A Clock that opens a doorway to ‘Time’ itself

A clock that opens a doorway to time itself. The quiet resurrection of a charm from yesteryears… 🍷

 Nearly 43 years old, this clock began its journey in 1982, bought from a small, shop called ‘Aradhana Times & Music House’ in Kottarakkara, Kerala—a shop that still exists today under a new name, Aradhana Tronics and Home Appliances. It first adorned the walls of our home in Kerala, marking ordinary moments that would one day turn into treasured memories.

In time, my father carried it with him to Bhutan. Later, in 1993, when he was transferred to Pune, the clock traveled once again and settled on the walls of our home in CW&PRS staff colony. Our entire school life passed to its rhythm. Every single hour, its familiar music filled the house, quietly shaping our days and anchoring our formative years.

From there, the clock moved with us—to Vishrantwadi, then to our rented house, then to my own home in Pune, and now finally to our home in Bangalore. For more than fifteen years, its music had fallen silent, yet we kept it close, letting time continue without its melody.

Today, lovingly repaired and fully restored, the clock sings again. My family now listens to the same hourly tune, and my 18-month-old baby dances joyfully to its music. There is a rare and profound happiness in watching another generation move to the very same notes that shaped our own growing years—a living bridge between past, present, and future.

And here’s a delightful little mystery the clock carries with it: if you look closely at the shop label on its back, the phone number printed there has only three digits. Telephone numbers moved from three to five digits by the mid-’50s, while the Ajanta Clock Company itself was founded in 1971. Which leaves us with a charming possibility—either Papa was sold an old stock that had been waiting patiently for its moment… or this clock is even older than we think and actually dates back to the 1970s 

Either way, it seems this clock has always been ahead of its time—quietly ticking through decades, memories, and generations.

The Strums of Life – A Journey Through Memory, Faith, and Resilience

Life is a symphony, and each moment is a note that contributes to its melody. My new book, *The Strums of Life*, is a deeply personal exploration of this truth—a collection of stories, reflections, and lessons from a life woven with the threads of love, resilience, and faith.

The Inspiration Behind *The Strums of Life 

*The Strums of Life* was born from a simple yet profound realization. As I began to recount the events and memories that shaped me, I discovered an intricate connection between them. What seemed like isolated moments were, in fact, part of a larger, divinely orchestrated plan. This realization compelled me to write—not just for myself, but for anyone seeking meaning in the seemingly mundane chapters of their own lives.  

What to Expect  

The book is a tapestry of vignettes that span decades, taking readers on a journey through my childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Each chapter delves into pivotal moments, from the innocence of village life to the challenges of navigating change, the grace of strangers' kindness, and the strength found in enduring friendships.  

Some highlights include:  

- **“Lost and Found at Almost Four”**: A tale of childhood resilience and the unexpected kindness of a stranger who became a lifelong memory.  

- **“The Grand Old Brick Factory and a ‘Teacher’”**: Nostalgic reflections on the simplicity of village life and the wisdom imparted by a humble teacher.  

- **“A Praying Mumma & the Whispers of Rubber Plantations”**: A heartfelt tribute to my mother’s unwavering faith and the spiritual foundation it provided.  

- **“Moments of Truth: Mischief, Chastisement, and Grace”**: A candid look at the lessons learned from youthful mistakes and the redemption that followed.  

Each story is rich with detail, weaving personal anecdotes with universal themes of growth, gratitude, and grace.  

A Unique Blend of Reflection and Storytelling  

One of the distinguishing features of *The Strums of Life* is its integration of spiritual insights with everyday experiences. Biblical references are seamlessly woven into the narrative, offering readers a lens through which to view their own lives. These passages are not just scriptural commentary but meaningful connections to the struggles, joys, and revelations we all encounter.  

