Teacher Training Methodology - An Interview With Dr. Satish Nargundkar -

It is amazing that at the college level, almost none of the teachers are trained in teaching methods. Unlike school teachers who have to do a B.Ed., college lecturers the world over, it appears, do not have any course which tells them the basics of teaching. Now that was rather surprising for me when I heard it first. Most lecturers are only qualified in the subject they teach, with some basic degrees or work experience, few do their Ph.D's - and that is about all it takes to start teaching young college undergraduate and post graduate courses. The faculty, and more importantly the quality of their teaching methods, has no standardized methodology which enables them to understand the science of teaching to make their teaching more effective.

Prof. Satish Nargundkar

In this context I interviewed someone who has done significant work in 'Teaching Methods' in the USA for over ten years - Dr. Satish Nargundkar, who is currently working as Assistant Professor of Managerial Sciences at Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA. A Mechanical Engineer from Osmania University who passed out in 1985, Dr. Satish did his Ph.D. in Industrial Management from Clemson University, South Carolina, USA in 1990. After dabbling in various other interests and jobs, he realized that teaching was something he really enjoyed and joined GSU in 1998 where he has been teaching Data Mining, Business Modeling and Teaching Methods at its College of Business ever since. He has also consulted with Fortune 500 companies such as AT&T, Axciom and others.

But it is was his expertise in Teaching Methods that interested me - and that is what this interview is about. GSU is one of the few Universities that has a course for PhD. students, a Seminar on University Teaching, which was piloted by Prof. Harvey Brightman, internationally known master teacher. Prof. Harvey developed the course when he identified the need for standardized understanding of effective teaching as long as over 25 years ago. Working with Prof. Harvey, an expert in teaching methods, until Prof. Harvey retired, Dr. Satish updated the basic model and included modern technology after taking over this highly important course of teaching Ph.D. students how to teach. For the last ten years Dr. Satish has taught this course at GSU and conducted several workshops in the USA and abroad, most significantly being invited to Cairo University to train their Ph.Ds and to Azerbaijan University, Azerbaijan, for a workshop in teaching methods. Let us find out what this course is about.

Q. What is the purpose of the 'Teaching Methods' course?
A. In the USA, Ph.D's were traditionally thrown into teaching without any training on teaching methods. Most discovered techniques of effective teaching by trial and error which is time consuming and expensive for everyone. This is unnecessary, especially when there is much experience already available to guide them. This course provides a framework that helps the teacher achieve excellence in teaching by following certain known principles and methods, and helps guide continuous improvement throughout their careers.

Q. Is this course only for Ph.D's or can anyone who is interested in teaching benefit from it?
A. Anyone who wants to teach at any level can benefit form this course. Ideally those who have some teaching experience benefit most as they relate the discussion to their experience. But even those who have no teaching experience can benefit from it. It can help beginning teachers avoid some common mistakes teachers make.

Q. What does the course, Workshop on Teaching Methods include?
A. Firstly it sets the basic parameters in place. Teaching is about three factors - the instructor, the student and the course. It is within these parameters that the process must be improved, bettered. One must be aware of one's own teaching philosophy, the ability of the students and the level and scope of the course.

Then we introduce the framework of the basic elements of teaching. These include 1) Course planning 2) Delivery 3) Evaluation (testing and grading) and 4) Feedback.

The workshop is a highly interactive set of sessions that explores ways to do the above most effectively.

Q. Can we go into these subjects in a little more detail?
A. Course planning is about mapping out the key concepts that the course must convey to the students, and knowing how the course fits in with the overall curriculum. The first step is to outline the broad goals of the course and write clear objectives. Most teachers write course objectives from their point of view - a classical mistake. Objectives must always be from the point of view of what the student can 'do' after the course and should be measurable.Writing clear objectives also requires awareness of the various levels of learning. Unless clear expectations are communicated, students merely memorize material, with little or no deeper understanding. Higher levels of comprehension or critical thinking ability can be achieved if the instructor is first clear about what that means.

Delivery is what one actually does in the classroom. Research shows that the standard mode of delivery, the 'lecture' mode where the teacher talks and the student listens, is the least effective. An interactive lecture gets much better results.  Research also shows that active learning works best for higher levels of learning. Active learning is the engagement of all the senses of the student in the learning process. The techniques include case studies, role play, video analysis, group discussion, debates, games etc. and these can be used in combination. All delivery modes must be in tune with the level of learning specified in the objectives.

