Who is Bals ?

For the curious, bals (as in 'welcomebackbals') is my brother, Balaji. He and I were quite close, but due to personal reasons (which we are yet not sure about), he passed away in 2003. He was a bright young chap, doing his PhD in Structures at Purdue University. Always helps, always smiling, he was a pillar of strength in our family. He is (and will be missed) always.

But then whats this 'welcome back' u say ? What do u know. My wife is carrying and I believe its my brother who is sitting in her tummy right now. For those who say 'sounds silly.. huh!', please switch and continue reading my friend, the atheist's blog. But someone, this thought comforts me. I like to think of my little one as my brother's reincarnation. Damn whats others think.

And that maybe is a story leading into another topic. The concept of reincarnation. Is that good or bad, as a concept. Whether it is real or untrue, no one might be conclusively be able to prove, but as a thought, is it good or bad ? Kindof like Santa Claus. Who cares if he exists really or not, as long as the belief makes one feel and do good (it might have negative effects on kids who are traumatized because they dont have anyone to act like Santa and give them gifts), but in the vast majority, it does more good than bad! And for me, thats acceptable.

And yes... Welcome back bals! Cant wait to see if u r a boy or a girl this time around :-)

:-)