Why This Book Matters  

In an age where life often feels rushed and fragmented, *The Strums of Life* invites readers to pause and reflect. It’s a reminder that every experience—whether joyful, painful, or mundane—has a place in the larger story of who we are becoming. The book celebrates the beauty of imperfection, the strength of human connection, and the profound ways faith can guide us through life’s uncertainties.  

A Message for Readers  

This book is for anyone who has ever:  

- Wondered about the purpose behind life’s challenges.  

- Longed to find meaning in their memories.  

- Sought inspiration to navigate their own journey.  

*The Strums of Life* is a celebration of the moments that shape us, the people who inspire us, and the divine hand that guides us through it all.  

An Invitation  

As you turn the pages of *The Strums of Life*, my hope is that you will find echoes of your own story within mine. May these reflections serve as a gentle reminder that life, in all its complexity, is a symphony worth embracing.  

Join me on this journey of discovery and introspection. Together, let’s find the music in life’s strums.  

Where to Buy  

*The Strums of Life* is now available on Amazon. Whether you prefer a physical book to hold in your hands or the convenience of an eBook, this collection is waiting to become part of your own story.  

A Journey of Grace, Resilience

Dear readers, I found the below unfinished article in one of my folders recently which I had written way back in month of Sept of 2018. It was a week of planning and packing my bags to leave my home in Pune having spent 25 years and more in the city. 

As I sit here amidst half-packed boxes and the echoes of memories in my now nearly empty Pune home, I'm filled with a whirlwind of emotions. The time has come for my family and me to bid farewell to the city that has been my home for a quarter of a century. Pune, with its chaotic streets and serene corners, has been witness to the highs and lows of my life – a journey that has shaped me in ways unimaginable.

My story in Pune began at Kendriya Vidyalaya schools, where I wore the uniform with pride and forged friendships that have stood the test of time. The corridors of that school are etched with the laughter of carefree days and the innocent dreams of a child unaware of the challenges that lay ahead.

Symbiosis ICSR became the stage for my academic endeavors. Little did I know that life had its twists and turns waiting for me. Denied funding for my higher education, I found myself walking in and out of almost every consulting agency lining JM Road, MG Road, East Street and so on. The job search was tough, the rejections plenty, but the fire to succeed burned brighter.

The struggle continued as I took on the role of a computer teacher, working on meager salaries that barely met ends. Pune and Mumbai became my training ground as I navigated through different roles, each experience adding a layer to my resilience. I moved through the city, absorbing its pulse, learning its rhythm.

Finally, the breakthrough came in the year 2011 at a certain IT giant. The days of walking the crowded streets with a resume and folders in hand were over. The sleepless nights, the rejection emails, and the low-profile jobs had paved the way for a new chapter. From that point on, there has been no looking back.

As I leave Pune, I carry with me not just the physical belongings but a bag full of lessons, experiences, and an unyielding spirit that the city has instilled in me. The farewell isn't just about leaving a place; it's about bidding adieu to the person I was when I first stepped onto Pune soil.

Bangalore awaits, with its promises and opportunities. The journey from a struggling job seeker to a professional at a prestigious IT company has been one of grit, determination, and the unwavering belief that setbacks are just setups for comebacks.

Pune, you've been a stern teacher and a nurturing friend. As I embark on this new chapter in Bangalore, I carry your lessons in my heart. The journey continues, and I look forward to what lies ahead.

Embracing the Change: Exploring the Merits and Demerits of the "Work-From-Home" Culture

In the not-so-distant past, the idea of working from the comfort of one's home was considered a luxury reserved for a select few. Fast forward to today, and the work-from-home culture has become an integral part of the professional landscape. As the global workforce continues to adapt to the evolving nature of work, it's essential to explore the merits and demerits of this paradigm shift.

The Merits:

Flexibility and Autonomy
One of the primary advantages of the work-from home culture is the unprecedented flexibility it offers. Employees can tailor their work hours to suit their most productive times, fostering a sense of autonomy that contributes to increased job satisfaction.

