THE BLOGGER'S AWARD

Senior blogger Abraham Tharakan has created a new award Blog Ratna, and has presented it to GVK, retired journalist and tireless blogger.

And who could be a better person to receive it?

I first came across GVK when I read his blog post on the movie ‘Kalyana Parisu’ and wrote a comment. He responded, asking me if I would like to be included in the bloggers’ group Mysore Blog Park . I checked out the blog and found a collection of assorted writers. The statement under the banner was remarkable, and says it all - We are a bunch that has nothing in common, not even a Mysore connection. Our interests are varied. We belong in different age-groups. We are opinionated, touchy, and take our writings seriously, at times. We drive our own blogs and feel entitled to comment, even on matters about which we might know next to nothing. Our pace of posting is irregular. MBP (Mysore blog park) is our parking lot; a one-stop site showcasing bloggers.

I was only too happy (honoured, to be honest) to be included in this elite group. Since coming under this umbrella, my posts are being read by more people, and regularly by other MBP writers. On a couple of occasions, I have recommended some bloggers whom GVK has willingly taken into the fold. Can there be a better way of encouraging bloggers?

We seem to have formed a nice little family, and it feels good. This bond has extended to exchanging emails, phone calls, and even visits among some – and it is a warm feeling when the virtual friendship overflows into the real world. Thank you, GVK.



Recently I had the pleasure of welcoming GVK and his wife Lakshmi to our home. We had an enjoyable time, discussing various subjects, from grandchildren to politics, and internet to journalism.

After meeting them, the last line from ‘Casablanca’, uttered by Humphrey Bogart, came to my mind -" I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."