Talking Tours (7) - Sakar Aneja

I realize ‘Talking Tour’ has become my comeback post after I take break from blogging. This series is very special for me as it gives me the opportunity to interact with different people and understand their thought process - what they think on various topics, what keeps them ticking. May be there is a learning for us somewhere in these thoughts. Each one of us has some attributes which are unique some times and common most often.

So here we are back again with 7^th Installment of Talking Tours. This time – I met Sakar Aneja who works as Director in Marketing. Sakar is extremely humble & soft spoken person. When asked for this interview, he instantly gave his nod. It was short candid chat. Hope you will like it.

Let's start it.....

Tell our readers something about yourself  Sakar.

I was born in Kenya, raised in Delhi, worked in Mumbai for some time and went on to complete my higher education in London. A marketer by profession, a traveler at heart and a dreamer during the day, I’m always ready to challenge the unexceptional. I guess that’s how Gemini’s are; instinctive, spontaneous and carefree! I’m one of those guys who may ask you to tag along on a Monday morning for a short trip to the hills or a bike ride around Aravalli or even a day out to the shopping plaza for movies etc. Other things that I love are technology, food, cooking, short walks, swimming and dance music.

Cool introduction....seems to me - you like following your heart. Let's discuss more..

What is in your personality which you like the most?

Spontaneity and my attitude, just bring it on! :)

What is in your personality which you dislike?

I give in to fakes easily and tend to trust everyone.

What are the qualities in a man which you like?

Be a man of your word, owe up to the situation and stay honest.

What are the qualities in a woman which you like?

Passion for their goals, ambitious and not afraid to venture out.

What places you have traveled so far? What is your favorite place & why?

Of all the places I've traveled across Eastern Africa, UK & India, Goa remains my all time favorite simply for my love for the ocean. Other reasons include the spicy Goan cuisine, honesty and hospitality of the locals, beach parties and the overall ease of accomplishing things that one wants to do in Goa. Be it fishing, diving, water sports, restaurants, shopping, riding or driving around etc.

Which place you have traveled recently and how was the experience?

Goes without saying, I just came back from Goa again and it was awesome as it’s always been!

What about sharing some photographs of your Goa trip with our readers?

Yes, sure. Here you go.

Perfect place to relax

Resort where we stayed

Is there any better place for eating out than this one?

Thanks for sharing these photographs Sakar.

Can you name some of your favorite hangout places in the city you live in?

Chandani Chowk (in Delhi) for its lip smacking food & charm. Also, Mochas Vasant Kunj for its ambiance & liveliness.

Are you a foody? Which food you like the most?

Proudly yes! Mughlai, Kashmiri, Goan, Chinese & Italian. Sorry can’t choose one! 

Tell us something about your hobbies?

Traveling, EDM & Pop in music, Swimming and Technology is what I survive on.

If not in your current role, what would you want to be?

If given a chance I’d love to switch to mixing music or give swimming lessons.

How you cope up pressure situation?

I tend to detach myself from everything and go for a walk, clear my head and think afresh.

What is your mantra of life?

Very simple - Live and let live! (this seems to be very simple statement, but it's very effective)

How you start your day?

I’m not a coffee or a tea person; I simply wake up and thank almighty for everything. Do random things that make me happy. Play with my dog, take a walk around the garden, read something, wish everyone around and discuss plans for the day. Look at emails and my calendar etc.

Who is your reel life hero/heroines?

I’m a Jason Statham fan and love his work.

Which character in history (or current life) inspire you the most?

Chanakya for his wisdom (Chanakya Niti) and war heroes from the Indian army are my source of inspiration.

Your favorite movies/shows?

Top Gear, Big Bang Theory, Wheeler Dealer, Jo Jita Wohi Sikandar, Malgudi Days, Byomkesh Bakshi & all of the Jason Statham movies.

What do you think are the biggest areas for improvement in our country?

