship ko naam dena?

Kyu zaroori hai lovers hi banna?

Why such narrow thinking: i cant comprehend.

Why can't I be just a friend?

You have a boyfriend? I dont care. 

Even If u get married i won't pull my hair. 

Ur friends tease, Ur parents doubt,

Troubles increase when ur boyfriends shout,

I don't give a shit. I don't give a damn. 

I am your friend, and here i am. 

Baby, shona, babu, apne bf ko bulana

Emotional blckmail se usi ko darana. 

Intimacy? u have him for that.

Cute cute romantic baatey? Oh! What a crap!

But non veg messages ka I have a bhandaar

Kaho toh abbhi bhej du do-chaar??

Kyu zaroori hai relationship ko naam dena?

Kyu zaroori hai lovers hi banna?

Why such narrow thinking: i cant comprehend.

Why can't I be just a friend?

Why can't I be just a friend?
-Prasanjit Saha


(This poem/song is so unlike me. Just for entertainment it is though...I hope you guys liked it!)

Was it Love, Or Was it Not?

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Your Gut Never Lies

Till recent years, we used to say "your gut never lies" quiet philosophically. But recent scientific research says that this is correct, in fact, literally. Yes, scientists have PROVED that your gut is the "Second Brain". Read further if you want to know more, and to understand the Indian Reference. 

WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE SCIENTISTS PROVE?!

Technically known as the enteric nervous system, the second brain consists of sheaths of neurons embedded in the walls of the long tube of our gut, or alimentary canal, which measures about nine meters end to end from the esophagus to the anus. "The second brain contains some 100 million neurons, more than in either the spinal cord or the peripheral nervous system", says Gershon. ( Who is Gershon?) 

In layman's words, neurons are responsible for thinking and decision making (almost synonymous with brain). More the neurons, smarter you are. (more about neurons)

So how much is 100 million neurons? Is it too much or too little?!

Human brain consists 86 billion - 100 billion neurons. So our gut contains 1/100th number of neurons as compared to human brain, and almost the same to the brain of cat. Click here for comparison of number of neurons of different species, follow this link. Many scientists contented that the neurons in the gut are responsible for digestion related functioning, but  Emeran Mayer says that the second brain is "is way too complicated to have evolved only to make sure things move out of your colon". Gershon also supported this view and said that the scientists were shocked to learn that about 90 percent of the fibers in the primary visceral nerve, the vagus, carry information from the gut to the brain and not the other way around.

Indian Reference: Shailendra Singh, Joint Managing Director of Precept, the name we associate with Sunburn Parties, has written a book "F?@K Knows' (I kid you not, the title is really that!) in which he explains Gut Feeling in a very user-friendly way. He has dedicated an entire chapter to it - Your Gut Is Always Right.

K. Ramkumar, Executive Director and Head of Operations & Human Resources at ICICI Bank, has written an article "Why Gut Feeling Matters"  and accepts that even in highly analytical world of banking and finance, professionals go with their gut feeling more often than revealed. 

Now that it has been scientifically proved that your gut can "think", lets move on to the lying part.

WHY DOES GUT NEVER LIE?

So we have a brain inside our tummy (sounds gross), that is not as smart as the brain in the skull, but which definitely has more free time than the brain in the head. I remember a scene from the movie 'The Dark Knight Rises':

Bruce Wayne: What's it called?

Fox: Oh, it has a long uninteresting Wayne Enterprises designation. I just took to calling it the Bat. And yes, Mr. Wayne, it does come in black.

[Bruce touches the vehicle]

Fox: Works fine, except for the autopilot. It takes a better mind than mine to fix it.

Bruce Wayne: Better mind?

Fox: Well, I was trying to be modest. A less busy mind. Yours.

Our brain inside our tummy is burdened with only the job of digestion, and some other similar functions, but is free to think for the most of the time [like the brain of Wayne]. Plus, it gets input from only two places: the intestines and the brain on top.