Improved Work-Life Balance
Without the daily commute, employees reclaim precious time that can be redirected towards personal activities and relationships. This shift has the potential to improve overall well-being and mental health, creating a healthier work-life balance.

Cost Savings:
Both employers and employees benefit from significant cost savings associated with remote work. Companies can reduce overhead costs related to office space, while employees save on commuting expenses, work attire, and daily meals.

Access to a Global Talent Pool:
The boundaries of recruitment are no longer confined by geographical limitations. Companies can tap into a diverse and global talent pool, enabling them to bring in unique perspectives and skills that contribute to innovation and growth.

Environmental Impact:
With fewer people commuting to a centralized location, there is a noticeable reduction in carbon emissions. The work-from-home culture aligns with sustainability goals and contributes to a greener planet.

The Demerits:

Isolation and Loneliness:

While technology facilitates virtual communication, it cannot fully replace the social interactions that occur in a traditional office setting. Employees may experience feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can impact mental health and job satisfaction.

Communication Challenges:

Remote work can lead to communication challenges, as the spontaneous interactions that happen in an office setting are often absent. Miscommunication, delayed responses, and difficulty in building strong team relationships are potential drawbacks.

Blurred Work-Life Boundaries:

The very flexibility that makes remote work attractive can also be a double-edged sword. With no clear separation between home and work, employees may find it challenging to switch off from work-related responsibilities, leading to burnout and fatigue.

Security Concerns:

As employees access company networks remotely, cybersecurity becomes a significant concern. Ensuring the protection of sensitive data and maintaining a secure work environment requires robust measures that may be more challenging to implement in a decentralized setup.

Loss of Company Culture:

Building and sustaining a strong company culture is more challenging in a remote work environment. The casual interactions, team-building activities, and shared experiences that contribute to a cohesive company culture may be diluted when employees are geographically dispersed.

In conclusion, the work-from-home culture presents both merits and demerits that require thoughtful consideration. Striking a balance between the advantages of flexibility and the challenges of isolation is essential for organizations aiming to navigate the evolving landscape of work successfully. As we continue to adapt to these changes, it's crucial to remain agile, responsive, and attentive to the well-being of the workforce, ensuring that the benefits of remote work are maximized while addressing its inherent challenges. 

Street streak; beautiful countryside

 

Mid-week ride exploring the streets and countryside : Bangalore; IND

 Exploring the streets and countryside of Bangalore on 1st of October 2021. I was using Strava for the first time...and didnt realize it wasn't working until almost 10kms. If you take a look at the map, you'll see the starting point is not same as the end point :)

Cycling episodes: Hesaragatta Lakes and beyond #joyofriding #cycling #strumzoflife

Another episode of a 45kms ride to Hesaragatta Lakes and beyond: This I must admit, was the most memorable of all the trips until now. What a beautiful terrain. Roads are impeccably smooth unlike you usually experience on the typical Indian roads. 

Please do Subscribe and tune in for frequent bicycle expeditions and adventures. 

The green green grass and trees and flowers and farms like a kind of 'coming-home' experience

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A ride to remember : #HesaragattaGrassFarms Bangalore

Early morning weekend ride to #HesaragattaGrassFarms Bangalore on 11th Sept 2021

Tumkur Road -Hebbal route: Covering 37kms. Below is the glimpse of the ride that I could possibly capture and put together in a YT video. Please do Subscribe and tune in for frequent bicycle expeditions and adventures.

Checkout another episode of ride on a beautiful sunny weekend on 11th Sept 2021

Preparations late night on 10th for the
 early morning ride.

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Weekend Rides #joyofriding Episodes

Toast to another weekend expedition.

Tumkur Road -Hebbal route: Covering 37kms. Below is the glimpse of the ride that I could possibly capture and put together in a YT video. Please do Subscribe and tune in for frequent bicycle expeditions and adventures. 

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Mid-week Riding Adventure #joyofriding Episodes

Another bright blessed day with a beautiful riding experience. Discovering new roads and cross roads and people.

