I , Me and Myself

Men and Women are mere Actors

2011-05-16T03:41:00.000-07:00

“All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.”

The very famous Shakespearan Quote. I just rephrased it as “All the world’s a stage and all men and women merely actors” .

When I look around , all of us are actors. We wear masks and act different in each circumstance. As a daughter, parent, sister, spouse, friend , colleague, we wear different masks.

The first thing that a child is taught is to act differently in front of guests, teachers etc. So, when these film actors do multiple roles in a film, we appreciate and applaud them. But a child not knowing that he is acting, behaves different with different people.

There is hardly any occasion when we get to wear a mask with which we were born. For me, the real me is the image created by my posts in my blog. Here, I have had no pretensions, no masks and have written as to what I feel and this is who I am.

Mirror, Mirror on the wall

2011-05-12T03:54:00.000-07:00

As I changed in front of the mirror after getting back from work last evening, it struck me : When was the last time I had looked at myself ?
Over the years, I have distanced myself from my image that today when I stood in front of mirror, it was difficult to recognise. This made me ponder. When did I last look at myself? It might sound strange, but I rarely stand in front of the mirror except for a flash of seconds to apply bindi or for combing my hair. And so, I did not miss a mirror in my last house where I stayed for one year.

Yesterday, this starting line given by my friend to reinitiate me to blogging made me look in the mirror. I could not identify myself with my mirror image. I was trying to interpret my age. I recalled the other day, a lady in her thirties calling me ‘aunty’. Do I look that old? It is very easy to pin other’s age at the look of their face, but I could not do to my own face.

Probably not looking at the mirror regularly, has given me a bulging tummy, wrinkled face and weight. Though it has its disadvantages, I feel that not looking at my image has had its own advantages. I did not get to look at the wrinkles or my worn out face. I still am young as I feel.

I think and so I blog

2010-09-07T01:24:00.000-07:00

I read this caption 'I think and so I blog' on someone’s tee-shirt today. On reading this, I asked myself the question : ‘Have I stopped thinking “ and more importantly was I really thinking when I was blogging. :)

Poignant movement

2009-05-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

The post below is taken from a letter written by my father Late sh R K Chari to his cousin.

When I applied for a job in Calcutta Marwari Co., the immediate eligibility was my neat hand and the M.D. employed me for writing his personal cheques. I as a hobby collected foreign makes like Parker 51, Chinese Pilot German or French Monte Blanc etc. all during my walk back home at the Chowringhee. You can realise the poignancy and sorrow that which got me the bread is dumped in the dung heap now in the IT age.

Now that the computer has arrived, the use of letterheads, fountain or ball pens has altogether gone. (Even banking is done online and cash through ATM).

The Unsung Hero

2009-05-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

The story below is written by my uncle Late J Rajgopalachari, based on the chronicle from my father's records.

It happened in a village in the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu in the third decade of the twentieth century. In those halcyon days, Tanjore District was famous for its prosperity, with well-irrigated lands, thanks to the bounty of the Cauvery River, the flow of water was plentiful as the population of the upper riparian areas, in common with the rest of India , was just about a third of what it is today. The flow to the lower riparian fields and irrigation canals was in the region of 400 to 500 thousand million cubic feet, well over the double the flow these days. With affluence, came the leisure for other pursuits including debates

The incident narrated in this story happened in a small village , Therazhundur , well known as the birth place of the great Tamil poet, Kamban, renowned for his Tamil version of the great epic Ramayana. While he was born in a potter’s colony, it is a matter of pride to me that I was born two hundred yards of where he was born , though in the Brahmin Agraharam a few centuries later. The village, though small is rich in its heritage, and its title to fame in history is rooted in the many stories of legendary characters associated with this village. It was here that Tamil sage Agasthya , fell in love with Cauvery. Cauvery, however refused to marry him and, in consequence, the jilted sage pronounced a curse. Legend has it that Cauvery did her penance in the village to appease the enraged sage and save the people from Agasthya’s curse.