The workshop helps teachers practice various strategies to engage students better. It also helps teachers understand different personality types and learning styles, and use techniques that speak to the various learning preferences of students.


Evaluation of student learning is normally through exams which include multiple choice, short answer and essay questions. Other forms of evaluation include oral exams, group projects and written reports. Each of these can be made more effective, both to test students as well as to provide constructive feedback.

Feedback is the final stage, where the students evaluate the instruction on various dimensions to help the teacher improve.  Teachers can seek evaluation from peers as well, and even get experts to give feedback on teaching methods. This completes the loop.

Q. How does the workshop help the teacher?
A.It enables the teacher to focus on what is most important in helping students learn. This is what it is all about really. It helps him understand how the instructor can manage the process effectively and continue to improve over time.

Q. What are the factors that impede good teaching?
A. Normally teachers tend to focus on what they themselves do in the class room. Their entire language and approach is about what 'I will do..'. Ideally it should be from the students' point of view. Once the teacher gets over trying to impress students with his knowledge, he gets better. Having knowledge of the subject or the ability to make impressive presentations are not sufficient to make one a good teacher. People skills are extremely important in dealing with students. Knowing what motivates them and making the course relevant to their lives is critical to making sure that they walk away having learnt something.

Q. What is the duration of this workshop?
A. It begins with 8-12 hours of instruction on course planning and delivering an interactive lecture. This is followed by a session where participants demonstrate what they have learnt through short presentations (15-20 minutes), and get feedback from their peers. Finally, we spend another 8-12 hours on other forms of active learning, testing and grading. In total about 20 hours of instruction and 4 hours of participant presentations. This can be done over 3 or 6 days depending on scheduling constraints.


Q. How has the feedback been for this workshop?
A. Extremely positive. Teachers are usually skeptical to begin with, but are convinced by the end of the workshop that they got something valuable they can use for the rest of their lives.

Q. What factors are important for someone to be a good teacher?
A. Develop competence in your field, show enthusiasm and interest for your subject. Understand how people learn, and practice the art. Aim for continuous improvement.

Q. How do teachers with no practical experience cope?
A. Guest  lectures. You don't have to know everything. You cannot. Call in experts in areas you don't know, They help immensely. Also where students have more experience than the teacher in certain areas, get them to talk. This way even the teacher's understanding improves.

Q.How has teaching helped you?
A. I am an idealist. There is a great deal of intrinsic motivation. It comes from seeing that I have improved somebody else's life in some way. When students tell me that they understood something that they previously found difficult, it is a great feeling!

Q. How has teaching changed you as a person?
a. It keeps me young. I am constantly in touch with new ideas and young people. This itself aids my growth process. Since I am always looking for ways to enhance their learning, I automatically learn.

Q. Your words of advise to young teachers?
A. In the US, professors are more focused on research since there are greater explicit rewards for doing that. For many, the whole attitude towards teaching is that of an 'interruption of their work'. It is not. It is part of your work. Research and teaching should be balanced.

To the Indian teacher, I would suggest greater focus on practical application of the subject. There is generally too much theory and too little practical application. For every concept you teach, ask yourselves what the students would be able to do with this knowledge. Then find a way to actually have them do that in class.

Finally, it helps a lot if teachers are more empathetic to the student, understand their difficulties with the course material and find ways to help them.

Q. Would you be interested in teaching this workshop/seminar in India?
A. Certainly. I would love to! I visit my family in Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad almost yearly on vacation and if I get an opportunity I would love to share what I have learnt with teachers in India.


Thank you Dr. Satish for sharing something that any teacher could use and benefit immensely. In fact it is the same set of rules that I use for effective public speaking - good planning, organization of thought, having clear objectives, speaking from the audiences point of view and not trying to impress them, adding value by the end of it which they can apply in their life. In fact I think it holds good to succeed in anything. For any queries regarding teaching methodology one can write to Dr. Satish directly as snargundkar@gmail.com. One can also visit the link http://nargund.com/gsu/ba9200 to get an overview of the 'teaching methods' course.

