New Year Wishes 2013 - In Advance In a couple of days, I'll make another attempt to be good, stay good. Sounds familiar? Also familiar maybe this space on the Web, where I scribble away my thoughts for you to read, roughly this time of the year, every year. Can't thank you enough to spare me some time at a juncture when in all likelihood you may be quite busy preparing to see off CY 2012 and merrily welcome New Year 2013. Whatever may be your mode of celebration, here's wishing you a joyous experience. Personally, I don't expect to see drastic changes to any attributes of my lifestyle, just because a cycle of twelve months is coming to a conclusion in two days time and a new one arriving. And I don't believe in waiting to flip over one dozen page of a calendar before jotting down a list of life changing items to be performed, and then stare at it later with a sigh of disappointment for not having made a sustained effort to achieve it and to strike each one out as 'Job done'. Neither do I believe that the spacing of inevitable events in different phases of life, some of which we may like and some we dislike, has any business with the twelve month cycles. Agreed, some things in life will change for sure: like the daily dairy that I maintain. It'll carry a fresh smell and every single entry in there, I hope, shall carry a positive intent. It's foolish of me, though, to even imagine that I'll only have happy episodes to scribe in there. New year or not, pattern of events in life shall remain much the same, with possibly no escape from the dualities of existence. Pray, we develop enough inner strength to accept all events in life with great composure. In retrospection, I'm thankful for all good things happened in the last twelve months, glad to have met many a wonderful people, fortunate to have learned a number of useful lessons, sorry to have made some mistakes, happy to have moved on, regret to have lost few connections and grateful for all opportunities. I wish the coming twelve months brings me in company of many new faces, while I'll make all efforts to make sure the familiar ones stay closer to my heart. Lastly, the blah-blah above was not the real intention of writing this note, but to make sure I don't miss an occasion as this to show up and express my deep felt gratitude to YOU for being there for me and helping me stay positive, one way or the other. Thank you! Here's wishing you and your family a very happy and propserous Year 2013!
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The regal cuisine, unrivaled architecture, and raw natural beauty of the Rajasthan countryside would be enough to make Jaipur into a world class destination. Yet, there is so much more to this city. Jaipur is packed with spellbinding festivals, richly decorated elephants casually going about their work, enchanting cultural insights, and a labyrinth of colourful dream palaces at every turn. A romantic pink hue pervades everything in Jaipur, hence the nickname “Pink City”. Here you can find a Jaipur hotel and see the exotic cityscape completely washed in a soft, glowing shade of blush that deepens as the sun sets each evening. Pedestrians from all walks of life, seemingly from a mix of centuries, weave through the boulevards and bazaars amid a cavalcade of rickshaws and motorbikes, three-wheeled trucks and elephants, all buzzing with a vibrant exuberance. places visited during trip Hawa Mahal: Jaipur’s most iconic landmark, the red and pink sandstone façade of Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds is widely recognised. Within its chambers, hidden from public view, the women of the royal house would secretly observe the activities on the street through the palace’s latticework openings. A fine example of Mughal architecture, the pyramidal design of Hawa Mahal rises five-storeys from the ground. Nahargarh Fort: Set on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, Nahargarh Fort is striking in stature. Built as the summer palace for the royal family, the main palace within the fort is known as Madhavendra Bhawan. In addition, there are nine other double storied living spaces within the fort. . An example of Indo-European architectural style, royal frescos and marble engravings can still be see on the interior walls. Connected to Jaigarh Fort, the views of Jaipur city are stunning from Nahagarh Fort. Amber Fort: The charm of Amber Fort is undeniable. Perched on a hilltop, this 15th century fort is impressive both in size and structure and can be accessed through imposing ramparts and cobbled pathways leading to its gates. Built using Mughal style architecture, the golden frontage is complemented by elaborate interiors complete with ornate archways leading to expansive chambers with hand painted and mirrorwork ceilings and walls. The fort houses the Diwan-e-Aam, or ‘Hall of Public Audience’, the Diwan-e-Khas, or ‘Hall of Private Audience’, and also the Sheesh Mahal, the ‘Mirror Palace’. The splendor of Amber Fort is heightened during the Light and Sound Show in the evening which is a must watch. Jantar