But this story is not about the village or the legendary figures associated with it, but about a humble unsung hero figuring in a chronicle of his life and times recorded by the chronicler Sh. R.K.Chari. In his trip down memory lane, he has recounted the celebration in the village of the birthday of the king Emperor, King George the Fifth. Two hand picked students were to carry the garlanded portraits of king George and Queen Mary in procession down the streets of the village, the students singing, “Long Live the King and Queen” in Tamil. The President of the Tanjore District Board, a Dewan Bahadur, was present. The procession was all set to start, when someone went to the Headmaster asking for the portraits and the Union Jack Flags to be carried by the students. There was sudden excitement as the teacher entrusted with the custody of flags and portraits was not to be seen. A search of his table drew a blank. The Headmaster was on the point of fainting with the entire school staring at him in a state of shocked disbelief. The teacher in charge turned up but had no clue as to the disappearance of the precious objects. He had no solution to the mystery. The occasion produced the man. The Assistant Headmaster briskly walked towards the school well with the air of a Sherlock Holmes. The well had two pillars, one at either end a cross bar at the top with a roller at the centre. A large bucket and a thick long rope were requisitioned. He climbed into the bucket, had himself lowered into the well. After some search, he was able to salvage the portraits and flags without much damage. As the teacher dried them in the hot sun, the high dignitaries and invitees were whisked away by the school trustee , the staff were in a fix and the students escorted home by their parents. In the words of the chronicler, ‘the two portraits were left leaning on the wall of the well, their Majesties regretting that the sun never set in the British Empire”.

An inquisition ensued. The mystery remained unresolved. The Headmaster, held morally responsible for the insult to the Empire was transferred to a smaller school in a more remote village. That it was a very well run school with an excellent academic record could not save him from the wrath of the authorities, who considered the affront to HIS Majesty unpardonable. The Assistant Headmaster was rewarded for his gallant service to the Empire and promoted as Headmaster. But, the angry, silent patriot who had the fire in his belly and guts to dump the flags and royal portraits into the well in the heyday of the Empire, will forever, remain anonymous. In a small village nothing remains secret for too long. But to their eternal credit, the villagers refused to betray their hero for punitive action by the agents of the empire.

Celebrity Crushes (contd…)

2009-05-06T23:23:00.000-07:00

WoW! 101st post
Shankari : ) In 70’s when the Big B was in the peak, I was never into Hindi films and used to find it weird when my cousin used to have his posters on her wall and wanting to marry him. I started liking him post KBC. Junior B is my favourite actor, but no crush.

But my list of crushes is incomplete without the mention of Shekar Kapur. His looks still make my heart go Boom boody-boom boody-boom boody-boom.{couldnt get the musical trck of the song} I remember enjoying the film ‘Masoom’ w/o even knowing who the director was , and once I got to know the director of the film, it was the film no. 1 for me till the release of Mr India.

I till date ardently follow his blog.

Celebrity Crush!!!

2009-05-06T03:41:00.000-07:00

Second post for the day!!
Interesting Tag. Probably, when I publish my autobiography at the fag end of my life, I would also include the other crushes that I had. Cant help but to keep quiet about them now, as is expected by the society.

As a school girl, I had a crush on Sanjay Khan, after a film of his with Rajender Kumar where his name was Raj. My first crush, but then I didn’t know the word crush. Ihave a soft corner for Zayed Kjust because he happens to be his son

I took a liking to all Pathans after Imran Khan. I was jealous of all the girls that he used to flirt with, and it is his leadership skills, his display of anger which motivated me to watch cricket. I used to enviously watch the celebrity females sitting in the pavilion and watching him play.

Charles Sobhraj: Not many would call him a celebrity, but for me he was dashing personality. I was disheartened when I heard of his arrest.

Mohammad Azharuddin: I was floored by his graceful batting and his looks. His being an Aquarian was an icing on the cake.

Anil Ambani: No reason. still makes me laugh when I wonder as to how i got a crush on him. But that’s what crushes are, Illogical.

Thanks, Shankari. Had fun doing it.