While its competitor, the brain in the skull is busy whole day thinking about your girlfriend, your job that you hate, your parents back in your hometown, and your slipping bank balance. Plus, it gets inputs from multiple places: vision from eyes, feel from skin, smell from nose, taste from mouth and of course, the consistent blabber of "but my sixth sense says...", "but I have a feeling..." and "but my gut says..." from our second brain. With so much inputs and processing to be done, our brain inside the head makes mistakes. The worst part- the brain chooses to ignore that blabber from the gut, because it thinks that the gut, being its competitor, is trying to deviate its focus and confusing it. (Like "Chatur" tries to deviate mind of "Rancho" and other engineers by slipping in porn magazines in each hostel room, in the movies '3 idiots').

But our gut is more honest than we can ever be. In its free time, it processes all the latent data and input the brain had collected over time, analyzes it, and stores it for further reference. It deciphers subtle hints that our mind, being busy, had overlooked (like the voice cracking of your girlfriend who is lying to you, or the new appointment letter from a different company that your coworker is hiding inside her bag, but is partly visible, or that folded five hundred rupee note you had seen in your friend's wallet earlier that day, but when you asked him to lend you some money, he said he doesn't have a penny on him). Our mind forgets not only the stimulus of the gut feelings, but also the responses and inferences of our second brain.

Our second brain is like a better processor of data, only slower than the brain in the skull. The gut thinks as analytically as our brain- the only problem is that since we have forgotten the source (or input data) of the output, we consider it invalid. 

Indian Reference: Anik Singhal says about how he followed his gut feeling and he averted a major business loss. Read the full story here: http://aniksingal.com/general/follow-your-gut/ .
Vineet Nayar, Vice Chairman of HCL Technologies discusses how gut feeling is more important than logic, in his blog: http://blogs.hbr.org/2013/05/listening-to-your-inner-voice/

So, next time you have gut feeling about anything at all, pay heed to it. Your gut never lies. With that enlightening insight of humans, this is Prasanjit Saha wishing you a better decision-making and a happier, healthier life ahead. Ciao!

Have you ever felt your gut warning you, and saved you from an impending problem? Or have you ever followed your gut, and got into a mess? Lets see how much this theory of "Your Gut Never Lies" is actually true!!!

People:

Emeran Mayer: professor of physiology, psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (U.C.L.A.),

Michael Gershon: Chairman of the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at New York–Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, an expert in the nascent field of neurogastroenterology.

References:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=gut-second-brain

http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/cells.html

http://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2012/feb/28/how-many-neurons-human-brain

http://positivelybeautiful.com/the-science-of-a-gut-feeling/

See Also:

Poem: Mujhe Jeena Hai (Hindi)

Was it Love, or was it not?!

10 Places You Must Visit in Jamshedpur

                                       

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10 Places You Must Visit in Jamshedpur

Before the Durga Pujas, my cousins from Kolkata came to visit us. Now most of them had visited the city many times, but one of my younger cousins were visiting us for the first time. She wanted to tour the entire city, but they had only two days in hand. So we planned out everything, and came up with 10-points tour of the city. 

#1. Sai Mandir

The Sai Temple

The Sri Sai Centre, built on 0.75 acre at a cost of around Rs 3 crore, is meant for all devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba, the legendary saint held as the incarnation of Krishna by some and a pir by others.

A multi-religion 13-member managing committee — Shirdi Sai Baba has always attracted devotees of all affiliations — is looking after the centre. Daisy Irani, the better half of former Tata Steel managing director and metallurgy legend J.J. Irani, is its patron.

Built last year, this is the best and the most recent attraction of the city.

FYI: On Thurdays, the temple is pretty crowded with many devotees standing in a queue. 

See More at: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1121027/jsp/jharkhand/story_16126513.jsp

#2.   Tata Steel Zoological Park + Jubilee Park + Amusement Park + Laser Show + Jayanti Sarovar

Inside Jubilee Park

Now you must be wondering why I clubbed 5 places in one point. Well, here it goes. Jubilee Park is spread over an area of 225 acres (no kidding!), loosely replicating the Vridhawan Gardens of Mysore. Its beautifully green consisting of various rare species of trees, plants and flowers. They say you can see almost all types of roses in one place here, inside the rose garden. The amazingly synchronized dancing fountains only add to its charm. On 3rd March every year, the park is decorated with innumerable lights to mark the birth anniversary of Shri Jamshedji Tata. In weekends in the evening, the fountains are lit up with colourful mesmerizing lights.