Food, Shelter & Education for everyone. It’s as basic as it can get!

Do you cast your vote every time?

I did this time and make it a point to cast my vote every time I’m in the country.

Anything which you want to share with readers who read this interview?

I’m high on life and nobody’s stopping you!

Thank you Sakar for sparing time for this interview. We wish you all the best in your life.

Talking Tours (6) - Ranjeet Pandey

"Talking Tours" is back with its latest post. In the 6th installment of this series, I interviewed Ranjeet Pandey. Like many other youngsters who move to Delhi from different part of the country, Ranjeet came to National Capital in year 2002 for graduation and better employment opportunity. This interview session was quite interesting as he answered each question in detail.

Talking Tour is a series of personal interviews about those who does posses thoughts of their own. It's good to know thoughts of different people - what they think on various topics, what keeps them ticking. May be there is a learning for us somewhere in these thoughts. Each one of us, has some attributes which are unique some times and common most often.

Let's start this interview....

Tell our readers something about yourself.
I am a simple, down to earth and generous person. I love driving and traveling to places. Professionally, I am into IT field for more than 9 years now.

I was born and brought up in Patna. After completing my 12th, I moved to Delhi in 2002 for graduation and job thereafter.  My parents are in Patna. I stay in Delhi with my wife and two years old daughter. I love spending time with my family.

Early days in Delhi were very tough, a bachelor accommodation, limited money and mountain load of desires. Gradually, time passed by and I got into job immediately after graduation. The post-graduation happened along with the job

This is how it is.. Life has moved on, I have seen growth professionally and financially but desires are unlimited and responsibilities grow as you grow olde.

I aim to do something big in life and am working towards it. You know.. small steps and small ideas take you far, you just need to keep working hard and stay focused towards your goal.


What is in your personality which you like the most?
I am helpful and very friendly to people.


What is in your personality which you dislike?
Quite a few I think. I tend to get angry at times, which I should control. There should be a fine line between ego and self-respect. Don’t be emotional.

 
What are the qualities in a man which you like?
Friendly, helping and practical. You should be what you are.


What are the qualities in a woman which you like?
I think the previous answer holds true for women as well. A nice human being who helps people and speaks her mind but not “My Choice”.


What places you have traveled so far? What is your favorite place & why?
I love traveling but I don’t get time to travel due to work and family. I have been to some places around Delhi. My recent visit to Jim Corbett was really memorable. A long drive to Ramnagar followed by a Jungle Safari, sighting wildlife was an amazing experience.  Other places were Nainital, Mussorie, Agra and Jaipur.

I plan to visit more destinations this year, this time towards south of India.

That's very good.

Which place you have traveled recently and how was the experience?
The recent travel was to Jim Corbett National Park in Ramnagar, Uttrakhand. The experience was amazing, it was a long drive from Delhi to Ramnagar and then a jungle safari the next morning. It was very thrilling to visit the park and discover wildlife, the habitat, nature and surroundings.

I was not lucky enough to spot a tiger but it was an amazing experience all through.


Indeed it's a popular travel destination. Would you mind sharing some photographs of your Corbett trip?
Yes sure. It was one of the memorable trip we have so far. Here are the photographs:

Thanks Ranjeet for sharing these pics with readers. We appreciate that.

Let's continue with this interview.

Can you name some of your favorite hangout places in the city you live in?
Some of the favorite hangout places are Connaught Place, Garden of Five Senses – very near to my home, Select City Walk mall and some restricted zones where above 21 can visit. Quite a few open spaces in Gurgaon and Faridabad.


Are you a foody? Which food you like the most?
I am a vegetarian. I am fond of Parathas, so I don’t mind driving to Murthal at times for a breakfast. I like Chole Kulche, Momos, Pizzas and traditional North Indian Roti and Daal.

Tell us something about your hobbies?

I love traveling, music and cricket. 

If not in your current role, what would you want to be?

A farmer or a social worker helping poor people. 

