Trumpeteer of Hampi

This weekend i had gone to Hampi, the ruins of the capital of the medival empire of Vijaynagar. There at the temple of Virupaksha i met this man blowing the typical Indian horn shaped trumpet (tutari, as we call it in Marathi). The sound of the trumpet as the first thing of your trip surely makes you feel happy and eager about the the things to follow.

Jai Hind ! ! !

India is my country and all Indians are my brothers and sisters.

I love my country and I am proud of its rich and varied heritage.

I shall always strive to be worthy of it.

I shall love my parents, teachers and all elders, respect, and treat everyone with courtesy.

To my country and my people, I pledge my devotion.

In their well being and prosperity alone, lies my happiness.

JAI HIND

I remember reciting this pledge daily when we were in school. Today after almost 10 years out of school i wonder if this has any effect on the minds of the kids or they just say it out of compusion ... without understanding the meaning. Or is it with the hope that at least a few of them would remember the pledge long after leaving the school and try to follow it?

Bangalore Palace

Tipu's Palace

Lawns and the Stone walls of the Fort

Very few people know that right in the centre of Bangalore city there is 16 century fort. Last weekend we had been to see it ... though not very big it gives an idea about the importance of Bangalore as a location of militarliy and strategic importance since those times. During Tipu's times he had built a summer palace inside the wall of this fort (see top pic). Also within the walls are some old temples. Now what remains of the fort is very small portion, with most of it either destroyed or parts being used by the locals to open shops within the thick walls of the fort. Nice placeto spend a n hour or twoon some afternoon with much else to do.

The Moon

Sunset