Motherhood and its joys

2009-05-05T22:08:00.000-07:00

Tags always wake me from the slumber. This time I have been tagged by Shankari to write five tings I love being a mother and in turn tag other bloggers , both in the same country and those in a different country

As a college girl, I use to wonder why all moms only talk about their children , but now my young friends also would be thinking of the sameabout me. I cant help it, he is an indispensable part of my life and I love him. In my case, parenting is shared by my mother and two sisters who are more of a friend to him. So, I am indebted to be a part of the family who never thought Akash as my son but also as their child.

From my son’s viewpoint , just because I am a motherI can do what I wish , I can mend the rules and take advantage of the fact that I am elder to him !!! Agreeing to all that, being a mother is not a very comfortable status. Child rearing is a tough job and with every growing year it gets further tough. But yes, It is enjoyable.

Being a mother, I realised, I have to practise what I preach. For the child to whom you are preaching is scrutinising us constantly. So, I can say motherhood has made me a better person.

As mentioned in my earlier post, I am a proud mother to a child who loves me unconditionally.

Last but not the least, I get to blog about my son……….

I would like to tag

Shruthi (Bangalore)
Usha (Bangalore)
Lalitha (California)
Geetha (Malaysia)

Please take up the tag, and link back to this post here and to the place where it all started - Her Bad Mother.

Life’s Maze

2009-04-06T00:29:00.000-07:00

In Tirupati, the guide showed us that the shrine from a distance and as I was about to walk towards, he made us walk further right for the entrance. We entered through the maze, not knowing which direction, but following blindly, knowing that by the end of the maze, we get the darshan.
I realised then that life is also a maze at the end of which our goal remains. .

Outsourcing Pays

2009-03-04T02:30:00.000-08:00

Despite what the US and President Obama think, they have to agree that outsourcing pays!!!

It has recently been shown by Danny Boyle, wherein he outsourced the story, locale, music to Indians and was rewarded with 7 Oscars!!!

We deliver!!!

My Bioscope

2009-02-23T21:33:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Shankari to write about my oldest memory. I immediately started thinking about my childhood , and I was astonished to recollect my early days since I was 5 years old. Happily I started chrionicling my earlier carefree days, and I became proud as I was adding pages after pages and then my computer collapsed.

I was disappointed for a week, for I didn’t have a backup. Though I wanted to reinitiate, I couldn’t as I was pre occupied. But today, I thought , it was my computer that had crashed, but my brain with its hard disk is still functioning and yes I should chronicle them before it collapses.

Very soon, I shall publish a post on my early memories. The tag asked me as to what was I ten years back. Unfortunately these ten years had been routine , with nothing much of change. But I am sure all these experience will help me some time in my life just like it helped the young boy in the movie 'Slumdog Millionaire' to win the million bucks.

I expect plenty of change in my life ten years hence. Many of you might think for a forty plus woman, this is highly optimistic. But this optimism is what makes one look for the next birthday…….

As one grows......

2009-02-19T21:19:00.000-08:00

I read the poetry posted by Shruti on her birthday ,I realized it is true once we cross past a certain age. Mirrors dont reflect any change in terms of height and this phase of life doesnt add on the wrinkles too.

Birthdays come, adding another year of experience in our life or an year deducted from our lifespan, whichever way we take it. Whatever be the age we are, it gives a sense of happiness and pleasure in receiving the wishes and gifts.

But this birthday, I could sense another year added on to my age, for I could see a kid who grown up to a lovable boy in a span of one year.

It was really a Happy Birthday for me.

Man and Dog

2009-01-29T21:04:00.000-08:00

When a man is found at loss in the middle of the road , he is abused by the scooterists and other vehicle owners 'kutte" etc.

But, when a dog is found in the middle of the road, the same scooterist stops the vehicle and in kind words tells the dog to cross the road .

Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham

2009-01-29T21:03:00.000-08:00

Glitter Graphics

"Unity in Diversity" : an endangered phrase

2008-12-03T21:27:00.000-08:00

This very phrase has brought pride in every Indian child’s face as he/she read it in their social science text books in their primary class. How every parent and teacher proudly teaches the children about the Indianness despite varying cultures, languages.