Anjali, A Day Out at the Zoo

It is something that I wanted to do for a long time. Take Anjali to the zoo. Sometime before she was two, she started to take a great liking to a book with animal images in it, specially the wilder ones like tigers and bears. Seeing her fascination for the animals her aunts, uncles and cousins bought her more books with animal images, stuffed animals, mini animals etc. Anjali loved it all of course and I thought that she might enjoy watching the real ones. I planned the visit a few times but one thing or another came in the way.

A big cat sunning itself

Anjali grabs a bite with Col. Haathi and the jungle patrol in the background

Now that she saw 'Jungle book' the other day, her interest in the animals has again been kindled. It is the year end anyway and her aunt Nalini atta and older cousin Abhishek had already promised her a zoo outing, so we fixed it up for today, after school. We were joined by her uncle from the USA, Satish, Shobha and Chitra and we made our way in two cars soon after lunch to the Nehru Zoological Park. I had some free time so I browsed the net for information.

First thing, Nehru Zoological Park is on the other end of the town which is a good one hour drive from my place. It is closed on Mondays so I was spared that surprise. Entry for car, with 5 persons on board, was Rs. 500 or you could enter for Rs. 20 and take the zoo transport inside. Taking a camera inside costs another Rs. 20. Fair enough. Meanwhile Anjali changed her mind about going out to the zoo, when she saw so many people around her, so much potential for fun and games which seemed to be spoiled because of this zoo. She threw a tantrum but we somehow got her on board. By now we did not care if she wanted to go or not - we wanted to go.

Elephants, the jungle patrol

It was as the website said. We drove in. First impressions, it did not look like it was being well maintained. I would have liked more order, more neatness, better cared for lawns and boards. You don't find any directions inside - luckily I had printed out a plan from the website so I had some idea. Else you just keep asking people. We took the left turn and went past the toy train station and parked the car alongside the road. First stop were some deer which Anjali liked watching. And then we saw some birds, peacocks, peahens, fowls, pheasants and other nice looking birds. We ventured in by foot and saw a white tiger snoozing (Sher Khan, says Anjali), another tiger, jaguars, jackals, leopards. The enclosures looked rather shabbily maintained from what I remembered last. The animals also looked listless.

Giraffe, the best of the lot

We headed out further and saw elephants which she instantly identified as Colonel Haathi from Jungle Book, drove further and saw bison, more varieties of deer, storks and then parked again determined to find out the lions and hippos which were identified by Anjali as must-see categories. A longish walk past an aviary of colorful birds, flamingoes, herons, storks, hornbills and we passed by one sleeping lion which was hidden in the grass. But then we had the good fortune of seeing a couple of lions in the next, and one of them got up and stretched and strutted around to sleep at another place. We wondered why we were given this special treatment by the lion and then saw why. There was this prize idiot who was throwing stones at the lions from outside the enclosure and irritating them. Felt like pushing him into the enclosure. And then the panthers, the hippos. But no rhino. Anjali was now keen on the rhino. We finally asked a keeper and he said the rhino died and there were no rhinos in the zoo. I told Anjali that and she asked me why the rhino died. I said maybe it became old and died. 'The rhino became old and died,' she told her aunts, cousin and whoever cared to listen.

King of the jungle

Then a short distance from there, after a small refreshment break at a canteen where everyone messed up the place with all kinds of garbage, we saw the giraffe. Easily the best thing in the zoo, it was young, sprightly, active and magnificent. We spent much time gazing at this beautiful animal as it pranced around its enclosure, and ate from its high bowl. Another stop for some more coloured birds and the crocodiles lying like they were dead in their enclosure, still and quiet, and we were done. We had to tell Anjali that we would come back and see rabbits, which she had now added to the list of animals she wanted to see, later.

Anjali with her Satish mama

Of course there are the safaris, lion and tiger safaris, which we did not go for, the Mir Alam tank where one can boat around, snakes, eagles and vultures. This was tiring enough. Maybe some other time. The zoo was green with tall trees and that itself was such a relief. It is a nice place to spend a day, or half a day and provides much scope for walking around and resting and entertaining oneself. I do wish it was maintained better, it looks shabby somehow. I also wish they had more sign boards so one knows where to go for what. But all in all, a very satisfactory outing and recommended for anyone in Hyderabad who has half a day and wants to get away someplace green and quiet and different.
(All pics by Satish)

A Smiley State of Mind

The smiley state of mind is that where you have a smile in your eyes. This is as opposed to the suspicious state of mind where eyes look around suspiciously and fearfully at all that is going around. In these eyes, depending on the state of mind, are the number of walls that separate you and the outside world. You can choose any state of mind you want, depending on how much you wish to isolate yourself from the process of life. Or you can choose the smiley state of mind.