This cycling episode was actually an accident. It just happened unplanned; rode about 37kms with maximum speed touching almost 63kmph. It was so exciting.

Below is the map of my riding as it progressed from my home, back home covering places like Hesaraghatta > Chikabanavara > Kodi Palya > Nelamangala town > Back on the Bangalore-Mumbai Highway > Dasanapura > Jindal Nagar.

The roads with beautiful and picturesque agriculture lands on either sides...it's in itself something to ponder and wonder upon. The soil here as I noticed is rich red in color. Everywhere else, it's enviously green and serene.

And somewhere deep down in my heart I know, and I'm sure my bike will bring me back right here once again, who knows time and again.

 

Some roads are really not meant for the destination but journey, the learning that you accumulate. So as always...just as the show must go on, ride must too. See ya on another episode of "Joy of Riding" sooner than later.

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Third week: The Joy of Riding #joyofriding Episodes

Exploring the cross roads of Life; another riding episode of 35kms.

 

Route: Jindal Nagar - Pune Highway - Makali cross - Ramki Layout - Countryside agro lands and villages (Unknown, no internet) - Highway - Back home 🏘️ 

Riding through the countryside with rich soil and agriculture is just amazing. The breeze was so fresh, so lively. The early morning dew drops on the leaves and the green green grass was something I experienced after a very very long time. And I must confess, this kind of experience comes with a lot of self learning and interaction with people, 

So as always, just as the show must go on, the ride and the riding episodes must go on too. See ya on another episode of "Joy of Riding" next weekend. Until then...Have a great week ahead.

c

Joy of Riding #joyofriding -Ep 2

Today i.e 14th of August also happens to be my niece's birthday. After a prolonged working hours that ran late into night the previous day, I started the ride by 8AM in the morning. This time I rode off all the way to Hennur Cross which is like 24-25kms from my place. It was a bit tiring this one ride but amazing. It was a beautiful experience.

A total of 49kms ride this morning 🚲. It's such a bliss, feeling the early morning breeze on the rolling drops of sweat from the brow. 

Route:- 

Jindal Nagar - Jalahalli cross - HMT Layout - Gangamma circle - Hebbal - Manyta TechPark - Hennur cross....and back to Jindal Nagar

  

So as always...just as the show must go on, ride must too. See ya on another episode of "Joy of Riding" next week.

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The Joy of Riding #joyofriding -Ep 1

The whole notion of bicycling came to my mind after I was recently inundated with sweet memories of my school days. I cycled almost 8-10kms everyday to my school bus stand and back home. Those days were filled with energy and vigor. And then again, we have these days where it's not anymore about cycling for the fun sake but mostly for the fitness. It's like the craze for fitness is in the air everywhere. For me, it was always a pure indulgence.

It was one of the most amazing decisions I took, to purchase a bicycle. I've been talking about it, been researching and sharing my findings about the cycles, makes, brands, costs etc with my friends back in Pune and I've been doing that for nearly over 8-10 months.

And yonder...I got my cycle Cosmic 27.5T-Lynx-21

My good friend Amar Sharma from Pune who is a rider himself sent me the  below notes point-by-point over WhatsApp which formed the secondary base for my research in buying a new bicycle. My primary base was ofcourse YT reviews. We often spoke on phone for hours discussing the experience and reasons. We shared a similar wavelength.

Things to look for your new bike

1. Tyre size. 

Mostly people prefer 27.5 for races.

2. Gear type

Trigger shifter. Gears are changed using thumb n index finger

3. Screws

Quick release. 

4. Brakes

Disc brakes: Comes in 2 types_ hydraulic n mechanical

Mechanical are less costly compared to hydraulic.