How you cope up pressure situation?

I try to keep my cool and take the situation as it comes. Every problem has a solution, you should know how to handle it. 

What is your mantra of life?

Enjoy your life, live it the way you want. Don’t think too much otherwise you will unnecessarily invite health problems like high BP, cholesterol, etc. but do get a health check-up once in a year. I do :)

How you start your day?

With a walk, at least 3-4 days during working days and definitely during weekends. Light breakfast and off to work.

Who is your reel life hero/heroines?

Be it reel or real life, my favorite heroes are Indian soldiers who guard the country from foreign threats and stand for support during calamities. 

Which character in history (or current life) inspire you the most?

I think Doraemon is an inspiring one as you can get the kids to do what you want. :) just kidding. 

Our freedom fighters, Gandhi Ji, Subash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh and many more. 

Your favorite movies/shows?

Favorite TV show is Crime Patrol, Newshour on Timesnow. Movies.. I don’t watch many but recent ones I liked include PK and Badlapur. 

Though, I would always remember Maalamal Weekly, Gangajal, Guide and Dabang.

What do you think are the biggest areas for improvement in our country?
I think the biggest areas of improvement are:

1)    Poverty: We are a big country and the largest democracy in the world but we are still among top poor countries. We are a growing economy but are still home to around 20% of world’s poorest. We can eradicate poverty but politicians need to have the will power. I think these corrupt politicians don’t want India to grow because if it gets educated, they would not vote for them. It has been 67 years since independence but poor have become poorer and rich have gone richer.

2)    Distribution of wealth and benefits: You have lots of ‘Yojnas’ and government benefit schemes but they don’t reach the needy.

3)    Education: Need to have better education facilities, more universities in smaller towns.

4)    Health: Better and cheap healthcare for all.

5)    Infrastructure: Roads, flyovers, canals, water and electricity.

6)    Decentralization of growth: Why only metros are developed in the country? You are expanding the city by creating satellite towns because it can’t bear the load of increasing population and real estate demands. If your tier II and tier III towns are given the change to grow, all of India will grow. You can’t call India a developed country with a handful of cities that drive jobs, service and manufacturing.

7)    Corruption: Everyone should be held accountable. This should be a criminal offence.

8)    VIP culture: We should bring an end to this VIP culture. Only President, PM and CMs should get VIP treatment.

Do you cast your vote every time?

Yes, I do and I think each one of us should cast our vote to keep bad people from entering our democratic institutions.

Anything which you want to share with readers who read this interview?

We are all very busy in our day-to-day lives. We must take time out of the busy schedule to relax a bit. Give time to family. Help poor and fight for justice.

Great. It was one of the most detailed interview I had in this series. 

Ranjeet, we wish you all the best and hope you will be successful with all your future plans.

Talking Tours (5) - Imliakum (Akum)

Here is the 5th edition of "Talking Tours". This time, I met Imliakum Kichu (popularly known as 'Akum') who hails from beautiful northeast region of India (Nagaland). Akum is a passionate writer, a travel enthusiast, hardcore metal fan and play drums for a Metal Band during weekends. During Interview, he was spontaneous & very friendly.  I enjoyed having this little discussion with him. Hope you like it too.

Talking Tour is a series of personal interviews about those who does posses thoughts of their own. It's good to know thoughts of different people - what they think on various topics, what keeps them ticking. May be there is a learning for us somewhere in these thoughts. Each one of us, has some attributes which are unique some times and common most often.

Let's start this interview......to know about Akum.

Tell our readers something about yourself.
Am a travel enthusiast, a music lover and a Royal Enfield fan, though I get to travel once every two months (blame it to my job) and pursue my other two passion during the weekends. Plus, am also the occasional day dream.

What is in your personality which you like the most?

I guess, am very friendly.

What is in your personality which you dislike?

In one word ‘Laziness’

What are the qualities in a man which you like?
Open minded, respect for women and someone who stick to his words.