But this phrase seems to be in danger as has been brought out blatantly after these Mumbai blasts. I did not know ATS Chief Hemant Karkare was a Gujarati, till Narendra Modi told us or the presence of Thackeray in Vijay Salaskar’s funeral and the fiasco of Karnataka/Kerala government over Manjor Sandeep Unnikrishnan. Did these guys who belong to police/army/navy/NSG did ever think ever think on these lines before they went to Maharashtra which belongs to Mumbaikars when they were called on duty ?

I am ashamed of myself when I watch this drama and with the world media around the image that is being reflected about our country. Initially, they tried to divide us as upper caste, OBC etc and gained the vote banks. Next religion wise we were divided. Now they are dividing us regionally. Are these politicians any less cunning than the East India Company that came centuries back and divided us on these very same lines.

Rescued by a tag

2008-07-22T03:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks , Srijith, for tagging me when I was wondering what to write for my blog. I am amazed at the skills you and Shankari possess , be it story or poem.
8 things/persons I am passionate about.
My blog : It has given me an identity and also earned me a respect from my dad..
My son : He is the reason for me to live.
My friendship : I cherish my two friend, one since my college days and another one : my colleague in Bombay who help me keep my head high and boost my morale.
Computer Games : Be it spider solitair, free tetrix or zuma Deluxe, I can go on and on….
Reading : Be it reading the newspaper, or reading the articles /news items in the paper covers/ novels.
TV serials : I am getting hooked on to three serials some are quite stupid , Kolangal (7:30 pm in sun TV) and I am getting to like this Sankara pandiyan character, Radha ki Betiyan (as such a stupid serial, but i got hooked to it), ek packet umeed (Interesting)
Environment : Sincerely trying to be passionate about using eco friendly stuffs.
Cricket : Want to be passionate about it as my son breathes cricket.

8 things I want to do before I die.
I want to lose weight and wear a tight pant.
Visit the Alps, N.Eastern India and Kerala
Get through one of those lucky draws/contests and earn crores!!!
I would love to stay at a serene house surrounded by garden on all three sides.
I want to gain one more educational degree.
I want to write a story
I want to live as if there is no tomorrow with no tensions/worries
I want to stand in front of God without feeling guilty and really thankful for whatever I have and not asking for anything.

8 things I say often
Akash (in various tones)
Oh God!! (poor Him!!! But being Him, he must understand)
WoW!! (Simple three letter word that encompasses all the adjectives)
OK
I don’t know (simple escapism)
Just a minute
Haan, tell me (Got developed because most of my colleagues and my son have got used to calling me from their respective workstations)
Thank you (I say it to the bus driver, rickshaw puller and almost everyone)

8 Books I last read.
Summons
Kite Runner
One minute Manager
Six volumes of Ashok Banker’s Ramayana.

8 Songs I could listen to over and over again
Yesterday Once more : My all time favourite
I am on the top of the world
Neele neele ambar mein
Bhool Gaya Sab kuch, yaad nahin ab kuch
Jab koi baat bigad jaaye
Tuje dekh dekh
Mitwa
The songs I end up listening (this was not a part of the tag,but added it)
Dus Bahane
Maujha re Mauja
Do u want a partner
Pappu cant dance
Darde Disco
Jhomm Baabaar Jhomm
Dhoom machale dhoom

8 people I think should do this tag
Sapphira : I love her. She is a darling!! I would love to know more about her through this tag.
Inder : I know he doesn’t like getting tagged but it looks like he has got nothing much to write. Just to reinitiate him into blogging with this tag
Priya : Thanks for the lovely flowers and hug that u send me. Take a tag in return
Chitra : a tag for you whenever u return to blogging
Amitji : Would love him to take the tag. Would he?
6. open to all those who are interested…………..

April 8, 2007

2008-07-21T01:31:00.000-07:00

That day was warm and humid with not much difference in the evening. Except for the fact that there was no Sun, the weather was humid with no breeze and not a leaf was stirring.

So, that evening when I came out of the shopping mall near my house, I expected the weather to be no different, but to our surprise, there was a strong gush of wind . It took everyone by surprise. It was extremely difficult for the rickshaw driver to pull us across. We were all quite stunned and it evoked a mixed response.