V break: Like in atlas old cycle but of new type. Easy maintenance as compared to disc bike

5. Suspension

Prefer front suspension with lockout. During off-road, suspension works.But when on a straight road, no need of suspension. That time we can disable that suspension on straight level roads

6. Body type:

2 Types mostly used

Steel n alloy. Alloy is lighter but comes at more price compared to steel. But local shops won't give u

7. Number of gears

3 x 7 combination: 3 at front/ 7 at back

8. Wires visibility

Prefer bikes with internal wires.

Means wires need to be placed inside your bike frame. 

They should not be placed above the stem.

9. Handle length

Generally MTB comes with a long handle for better balance.

Joy of Riding #joyofriding

So there starts my bicycling days yet again after almost 21yrs, creating beautiful episodes of "Joy of riding" 🚲 The first weekend on 7th of Aug 2021, I rode all the way to HMT Layout, Bangalore; my first 28kms of ride after almost 21yrs.

So as always...just as the show must go on, ride must too. See ya on another episode of "Joy of Riding" next week.

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All about "Winning"

…….Well, this is not an elaborated review or endorsement of any book or any of that sort but about the associated memories. I recently went through my old shelf and I saw this book lying there amongst some old torn and termite eaten books called “Winning” by Jack Welch. It was quite intact as compared to other books. When my eyes fell on this book, my memories took me back to my college days and precisely to 27th of April 2005 at McDonalds; JM Road, Pune. Incredible…!!

Back in the year of 2005, it was final year of my graduation at the college; Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and Research (SICSR). Friends had become somewhat strange, communicating less and less. No greetings and no goodbyes, no smiles and no fun. Everyone seemed to be busy studying and in deep focus in their final semester exams and viva voce preparations. I could see many of my friends silently spending time in libraries referring to books and making note; some in canteens and some in parking lots in groups studying and referring notes. It was a critical time as we had to do the submission of our final year project work too. Most of us boys traditionally depended on the notes of female class mates known for their impeccable note making skills. We photocopied them and referred to them as our base-notes. We spent sleepless nights studying. And there marked the beginning of a never-ending pursuit of “winning”

Days filled with immense energy and endurance, and for everyone, Winning was a must, a madness, a never ending pursuit. Whether College or Life, Family or Corporate….. it’s the winner who takes it all. As I analyse myself during those days of neck to neck competition and rivalry in the area of academics and scores, I consider myself as someone totally out of place. I was more into music and sports, having a consistently average performance in all my exams which were quite impressive considering my involvement in other areas…and the thought of that “other areas” just made me smile.

Unlike what Jack put forth in his book, probably there are many more areas and topics that could have made me want to keep coming back and blog/ write again. In his book “Winning”, Jack attempts to answer the questions that he had come across during his 40 year long career at GE (General Electric), where he led the company to year-after-year success across various geographies in multiple markets and brutal competition. His focus was relentless on people, teamwork and profits. Jack got retired from GE in the year 2001 as chairman and CEO. He travels the world answering to the questions on wide-ranging topics and listening to their experience working at GE. Jack was inspired by his audiences and their hunger for guidance, their questions and queries; the very reason for the birth of an idea to pen this book.

Though I have read few typical children’s novels like Famous Five and Secret seven while in school library period, I was never a vivid reader my whole life until 27th of April of the year 2005 when this very special and a lovely girl from my college had come down to McDonalds on my invitation. It was limited to just 3-4 of my best buddies. Now while I was busy in knowing and keeping their orders, she gently pulled out a beautiful greetings card and a gift packed in colourful wrappers. It was a special moment for me because I never expected something like that. I don’t think someone so special like her had ever gifted me something so special on such a special occasion of my life. As she handed over it to me, she gently said, “Happy Birthday Jim, God bless”. When I heard that, I felt as if all the stars in the sky were shining just for me. As I mentioned before, I was never a vivid reader. However, since it is a gift from a truly vivid reader that she was, it just inspired me to give a shot. And yonder I read my first book, “Winning” by Jack Welch, the very gift wrapped up so beautifully.