Smiley flowers

I realized that keeping a smile in the eyes makes me more aware of the environment I am in. I am more open to receive and interact and participate in the process of life. It is easier to react to situations, to people and things, kindly and gently, with the smiley state of mind. It is also one which relaxes. In other states of mind when my walls are up, I only see and react to what I want. I am in my little world and do not allow anything to come into my world. So little happens, and even that I control.

It also seems to me that in the smiley state, there are more things happening around me, to me. Once I am open, once my walls are down, life seems to draw me into its process inexorably. And there are things happening, doors opening, experiences unfolding. It is easier to smile at strangers, to laugh at our mistakes, to let the other person go ahead in traffic, to ask about the other person's well being even if he banged into your car. I think it is also that state of mind which makes children comfortable.

A smile in the eyes then. So we can look at life gently. With love.

Changes in the Hyderabad Weather

This winter has been one of the coldest (at least the last few days) in Hyderabad. The lowest temperature, which was yesterday, was 9.7 degrees C, apparently last recorded in 2005. After many years I sought some warm clothes and felt the chill slide into my clothes early in the morning when I stepped out for a walk. It is cold - the kind of a cold that makes your nose go numb and you cannot feel it anymore. The kind of cold that I experienced in Pune when I first realized how cold it could get.

And similarly the summer recorded some highs that Hyderabad had not witnessed for decades. I remember we shot the movie in temperatures that hovered in the mid forties constantly - 45.5 degrees C, so hot that we could not bear the heat sitting in the shade. It made sense to be out in the heat - if you know what I mean. That heat continued till the time it started raining, on June 11 or so. I remember telling someone that I have not seen a summer like that in my 30 years in Hyderabad.


Once it started raining, it did not stop. It rained copiously, tonnes and tonnes of rainwater. We never watered the plants for those three or four months. I remember Ram asked me how the rains would be and I told him all confidence that Hyderabadi  rains last a couple of days and then we have long stretches of regular weather. Since we had only about 10 days of shoot to do, it looked like a good prediction. Of course, it rained almost every day of the season, save for one or two days. I remember people blogging, leaving status notes wishing for sun. Certainly, we have never seen rains like this ever in the last thirty years in Hyderabad.

So, then, this year, we have seen all extremes. Waiting to see how this winter fares further.

The Mythologist - Vamsee Juluri

I had the good fortune of receiving a signed copy of 'The Mythologist' from its author and fellow Hyderabadi, Vamsee Juluri when I met him at the Hyderabad Literary Festival. We have a common friend in Amar Chegu, and had met earlier during another book launch in Crossword sometime ago. I had meant to attend the launch of Vamsee's debut book 'The Mythologist' in Hyderabad, but one thing or another kept me from it. I wanted to read it and review it, so it was perfect that I bumped into Vamsee at HLF and he gifted me a copy.

'The Mythologist' (Penguin, 269 pages, Rs. 299) is the story of Parashuram, grandson of a famous Telugu actor, one of the pillars of the Telugu film industry in the 70s. Parashuram's  parents abandon him when he is still a child, and he grows up with his grandfather, a Gandhian at heart, in his house that has a steady stream of film personalities, fans, acolytes and family. Parashuram is a dreamer and is always at the butt of the jokes and pranks of his cousins and one feels for him as he undergoes the trauma of being ragged endlessly by his older cousins, including cousin Lava who is already playing a few roles in movies. It appears but natural to Parashu, that he is also destined to be a famous actor, and he is perpetually and prematurely dreaming of fame.