But within five minutes, the weather became normal, making us all wonder as to what could have been the cause. The Rickshaw puller was shocked.

It took me just another five minutes and a call from my sister to solve the puzzle. It was my father on his way UP, decided to meet the three of us and kiss us.

Love you, Dad.

Mobile while on call or a Call on Mobile

2008-07-08T01:48:00.000-07:00

If a call comes on the mobile phone, when he is glued to his favourite tv programme, when he automatically becomes mobile . I keep reminding him that the phone is mobile and he doesn’t have to be mobile to communicate.

But, on close study, I have observed that this seems to be practiced generally. Even in office, people suddenly get up from their workstation and start pacing across while talking on the cell.

Travel by Train

2008-07-04T02:02:00.000-07:00

After a long span of time, I got an opportunity to travel by train. I recalled the long journey that we used to have as children, enjoy running between the compartments through the vestibules to the pantry car, library. And of course the friendly neighbours!!!

I am amazed at the bonding between the fellow passengers. While in a plane , I noticed that people cling on to their mobile till the plane takes off and then hook on to their laptops. While in train, they are at their leisure, enjoy the journey and the conversation ranges from their job, family to the international politics. At the end of the journey, the numbers are exchanged with the promise to be in touch and though happy to meet our family in the station, still feel a pang of sadness at the separation.

This time, I traveled in AC, but next time I have decided to take my son in Non-AC, so that he enjoys the window seat, looking at the greenery in our countryside, waiting for the platform, enjoy the knick-knacks available at the platform and of course the view of the engine of the train as and when it turns!!

Tsunami in our society

2008-05-28T04:49:00.000-07:00

It is very depressing to hear that of a small child (Ayushi) being murdered and more disheartening to know that it is her own father, the person whom one trusts the most in life is the cause of her death.

But more shocking is the insensitivity of the media. It has raised a doubt in minds of most of the children. The other day, my friend’s son asked him if he loves him and would not kill him. That must have been the most sad day for a father!!
The very foundation of our society has been jolted. Tsunami has been generated in our society with the murder of Ayushi by her father

Salvation

2008-04-09T04:48:00.000-07:00

When one is alive we are taught that to attain salvation we need to be good and perform good deeds. This is the sure route for attaining Moksha.

So, when we feel certain that the person would attain nirvana from the cycle of rebirth as he has lead virtuous life, we have pundits telling us to perform various rites/ceremonies so that their soul attains peace.

I wonder as to how could one attain Moksha? What if that virtuous man has no one to perform the rights for him? Does he not get redeemed? What if a criminal’s son performs all rights and ceremonies year after year after his death? Would God take him to his abode satisfied because of his son’s performance?

Or is this all a gimmick by the pundits to earn money by playing with people’s sentiments….

Kite runner

2008-04-07T04:05:00.000-07:00

I never understood as to why children despite the fact they possess numerous kites run behind kites that have been cut. When my son was 4 years, I used to run with him and catch the kite and could sense the excitement in his face. We would be thrilled if we could get hold of the kite. At that time, I thought it must be sheer fun to catch hold of flying objects from a kid’s perspective.

Now, when my son runs for the kite, I shout at him and tell him to give way for the less privileged boys who can not buy themselves a new kite.

As I was reading this novel, I realized the importance of kite runner.

Come this Independence Day, I might not stop him from running behind the kite and probably even encourage him much to his surprise….

Exam Pressure

2008-04-04T02:25:00.000-07:00

These days, just before the exams and while waiting for the result, the news of children killing themselves is appearing almost daily.

During our time, there was more pressure and not many choices. Graduation was must. There was more pressure on our parents as only meritorious students got admitted. On top of it, there was no loan facility. And the income of our parents might be high but certainly not in the scale as of now. But still, it never occurred in our tiny little brain to end our life.

Now, with more options, the world becoming one global city giving us choices in terms of college/universities, loan facilities from banks and other private institution and private educational institutions for engineering and management, life should be less tensed. But on contrary, there is more pressure on children these days. And they are also not able to cope up with the stress? Who is to be blamed? Is it the fault of us parents who are not guiding the children properly and insisting on the results of the examinations?