What are the qualities in a woman which you like?

Someone who can speak what she feels, pursue her dreams and stand up for her rights no matter what all the stuck up close minded people says.

What places you have traveled so far? What is your favorite place & why?

I have been to lot of places...... and it’s very difficult to pick just one destination. But if I really have to pick one, it would be Hampi in Karnataka. The mysticism of all the ancient ruins and the laid back ambiance of the entire area make it quite unique from all the places I have been.

Which place you have traveled recently and how was the experience?

I took an awesome bike tour of North East India and it was an experience of a lifetime. You can check out about my tour here www.travelawait.com


Can you share some photographs of your recent bike tour?
Here are these:

Can you name some of your favorite hangout places in the city you live in?

Some of my favorite hangout spots in Delhi would be Paharganj (because of the inexpensive bars), Hauz Khaz Village, India Coffee House in CP and Majnu ka tilla (awesome food).

Are you a foody? Which food you like the most?

I think I can safely say am a big foodie. Some of my favorite dishes are:

• Well Done Steaks with brown Sauce in Sam’s Café (Paharganj)

• Barbequed Pork Rib in Nagaland Stall in Delhi Haat

• Mutton Rara in Karim’s (Any Location)

• Juicy Lucy Burger in Delhi Heights (Gurgaon)

Tell us something about your hobbies?

I love to travel but unfortunately I can’t pursue that hobby as often, blame it to my 10 to 6 job. Besides traveling, am a hardcore fan of Metal Music. I play drums for a Delhi based metal fans and I try my best to squeeze out atleast 8 hours of jam sessions with the band every weekend, plus play live as often as we can. Seriously, I can’t imagine my life without my music.

If not in your current role, what would you want to be?

Well with all fairness, one day I would love to be a zillionaire and own a small 10 bed room villa located in a private island somewhere in the Bahamas, a garage with some American muscle cars and a small beer brewery next door to quench my thirst. But jokes apart, One day I would love to be a travel writer. Earn a decent living by traveling and writing about it. Am trying everything I can right now to achieve that. Let’s see what fate has in store for me.

How you cope up pressure situation?

Normally I don’t let my work pressures take up my time, because am a firm believer in ‘It’s Just a Job, not the end of the world’, besides, every time a hurdle shows up, I try to face it with my head held high and tackle it. I never want to be among those who worry about life’s problem or scared to face life’s challenges.

What is your mantra of life?

Live and Let Live

How you start your day?

I start my day with a visit to the loo (haha!!), followed by a cup of tea with some nice music in the background.

Who is your reel life hero/heroines?

I am a big fan of Lemmy Kilmister, the front man of the Rock/metal band ‘MotorHead’.. His approach toward life has always been an inspiration for me.

Which character in history (or current life) inspire you the most?
I have always been inspired by Martin Luther King Jr,  his work and how he dedicated his life to fight for a race that was oppressed to the very core. Even in India we need someone like him to stand for all the minorities and their rights.

Your favorite movies/shows?

Well, this is a very tough question. Scar Face, Ragging Bull, Sholay, Taxi Driver. Defiance and the Longest Day are some movies I can watch anytime. I am also a big fan of Modern Family, Big Bang Theory, Sons of Anarchy and Breaking Bad.

What do you think are the biggest areas for improvement in our country?

Economy wise we are improving, we are getting more politically aware, technology we are a very advance country but when it comes to our social life, we are very backward. Especially how women are treated and the general outlook towards how a women should be, what she should do and don’t. To me, this is the biggest area of improvement in our beautiful, diverse country. 

Do you cast your vote every time?

I do cast my vote, two years back, I traveled almost 2500 kilometers to cast my vote.

Anything which you want to share with readers who read this interview?

If this is the only life that we get, then why are we not doing everything that we wanna do.!

Thank you Akum for sparing time for this interview. We wish all the best in your life.