Parashuram's fate looks up when he is asked to double up for the character of Dhruva, played by a famous child artiste Baby Devi, in a shot where he is hardly seen, but a shot which makes him feel that his dream is close at hand. And then the big leap almost, when his grandfather decides to make a film on Lord Krishna with Parashuram playing Lord Krishna and the leading hero of the day SLM. The movie almost takes off, but falls flat as the grandfather is cheated by the producer and let down by his protege, the hero SLM, who now turns villain, and politician. Dreams crash, grandfather is packed off to filmi oblivion. Parashuram, who almost became a child star is sent away to boarding school in Hyderabad. The dreamy boy, who has not yet shed his dreams of stardom, is again the butt of a lot of ragging in the school, which he survives, and comes out in one piece.

Once outside Parashuram is directed by his grandfather to campaign for his cousin sister, who contests and wins against the popular SLM. During this campaign he meets the mysterious and feisty AK, who takes on the role of his 'elder sister' and becomes an major influence on his life from then on. AK is a fast talking, wheeler dealer who, despite her rustic and unsophisticated background, moves in high circles, and roams the corridors of power of Delhi, thanks to her irrepressible personality. AK helps Parashuram in Delhi where he is dreaming of writing a book, now his new ticket to fame, while helping his MP cousin sister.

From Delhi Parashu goes to San Francisco, working for AK's matrimonial website and writing inspiring copy, dreaming of meeting his beautiful bride as promised by AK, and of writing his book, Parashuram's life meanders on and on until the 26/11 terrorist strike on the World Trade Centre when he suspects that he has been betrayed by AK who seemingly implicates him in the terror attacks. And then, close to death, he finds solace in the myth of all the Gods that his grandfather played in his roles, and ends up on the famous Golden Gate bridge with AK talking ominously of missions etc.

'The Mythologist' is a promising debut by Vamsee. It has an interesting backdrop of the workings of Telugu cinema as it was in the golden period of 70s, seen from the eyes of an eight year old. The language is inventive as the blurb says and playful as well and well written. Where Vamsee scores for me is when he gets into the dreamy world half-real, half-dream world of Parashuram which he sustains all through the book, right up to the final confrontation on the San Francisco bridge. Seen from Parashu's eyes everything is hazy and dreamlike, people, their reactions, places, possibilities and it is always so fragile that you feel for the boy, knowing that they are just a pinprick away from crashing down.


Gullible, vulnerable, trusting and a prey to his own dreams Parashu battles on in his life with only his mythological heroes for company. But it is not a sad account; it is an incredulous and hilarious account of Parashu's dazed impressions on things as they happen to him. So much so that the only reality in his life that seems to offer solace to him, is a stray response to his own matrimonial ad that he places on the website. Vamsee retains this dreamlike world brilliantly where people remain foggy, well intentioned and trustworthy for Parashu, despite all that they do to him. So characters like Siyyam garu, Writer uncle, AK, SLM, the MP cousin easily play out to the reader. What amazed me is the audacity with which Vamsee treats his readers with, challenging them to understand the reality that only Parashu sees in his mind, and more impressively in his use of language. I wondered briefly if a non-Telugu audience would get all these references, if I would ever have the guts to write like that. That audacity is something that will stand Vamsee is good stead as he writes on. And I think Vamsee could well create a world of Telugudom in the world of English literature because he flaunts his Teluguness proudly and comfortably unlike many writers in IWE from Andhra (including me). One need not be surprised if he creates a Telugu equivalent to Malgudi in his later forays, creating a world of avakai and gongura and balancing it with his US experiences in a more advanced age.

For all the above factors 'The Mythologist' is a fine debut. Vamsee certainly knows how to tell a story and he can do it funnily, lightly all the while making the reader feel for the protagonist. It is a debut that Vamsee can take much from, and I am looking forward to his next book because there are many more interesting stories from where this one came from, and Vamsee will certainly tell them as he explores this path further, with even more inventiveness, boldness and wit.

But having said that 'The Mythologist' is a difficult book to review for someone like me who has a simplistic take on everything. Stories to me are what they are, moving from A to B, which is not always the case in literature where many more facets come in, layers deepen, and angles expanded. I am not qualified enough to comment on the intricacies of the story that Vamsee has woven and only people who study literature and language can comment on that. My review is from an average readers point of view and the reader be warned that it is not your average fast paced thriller. It dwells in the dreamy spaces of  Parshu's mind with no definite borders and Vamsee lets you explore it yourself. There are some weaknesses in 'The Mythologist' that I felt could have been strengthened. The section on 'The Myth' could have been avoided, shortened or interwoven in the other parts, because it slowed down the narrative completely for the reader in me and I skipped it after an attempt to read through it. The end could have been tighter, clearer - I felt I missed something. The characters come and disappear, and some are deserted entirely. The inventiveness of language, though fun, new  and witty, gets into the flow, especially towards the end when you want to know what is happening to the hero. But having said that, I am nitpicking because there are passages when the story flows superbly, when Vamsee just writes from within Parashu.