It is the future of these children that I am forced to think when I read of stories of as small as 11 year old school student killing himself because he was not good in Sanskrit. Not all exams come prepared in our life. As such how do we define failure/success? Is success judged by marks secured in the school/university? Are these children prepared to cope with examinations that the life would pose to them?

Where is the future heading? Would the suicidal rates go higher as these children grow to adults and are and the reason much more flimsy?

Where is this actually leading? I feel all parents and teachers should realize this and deal with the situation so that we do not end up having adults who would not be in a position to run the country………….

Pet rat!

2008-03-12T00:22:00.000-07:00

I have heard of different pets, but to have rat as a pet was beyond my imagination. I didn’t have to go far , for my neighbour got white rat as their pet.

All children come over to take a look at the rat in their cage, and I also had a look at it. It was as irritating as the other rats that are found. I am still amazed at how they manage and I was watching the kid’s excitement when he was narrating as to how he and his sister take turns to feed it.

I was just wondering, if they take the rat out of the cage, would it show its loyalty like other animals do or would it bite of their clothes and papers! If the door were left open, would it run out? By any chance at that moment, if my door were open, would it come to my house? How should I react: the same way as I would have had it been any rat or should I call my neighbours?
With all these fears, I rest………….

Who waived the loan: Congress or BJP?

2008-03-11T23:33:00.000-07:00

Just a week before the budget, BJP orgainised a rally wherein all the so called farmers came to Delhi protesting and requesting for their loan to be waived off. The fleet of buses that came to Delhi and the rally thereon caused a major traffic hurdle for regular office goers.

I happened to be one of the hapless victims watching bus after bus coming to Rajghat from where the rally or the protest march was to begun. Each bus was a deluxe air-conditioned bus and about 100 buses had come and many more were on the way. I had a look at the people, most of them were youth, sitting on the top of the bus and enjoying the plight of us office goers. I felt they were just paid for a day to participate in the rally so that it looks like a vast majority of farmers. Someone later told me that Event management companies are given the responsibility for smooth functioning of the Protest and for getting the crowd. And of course there were so many incidentals, the flags, pamphlets, and other miscellaneous expenses that must have been incurred for to hold such a mammoth protest.

I am not in a position to comment about the financial ability of the farmer. And neither I am here to talk about the merit or demerit of loan waiving. The amount of money spent that day was really huge, and I am sure it could have been used by BJP to give at least to a couple of farmers to enable them to repay the loan.

This rally was more of a political gimmick and was because the BJP got to know that Mr. Chidambaram would waive off the loan in his budgetary speech and did not want the credit to got Congress.

2008-02-04T23:20:00.000-08:00

There are 10 points, and you are supposed to elaborate on each point. Here goes my interpretation.

It is important to be liked by others :
To some extent , yes. One lives in a society , and wants to be a part of the society. But one should not compromise on one’s ideals just to be liked by someone. We should , in general be liked for what we are.

Obedience is a virtue:
Obedience is scarce commodity! Todate, we can’t expect it from the next generation.

People are not malicious but they become so because of bad experiences or circumstances:
Agreed! Totally.

Education broadens our view and makes people more humane:
Education needn’t mean degrees or qualification. I have seen jealousy, and other negative emotions in qualified people and at times, people who are not qualified, behave more intelligibly.
One has to read beyond the text books to be truly educated.

People who have no money troubles are happier:
Even beggars are craving for money!! I would like to meet one who says he has no money trouble.

As people get older they get wiser:
Not necessarily!!!!

You can live on love and fresh air:
Well, then why are the estate price raising ? Why am I coming to work everyday leaving behind my son alone at home? Love and fresh air are added incentives!!

There is a celestial guardian angel looking after each one of us:
Well, I don’t know! When I see so much pain and suffering, I do wonder………..

All living beings reincarnate.
Energy gets transformed from one form to another. It does not get destroyed.