Jubilee Amusement Park

Inside the park, there is an Amusement Park in which you can enjoy rides such as roller coaster, moon breaker, water slide, swinging boat, car crash and various other games. 

Laser Fountain in Jamshedpur

On the other side of the park, there is a dedicated structure where Laser Fountain shows are held every weekend in the evenings. If you miss this show, your trip to the park is incomplete.

Jayanti Sarovar

Along the park, the Jayanti Sarover (Jubilee Park Lake) makes the visit serene and peaceful. Of course, you can do boating here too, but you will have to enter the Tata Steel Zoological Park first.

Tata Steel Zoological Park

The zoo boasts of inmates like tigers, lions, reindeer, and...and...you better check it out yourself. :) 

Since all these places are clubbed in the same area, I clubbed them in the same point.

FYI: All said and done, I need to warn you of few things:

1. Visit to the zoo itself takes half of the day. If you are taking kids along, prepare how to ignore the couples. ;)
2. Visit to the park is fun in the evening when the fountains are lit up with colourful lights. 
3. If you are going with your family and folks, practice how to ignore the love couples sitting under the trees. If you are going with your love, keep naughty things out of your mind- the park is under direct supervision of the city police. If you are going alone, keep your expensive phones and gadgets at home- there have been reports of thugs roughing up the visitors.
4. The laser show happens under the open sky. That means if it is drizzling, it is not going to be that much fun.
5.  Don't have very high expectations with the Amusement Park.

See More at: http://www.holidayiq.com/Jubilee-Park-Jamshedpur-Sightseeing-388-363.html for Jubilee Park.

http://www.tatazoo.com/ for Tata Steel Zoological Park.

#3. Dalma Hills + Dimna Lake

Dimna Lake

Situated 13 Kms away (hardly an hour long drive) from the main city, Dimna Lake is a man-made lake constructed by Tata Steel to fulfill the water requirements of the citizens. It is a different kind of experience to see vast area of blue surrounded by mountains on all sides. It is an ideal tourist place to go with anyone. Just make sure you come back before dark.

Dimna Lake

Dalma Hills provide the tourists with a breath taking view of the surrounding areas. The temple of Lord Shiva attracts several devotees who visit the religious shrine on days of special festive occasion to seek divine blessings and eternal happiness. 

Far from the maddening crowd and the hustle bustle of the city life, the calm and serene surrounding of Dalma Hills relieves the tourists from the stress and strains of daily mundane life. Endowed with natural scenic beauty, Dalma Hills draw numerous tourists who are enthralled and enchanted with the captivating sight of the beautiful place.

FYI: Carry your refreshments and snacks along, you will hardly find any stalls here.

See More at:http://www.mapsofindia.com/jamshedpur/travel-guide/dalma-hills.html for Dalma Hills.

#4. Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary

Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary

First let me confess- I have never been there. Yet, quoting lines from Wikipedia, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is situated around the Dalma Hills. Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is a much larger area starting from Chandil to 40 km east. The Sacntuary on paper is spread around in 195 km². The forest cover is denuded up to 90% because of selective pilferage by timber mafia over many years.Animals are almost gone because of the sinister practice of Desua Sangar - a carnage of wild animals in summer under some animist religious garb.The sanctuary is an ideal spot for trekkers. Another attraction here is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, where a large number of devotees flock during the festival of Shivratri. The number of tourists visiting the sanctuary has significantly dropped in recent years due to the Naxalite infestation of the area surrounding the sanctuary and also due to the volatile situation in the region.

FYI: I find all types of sanctuaries very scary. :-O

See More at: http://redscarabtravelandmedia.wordpress.com/tag/how-to-book-dalma-forest-rest-house/  for Dalma Wildlife.