Overall 'The Mythologist' a very promising debut for me, and hints at better and varied things to expect from Vamsee. Definitely worth a read.

Article in the Indian Express - December 19, 2010

The following article appeared in my Sunday column 'Un Intended' in the New Indian Express.

ONLY ONE PERSON COULD BEST DHONI

Harimohan Paruvu

We need new leaders. That much is clear. There is a scam everyday.  New skeletons are coming out of cupboards, out of the ceiling, the floor, the woodwork – in fact at this rate it looks as if there are more skeletons than there are people here. I mean one skeleton per person is legitimately allowed, but this kind of greed, where everyone wants more skeletons than the other, is just not acceptable. Naturally, things are falling to pieces. The media, the corporate world, politicians, army generals, CVC, sports authorities, no one has any credibility left. In these dire situations, we thought it would be a good idea to find a superhuman leader to control all these rogue factors and get India back on track.

We ran a check on our super computer which suggested that we could get a leader from outside the system. That was a billion people to choose from. We’d surely find a few. We laid down the criteria. Firstly, someone who is well connected, educated (someone who can spell economics) i.e. someone who has an all round view of the world and not just politics. (Manmohan ji scored heavily here but lost on other counts). Secondly, someone who is young, who understands the game and its loopholes well - from the judiciary to business, politics to international affairs. Thirdly, someone who has enough money already, so we can skip the mandatory grace period for new scams. 98% population did not qualify by the time we got this far, as they were all poor.  

Next, we wanted someone who has the ability to firmly tell the biggest loudmouths in the land what to do and get the job done. This is an important requirement because our current leaders wanted something done and their team did something totally opposite (as we saw in the 2G case). We can’t have leaders wringing their hands silently all the time, we need them to wring the team members’ ears periodically. Of course our new leader must also understand budgets and must be proactive. 99% of our population was disqualified by now.

We searched for a leader who understands technology so he or she would not look foolish on the mobile or the laptop or facebook. Someone who could unite all four corners of the country – Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. We wanted someone who has the backing of the corporate world, who has the media eating out of his or her hands. We need someone who can speak well, look good and most importantly someone who is really good at what he or she is doing. We need someone who can work hard, late nights if necessary, and not fall asleep all day like some previous leaders. Preferably a face that everyone knows, a popular figure in India, and around the world.

As the computer checked and rechecked all its records, the range narrowed down drastically. By the time we were done with the entire lot we had only two people left for the Prime Minister’s job. M.S. Dhoni was one. Rich, popular, admired by all, internationally known, handles people well, handles media well, has most corporate houses behind him, understands growth, is good looking, articulate, firm, pretty much the guy we need. Only his economics could be suspect and we don’t know if he works into late hours. There was one other candidate that the computer threw up, as its obvious choice for Prime Minister, one who appeared to fulfil all conditions and who was completely in control of everyone and everything. Someone who goes by the name of N. Radia!

My Favourite Eating Places

Here are some of my favourite eating places - the ones I keep going back to. The list goes something like this:

1) Amrut Hotel, Karwar: The most amazing seafood ever. You cannot miss it in Karwar, its on the road parallel to the highway that connects Goa and Mangalore. It is worth making a visit to Karwar to just visit Amrut restaurant for its seafood. We found it quite by accident several years ago while diving through Karwar, Sunnie, Shobhs and I, but have been going there regularly when we are in the neighbourhood. No one talks once the food arrives - its that good

2) Xavier's, Kolva beach: It looks like the one permanent structure on the Kolva beach, or is it Benaulim, but this Xavier's makes some decent food. Great breakfast, rice and fish curry joint! It is a nice walk from the Kolva beach where we normally shack up.