Heaven and Hell are places you go to after death.
As long as the experience is something, which we cannot experience, who cares if it is hell or heaven? I know one thing for sure; I want to donate my body for the study of medical sciences.

Messenger services

2007-11-18T23:02:00.000-08:00

Well, as it is the habit of writing letters is dying down. Hardly anyone writes an inland letter or drops a post card. The other day, a second class child checked at every residence in our apartment for an inland letter and post card and none of us had it. Her mother then was trying to locate the Post office!!

Now with all the yahoo mail, msn messenger and gtalk, the habit of writing an e-mail is also fading.

When my friend asked me to send a mail everyday as she would not be available on chat, I agreed and knowing that there is a lot to share among us on a daily basis , I thought it should not be difficult. But I just could not go beyond a couple of sentences. Probably, I am expecting an acknowledgement or a query from her end which would help me go forward with my thoughts!!

I realized today that laziness to write a mail keeps me from sharing my views with other friends who are not on chat. Surprising ? All you readers must be wondering if there are people who are still not on chat. Yes, I do have friends who are not on my chat and I do receive mails from them on a regular basis. Today, I shall send a mail to them as well as my friend.

Thank you, friend once again for initiating me into writing………..

Happy Dusshera to you all

2007-10-19T02:49:00.000-07:00

More than a month passed by, since I updated my blog. It is not that I have run out of ideas , but if I recollect vaguely, some interesting thoughts (who else but I have the last word in that) did spring into my mind which I wanted to share with you. Unfortunately , all those thoughts came to me in the middle of night, when I was too lazy to get up and scribble it . But yes, I used to go back to sleep thinking that the same shall be posted the very next morning. But the next morning saw me busy studying with my son for his exams and hectic schedule in the work.

Unfortunately, today when I have the time, (As most of you can see that I have surfed through your blog today ), none of those thoughts resurfaced to my mind.

Let me end the post by wishing myself with better luck for those ideas to occur at a more convenient time .

Wish you all a happy Dusshera . May the good win over the evil and the world turns out to be peaceful (or should I say green!) .

Mother

2007-08-26T23:14:00.001-07:00

Thank you, Banu of God's little angel for tagging me. It is really a nice time to think of my mother when I am standing on the precipice of motherhood.

All the adjectives “ infinite patience, sacrificing, versatile , loving , caring“ fitted her , but I thought , almost all mothers try to acquire those traits.

I had written a post “ Forgive and forget” , wherein I mentioned it is difficult to wholly forget even if we forgive. Today, I feel that a mother forgives her child in the true sense. Yes, she would have got hurt by the uncaring words , but the next moment would be offering a helping hand, forgetting everything that has been said. The one relation in the world where ego has no place. It is only to a mother we can go to, without any apprehensions of whether she would have forgotten, forgiven .

Yes, on discussion with my mother, we realized that is the one relation we also do not work upon. A child at all ages goes out of the way to impress his father but mother is taken for granted. Today, being a mother, I can say that though it hurts at times, but most of the time, I feel proud of the fact that my child has me for granted and am grateful that I had my mother whom I could take for granted. The feeling that we have one person who has undying trust and faith in us can help us climb mountains and face the hurdles of life. That is where the mother are pillars of strength.

I am not saying that my mother did not have any specific traits which adorn her individuality, that can be mentioned but as all mothers are, she didn’t want them mentioned……For once, I decided to listen to her :)

Thank you, mom for all the support extended to me .

UNACCEPTABLE!!!

2007-08-16T23:57:00.000-07:00

Though it is true, I do share some incidents in my post, but I never thought I could create situations so that I could post in my blog.

My son made no remark when he read my post Proud Parent , which is very much unlike him. He might be humble and probably felt that these deeds were not worth mentioning!!! I accepted his silence.

But on sunday, he shocked me. I was not feeling well and on top of it I was also upset with him for not studying as his exams were going on. He retorted back, "You are waiting for my reaction so that you can write in your blog".

Akash, I am not as imaginative as you are and can write story , but yes, I do get inspired by the real life incidents.