#5. Bhubneshwari Temple + Golmuri Church + Hudco Park

The Bhuvaneshwari Temple

The Bhuvaneshwari Temple is located at Bhuvangiri hills at a height 360ft above sea level. This Temple is based on South Indian architecture , has 36ft high Garbha Griham ( Sanctum Sanctorum ) and 64ft  five storeyed Rajgopuram. ( Main royal entrance ). The Temple main hall consists of eight pillars with eight different forms of Lakshmi. The architecture is heavily influenced by South-Indian culture.

Inside Golmuri Church

Golmuri Church is a very peaceful place to be in too. I don't have specific details to share, but if you are going towards Bhuvneshwari Temple, this church comes on the way. You would be glad when you drop by there.

Inside Sumant Mulgaonkar Park

Hudco Lake is easily accessible from the main city, as it is located in the middle of Telco Colony. This famous lake is surrounded by green fields and hill ranges that attract tourists. The industrially developed city of Jamshedpur is popular for its Sumant Mulgaonkar Park, which is situated just next to the Hudco Lake. This Sumant Mulgaonkar Park is a suitable place for organising picnic. The crystal clear water of Hudco Lake is ideal for boating. There is an artificial waterfall in the park which uses the water of the lake. Tourists can visit Hudco Lake during summers to get relief from the scorching heat of the sun. Moreover, the lake and the park are mainly crowded during weekends.

FYI:  1. The Bhuvaneshwari Temple stays closed in the afternoon, from approx. 2pm to 5pm.

        2. I think you should attend the Sunday Mass once.

       3. The top most gate that leads to the statue of Sumant Mulgaonkar in the park remains closed most of the time.

See More at:http://bhuvaneshwaripeeth.com/ for Bhuvaneshwari Temple.
http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g662321-d3208414-r146189093-Hudco_Lake-Jamshedpur_Jharkhand.html for Sumant Mulgaonkar Park. Someone in the link commented that cooking is not allowed in the park. (Should cooking be allowed in the park?!!!)

#6. Sun Temple (Surya Mandir)

Inside Sun Temple

Another new of Jamshedpur, The Sun Temple located in Sidhgora is a major tourist attraction. There are lots of things to do around here- pray, play, eat, relax. Two ponds constructed along the temple might be man-made, but there's something real in the spirituality they evoke. The temple dedicated to God of Sun, Surya Devta. The park and the premises are very well maintained.

FYI: Recently, there was news of the veg-hotel inside the premises being shut down. So carry your own refreshments.

See More at:http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101104/jsp/jharkhand/story_13136828.jsp for media report.

#7. Bistupur Market + Bistupur Gurudwara Sahib+ Beldih Kali Bari

My cousin had this urge to go shopping. So we planned to go to Bistupur Market- our Mall Road, our MG Road, our High Street. This area provides good shopping experience, with all the brands available here, and lots of street food stalls for your hungry tummy. 

And if you are looking for brands like Coma, Abibas, Reedok, Nice, and Lewis, do drop by in Amar Market. ;)

If you are interested in Jharkhand's Handicraft, please drop by Khadi Bhandar. It is in the main street, just before the traffic signal. 

Visting the Bistupur Gurudwara Sahib can be enriching experience for you. You would love to draw water (they call it Amrit) from the well. 

Beldih Kali Bari isn't far from this point. Visiting in the evening prayer time could be more fruitful. 

FYI: 1. Bistupur Market is larger than it appears. Get into the fruit market and you will love shopping there too.  

See More at:http://www.jamshedpur.ws/jamshedpur/bistupur-market.php for Bistupur Market.

#8. Kadma Toll Bridge

If you love long smooth drives, you will love this place. This bridge joins Kadma to Gamharia and looks beautiful during sunset. It is a delight to watch the sun go down behind the toll plaza and the reflection of the surrounding in the river water.

FYI: Please note that 2-wheelers are free but 4-wheelers are charged a toll tax of Rs. 15 for crossing once. Carry change with you. They grumble over bigger notes ;)

See More at:http://www.alltravels.com/india/jharkhand/unknown/photos/current-photo-58261364

#9. Sakchi Market

This is that desi-kinda bazaar you ought to visit. Here you can find almost everything under the sun. I don't understand why this market is not highlighted much. This is a fun place to go shopping to. This is our reply to Kolkata’s Barabazaar.