Mantar: Dating back to the 18th century, Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observation site and a testimony of the scholarly brilliance of a bygone era. Among the 20 instruments found at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, it also houses the largest sundial in the world. City Palace: Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the City Palace depicts typical Rajput style architecture complete with layers of chambers and halls. While a portion of the palace remains the residence of the royal family of Jaipur even today, visitors have access to other parts of the palace complex including Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas and Maharani Palace. The City Palace also houses a museum with a fine collection of artefacts and a temple
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Political career In April 2012, Tendulkar accepted the Rajya Sabha nomination proposed by the president. He is the first active sportsperson and cricketer to have been nominated to the Rajya Sabha.[192] Reactions to this decision included: Sanjay Manjrekar who said that he was "actually shocked by the story itself, first by the nomination as it came without any warning. And that Sachin has accepted it is even more shocking. When I visualise what Sachin could possibly do after retirement, I thought something connected to cricket, coaching and all that, may be some business or social activity. But Rajya Sabha MP after retirement or even at this stage of career is something that was not even in my wildest guess." MP and former cricketer Kirti Azad said that the move was akin to an honourary degree on an eminent person and said that "Why should he not be successful? Unlike a Lok Sabha MP, he does not have to worry about his constituency and he could focus on the topics related to sports. I'm confident he will do a good job." Former Indian captain Dilip Vengsarkar reacted in saying that "so far, they were nominating persons from other fields. Now that a sportsman has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha, a good precedent has been set." DNA questioned if Tendulkar could handle the political system and was aware of the issues, though it also said that he has now outlined in partisan politics in choosing a party after the nomination followed a visit to the head of the Indian National Congress' residence in New Delhi[193] at the behest of party MP Sanjay Nirupam.[194] The nomination was also made by the president, who is a member of the INC, in the same year as she faces re-election. Actor Sanjay Dutt, who had also tried to become a MP, said that "it is an honour to be in the Rajya sabha. I am a fan of Sachin. He is the pride and jewel of India. But, I am not happy that he is a Rajya Sabha member. He should have been the way he is." He was also said to have the support of Amitabh Bacchan.[195] His decision to be a MP was also criticised in some quarters: Former Indian captain Ajit Wadekar said that "hope[s Tendulkar] does not suffer the same fate as another legend, Amitabh Bachchan, politics is a big game. He had only said he is not going to retire soon. But, my fear is how will he divide his time and responsibilities." Former member of the Indian 1983 Cricket World Cup team Madan Lal was also surprised, saying that "the kind of person Sachin is, we never expected him to take up politics." The Maharashtrian party Shiv Sena's MP Sanjay Raut questioned the timing and asked "is Sachin being used to divert attention from the problems plaguing the Congress?" The Communist Party of India's Gurudas Dasgupta sad that "I welcome the decision to nominate Tendulkar, but at the same time when Sourav is in his top form, his name, too, should have been considered."[194] His current colleague Harbhajan Singh said that he was "proud that Sachin is getting the honour. He deserves much more than that. May God bless him always."[196]Anti-corruption campaigner Baba Ramdev said that the INC was using the nomination and Tendulkar's stature to boost its battered image through series of scandals and electoral defeats.[197] Five-time World Chess Champion, Viswanathan Anand said "I hope he (Tendulkar) enjoys his role and he is able to do it very well. It's a big step for him and I think he will enjoy it".[198] Former Indian football captain Baichung Bhutia reacted neutrally saying a nomination of a sports candidate was a personal choice to accept. On 2 May, Tendulkar was elected to seat number 103 in the Rajya Sabha.[199] He took the oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha on 4 June; however he could not take the oath during the budget session due to the ongoing IPL.[200] "Cricket comes first," Tendulkar said when reporters asked whether he preferred cricket to parliament.[201] Sachin Tendulkar had been alloted 5 Tughlak Lane bungalow, a type VII accommodation in Lutyen's zone in New Delhi. The accommodation was just opposite to that of Rahul Gandhi's residence.[202] However, he has politely turned down the offer.
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