"....and after all these years, I recently went through my old shelf and I saw this book lying there amongst some old torn and termite eaten books called “Winning” by Jack Welch. It was quite intact as compared to other books. When my eyes fell on this book, my memories took me back to my college days and precisely to 27th of April 2005 at McDonalds JM Road, Pune. Incredible…!! I took reading seriously ever since like never before and have personally found reading to be such a fulfilling experience. I’m shortly coming up with another blog post which would try to elaborate the benefits of reading I’ve enjoyed thus far. Keep yourself tuned in...."

A Trekking tale...from the pages of my Travel Diary Ep-1

"Sharing an amazing trekking experience. I keep doing these crazy travels and solo-trekking at times with no prior planning or thought. Just pack the bags, kick start my old farting motorcycle lying in the garage and just zoom off"

Where: Sinhagad (Lion Fort), Pune (MH, India)
When: An early morning of July 2016.

The Childhood -Golden days

This video is made is from the collection of pics and videos put together from the "Retirement Ceremony" of my father. My father retired from his services to Central Government of India (National Water Academy). He was working as a PA to Chief Engineer. This video captures all those beautiful moments of pics, videos, throwback of testimonies pouring in from my elder brother Jerison and my father's colleagues. Also, I have a short clip of my song sang along with my wife Siji on my guitar strums. My dad also had addressed on the occasion.

 

It was an emotional and touching moment. Having spent almost a couple of decades in the campus, it was difficult to part with the vicinity so close to our hearts. A vicinity, where the golden days of our childhood were spent, where we grew up and experienced the beauty, peace and serenity of nature. We loafed around, played with friends every evening, cycled until the dark through every twists and turns and mud tracks. During the rain these cobblestone pathways, mud tracks, broken roads and potholes had its own beautiful stories to tell.

The beautiful innocent days of childhood....!

A stroll along the memory lanes

https://www.youtube.com/user/jimkj 

A collection of amazing moments; a simple slideshow of the shots captured on my Sony HandyCam; the memories of the year way back in 2012. All these shots are taken random using my own Sony Handycam. These are the shots taken in not-so-popular villages of Kerala where I belong to. However, the sweetest part is that, these villages and the villagers have amazing stories to tell; people who are amazingly simple and humble to meet and talk to, have variety of agricultural produce ranging from Sapota fruit to Areca nuts and Spices and Tapioca so on. Besides these, the beautiful green countryside is worth appreciating. The muddy roads, cobblestone pathways, paddy fields, coconut groves, backwaters....its all so beautiful, so serene. Truly God's own country

My native Kerala; God's own country is the best place for pampering yourself with God's own delicacies; a whole platter of variety like tapioca (kappa)-fish curry, porotta-beef roast, rice-fish curry, kozhi porichadu (checken fried), meen porichadu (Fried fish) and so on.

I do visit my native not so often but when I do, I make sure I enjoy a detailed visit. And food inherently comes as the most important part of it. It is truly more than just an experience. I just hope this presentation serves as a ignition fuel for all of us to visit God's own country. This Christmas, we truly miss our native. 

Please do subscribe to my YT channel, "Strums Of Life"; and urge to share among your friends and family. Appreciate your comments and feedback as well. It serves as a great encouragement and motivation.

The Magical Cookies -Maamoul

Okay, so let me first begin to explain the beginning right from the beginning. What is Maamoul and what is so magical about it.

Ma'amoul is an ancient Arab filled pastry or cookie made with dates, nuts such as pistachios or walnuts and occasionally almonds, or figs. They may be in the shape of balls, domed or flattened cookies. They can either be decorated by hand or be made in special wooden moulds. Well, at least that's how Wikipedia defines it altogether.