3) The Place, Pune: Some of the best sizzlers and steaks I have ever had. It is close to MG Road somewhere near Westend theatre a decent joint well. Only it had this policy of accepting only American Express cards which no one has, so carry cash. Chhaya it was who introduced us to this joint a good two decades ago. Its still around, I see it on tv shows, and doing exceptionally well.

4) Marz O Rin, MG Road, Pune: A must stop for chicken sandwiches (or any sandwiches) and their brand of rose milk. Bang on MG Road, on the left when you enter MG Road from the Aurora Towers side, you just cannot miss it. Stop there for a bite before moving on with shopping and browsing. First went there with Subbu and Koni during our Pune trip in OU days. Then Shobhs and I stop there each time we pass by.

5) Diamond Bar and Restaurant, MG Road, Pune: A little further up from Marz O Rin on the right side Diamond is a regular joint for beer but they serve some great mutton cutlets and fish biryani. A really fine place that grows on you. Shobhs, Raja and Satish and I have been there many times.

6) Good Luck Cafe, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune: Bun maska and omelette for breakfast followed by endless cups of chai. In fact any of those quaint Irani cafes for bun maska omelette, Great value and taste anyday. Kalpak and I have spent a few mornings pondering over the meaning of life.

7) Wood lands, Chennai: For hot hot Southie breakfasts. Idli, vada, puri, dosa etc etc. But my favorite is the combination of pongal and vada at Woodlands. And the sambar vada.

8) Minerva Coffee Shop, Hyderabad: Mirchi bajjis and coffee from 4 to 7 in the evening. Something we got addicted to since our college days. Still meet my good friend Vinod Ekbote over mirchis and coffee for our weekly laughs.

9) Mohini Restaurant, Basherbagh, Hyderabad: The best mutton biryani I have had for years. It tastes very different and the quality of mutton is extremely good. And they have a kulfi to die for as dessert. A regular during my days in IDBI, Hyderabad.

10) Paradise, Hyderabad: It has made a huge comeback with a standardised biryani package which tastes good. Good standard fare and you will not be disappointed.

11) Bade Mian Kababs, Somajiguda, Hyderabad: A limited fare with a few kababs, warqui rotis. The pather ka ghosht kabab is exceptionally good. All other kababs are very good too and worth a try.

12) Purna Tiffins, Krishna Nagar, Hyderabad: A highly popular stand and eat parcel joint in these parts it serves great pesarattu upma and other typically Andhra breakfast items. 

13) Dum, Bangalore: This place run by my friend Hari Rao, has the most amazing biryani and kababs. He insists on the health aspect, the science of cooking without compromising on the taste. All biryanis, mutton specially, and all kababs worth a try. Anytime visit.

14) Koshys, Bangalore: I enjoyed their varied food - sea food, Mangalore and Kerala style items - a lot. A great place of course with a lot of history.

15) Arjun Hotel, Harihar: Some of the best Set Dosas I have ever eaten in my life. And besibele bath as well. Its a typical breakfast joint on the main road. Raja and I have partaken many while getting breakfast packed for the others.

16) Mondegar, Colaba, Mumbai: In Colaba hop into Cafe Mondegar on the corner of the road leading to the Taj. It almost looks like an Irani cafe. A jukebox, great music, lovely ambience, beer and some great food. Their continental is great, try any, and their rice and fish and prawns equally good. A must visit. Tharian and I would meet often there and later on it became a regular Friday beer and dinner joint.

17) Alps, Colaba, Mumbai: Tucked away behind the Taj, Alps is a popular joint for beer and sizzlers. Nice and quiet for a chat, great food and ambience. Made regular forays during my days in Mumbai.

18) Mahesh Lunch Home, Mumbai: The first time I realised that people queue up to eat. Mahesh Lunch Home now has branches all over, even in Pune. Great sea food. If I remember right it was Parth who took us there in Mumbai.

19)Real Bakery, Tarnaka: For egg puffs or any other puffs and coke, you cannot beat Real Bakery at Tarnaka at 3 in the afternoon when they get steaming hot stuff. I never found puffs of this sort anywhere else. We made regular trips out there during our college days, Shobhs and I.

20) Sinhagad Fort, Pune: After an hour's climb, you cannot beat the kanda bajji, zunkha bhakar, chai, taak, set curds. It tastes so beautiful. Introduced by Milind and Parth on our initial treks mainly.

More when I think of them. I am hungry already.