FYI: On Tuesdays, most of the stores here are closed. An alternate bazaar, The Mangal Bazaar is set in its place, where you can buy cheapest stuffs. 

See More at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakchi for history of 'Sakchi'.

#10. Restaurants

Jamshedpur has much to offer for your taste buds. 

·      Wave International - A beautiful resort built 10 miles away from Jamshedpur on the Jamshedpur-Ranchi highway. I love the swimming pool, and the children’s play corner.

·     Cinnamon - The best value for your money spent. At THE SONNET Hotel, South Park Bistupur. It's a 24X7 facility. Breakfast here starts at 6.00 am. I love the coffee here.

·   Equinox - The most expensive restaurant of Jamshedpur is a part of the THE SONNET Hotel. The ambience.

·        Little Italy - The Fortune Hotel Centre Point in Bistupur has this great Vegetarian Italian Restaurant. I love the view from its balcony.

·       Appetite - A great multicuisine restaurant in J K Residency with a great view of the Tata Steel factory (best viewed at night). Located next to the Gurudwara in Sakchi. I love the décor, and the food is awesome here!

·      Deep Purple – A restaurant on a slightly expensive side is in Sakchi Area in the Hotel Smita International. Has a big screen to entertain you with music videos or if any important sports event is on. Personally, I hate its service and the ambience.

·    The Host - This is not a part of hotel. Very good food and not very expensive. Located Near Hyundai Showroom, Bistupur. The Kadhai Chicken is awesome here!

·       Sukhsagar - A very good pure vegetarian restaurant at Yashkamal Complex, Main Road Bistupur. It has a branch in Sakchi also. The Gujju-Jain feel, and the yummy food makes it my favourite!

·      Daavat is a part of Hotel Asian Inn at Dhatkidih. Best Mughlai food you can ever have and don't miss the sizzlers if you happen to be there.

 ·      Novelty- A great place to eat for little expensive side situated in Bistupur. This restaurant provides take-away food facility in the morning as well as evening, mostly south-indian snacks. I had been here years back. I don’t go there anymore.

·     Delhi Darbar - Quite economical place for Non Vegetarians is situated at Sakchi next to Shopper's Square mall. This restaurant has an opening inside the bistupur market also. The best Biryani of the city is found here!

·      Blooms - A suburban bar and restaurant in Bistupur.

·     Country Club - It is a beautiful Bar with Egyptian background on the walls, Swimming pool, and an ice cream parlour.

·         Yo China - Visit this place for authentic chinese food. Situated in Sakchi near Titan Eye shop (Bengal Club). My dad’s favourite.

·   Ganga Regency- A luxurious hotel with spacious parking lots and excellent quality food and service available.
S    Street Food - Jamshedpur is famous for its street food. If you are looking for taste (not health and hygiene), experiencing the street food (gol-gappa, litti, pav-bhaji, egg-rolls and bhelpuri) near D. M. Madan school (Bistupur) or Near N-road crossing (chole-bhature, chowmein, gol-gappa, samosa-chat, momos) is for you.

·      Sweets - Jamshedpur has many good quality sweets shop. Chhapan Bhog (bistupur & Sakchi), Gangaur (Sakchi), Sagar Sweets (bistupur), Bhola maharaj (sakchi), Misti (sakchi, bhalubasa, kadma), Sweet mart (kadma), Mantu Sweets (tinplate) and Brijbasi (mango) are just a few of them.

·         KFC- SNP Area, Near Reliance Fresh, Sakchi. I rather not describe it, the name says it all.
S   Glider's Cafe- Airport Area, Sonari. Great place to hangout. Snacks are always yummy here. Run by my friend Harsh, so its a personal favourite.

So I hope this list comes handy to you next time your cousins visit you here. Did I miss any place?! Mention it here in the comments. :)

This is your friend Prasanjit Saha, wishing you happy touring! Bon Voyage!


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