 

I got a tryst with these cookies in the early 2000’s. It’s been since more than a decade now. Those were the college days and tough times when it came to preparing for the exams. I stayed in the outskirts of the city with family and traveled by bus every day to college for classes. But then, travelling back home when exams were nigh caused serious tiredness and stress. To combat this situation, I often stayed back and spent my night studying together with my Arab friends. We had great time together, and were symbiotic in nature. They wanted to learn and improve their English and I wanted to learn beginner’s Arabic. We studied together and often we ran into late night or even until the dawn next day. However, undoubtedly if one thing had to make our time worthwhile, bring about smile on our faces, it was Maamoul. These wonderful friends of mine had huge packages of Maamoul brought from their native during vacations. These cookies were mostly home-made by their mothers wrapped with love. It truly tasted heaven especially during nights with a blend of coffee or tea.

All these years we’ve been in touch on WhatsApp, emails and calls. A decade later, last month one of my friends Ammar called me from Saudi. Now this call was turning out to be exceptional. In a usual chat he mentioned about his allergic conditions and health. I promptly suggested him to take treatment from Jindal Naturecure Institute in Bangalore. He loved the idea and flew to Bangalore within a week with lots of Maamoul as gifts. Now that was quick. It was like a huge mist of memories surrounding us. We were meeting after almost 15 years after our graduation in 2005; had a never-ending conversation around the college days, recollecting and re-painting the lost and glorious memories. For a moment our lives were inundated with memories and it really took time to actually catch up with today, with reality. We indeed had some swashbuckling discussions too.

However, seldom I knew that he had another good reason to travel. He was seeking consulting services for one of his business that deals with motorsports industry in the GCC and EU. We even flew together to Delhi, Chandigarh and Mumbai to meet and talk to consulting firms and service providers.

Finally he flew back to Saudi, a contented man having lost around 6kgs after the treatment. While the love for riding motorcycles brings us together, it’s somehow so delightful to discern that the magical cookie Maamoul played its part very subtly; a cookie that ignites the reminiscences of all these years of studying and riding our motorcycles together. I just hope and look forward to ride once again with Ammar to some of the most exotic locations of the world.

A Cobblestone pavement and a great Music store

All the eventualities of probing and playing my Greg Benneth had come to a stand-still when I learnt that its cable port is damaged, creating all sorts of unwanted noises while playing. I was worried more because I'd taken it to a well-known repair center in the city but somehow, it didn't work. They just ruled out any prospects of getting it fixed as it's now a vintage piece of guitar and doesn't have any options to open up.

Browsing through the net, I found this store called N. Lewis & Son in Benson Town, Bangalore. I sent in an email enquiry and yonder….after a couple of days I had this unanticipated reply from Noel.

Though I was intrigued, I drove all the way around 20kms with a very little hope to "Miller Road" in Benson Town, Bangalore. I must confess, the place is awesome with a cobblestone pavement, warm people around and a piano classes going on already. One could feel the peace and music in the air. The little guy on the keys was learning to play "You are my sunshine"; the legendary song originally first recorded by Jimmie Davis in 1940. A couple of other fellows were busy repairing a huge wooden piano outside.

I was delighted to meet Mr. Noel behind the desk who greeted me with a pleasant smile and warm handshake. I could notice the guitars hanging on the walls and so many accessories lying all around. I explained my guitar's glitch to Mr. Noel who gave me the assurance of getting it fixed and done within a day. They have some of the most proficient , fully equipped store for repairing guitars, piano and most other sorts of musical instruments.


I somehow wanted my guitar to be fixed as early as possible as I couldn't just break my routine of playing it almost every day. After picking up the guitar from Noel's store last week, I went home and tried it out. My daughter Jesslyn who's now 4, also loves to be around all the time while I'm playing. She sings too and asks me out for the strums support. It's really so wonderful to know that by the grace of God, she's already started off singing and knowing the rhythm patterns, pitch recognition and tempo. So as I was probing and testing my guitar, she started off singing. It got on record by my wife and I posted her first raw singing onto the YouTube. No light effects, no vocal or video editing…just raw natural voice with me on the guitar in our living room taken on my Moto G4+.

I just hope it went well...please do watch and comment on Jessy singing with me on my 🎸 strums.