But yes, his remark has certainly made me look at that angle for my new posts. So, guys, let me plan a story line and wait for the impromptu reactions , so that i can post a new one on Monday!!! I shall welcome the opening dialogues from you all.

Independent India’s 60th birthday

2007-08-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

As is our tradition, 60th birthday or “shashtiubda poorthi” is celebrated grandly. In our custom , men undergo the wedding rituals once again and bless all their children and grand children.

Today as India is celebrating her 60th birthday, I wish India to get married to her earlier consort who was known for her humility, hospitality, secular in her thoughts and her virtues are talked about and revered even today, divorcing the present companion who is self centered, more hostile than hospitable and takes pride in casteism.

On a different note, I wish the future generation to read the following poem of Tagore , not only as a mere poem but as a slogan . . .

Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high;
Where knowledge is free;
Where the world has not been broken
Up into fragments by narrow domestic walls;
Where the words of depth come out from the depth of truth;
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit;
Where the mind is led forward by
Thee into ever-widening thought and action into
That heaven of freedom , my father,
Let my country awake.

Jai Hind

Viral Attack!!!!

2007-07-31T21:13:00.000-07:00

it is amazing how one tiny virus, or probably an army of virus conquer our huge body .Each and every body part feels the pain. We fight back with our army of antibiotics and other pills. At times we feel that pills are victorious while at times viruses emerge winners. After along fight for an week, finally virus accepts defeat but not before creating an havoc. The after effects are felt for a week.

I just wish one of the virus to walk across the war path and look at the tired body and turns to goodliness just like King Ashoka after the mighty win of Kalinga War!

Proud Parent

2007-07-17T01:51:00.000-07:00

The incidents mentioned below are not to boast about my son, of course which I can proudly do , but just as an act of gratitude to Him for having blessed me with Akash as my son, who is my close confidante and a very dear friend, even at this tender age of 11. I recollected all these incidents while laying down in the bed day before yesterday when I was suffering from a severe leg ache. I thought posting it in my blog would etch it forever and will be a tool for me to recollect later when my memory might fail me or when I am expected to forgive his youthful misadventures!!

1. Akash was seven-eight years. I am epileptic and those years I used to get major attacks. But the only good part of it was I get a halo : kind of warning that I get before my attack. My husband was out of town, and my parents were living 12-15 kms from my house. My son took my hands, made me lie in the bed , gave me the medicine. He called up my mother. And with his tiny hands, he was massaging my feet to induce the warmth in my body.

2. I keep shouting at my son for being glued to the TV Screen and oblivious to his surroundings and my voice. One evening, when I was bringing the casserole to the dining table, I felt a jerk. Before I could give a call, my son was behind me taking the casserole form me and advising me to go to bed.

3. It has been more than two years , I haven’ t got any major attacks, duly because my son reminds me to take my daily tablets. But, two months back, I felt I might have an attack, and my son slept holding on to my hands tightly.

Just 10 days back, I was majorly upset with him and was sleeping in a different room. I told him not to fall on me and even shouted at him. But day before yesterday, I had a severe leg ache. My son kept a pillow under my leg. I was silently praying to God to chop my legs as that seemed to be the only solution to relieve my pain, while my son sleeping nearby interrupted and told God, that his legs also should be chopped off if he chops my legs as he has kept it on me.

Oh dear, though you are my little son, but at times, I feel so small in front of you. I remember your saying that you are blessed to be born in our family, but I am privileged to have you as my son.

Just a Thought

2007-07-08T22:49:00.000-07:00

Just wondering if our anger/fury also contributes to global warming. It certailnly heats up the atmosphere at home!!!

Balance Sheet

2007-07-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Almost all companies across the globe have the financial year restricted to 12 months, be it January to December or April to March. Before the year ends, the companies would be busy collecting the payments , and would not want to carry forward it to the next year. And if the payment continues to get carried forward for a couple of years, it would be referred as “bad debt”.

But, in God’s company, the year seems to have no definitions and varies from individual to individua and according to some religions, it transcends between few lives. For how can we explain that what ever we are to day is due to the karma of the last life.

WHY ?

2007-06-24T21:53:00.000-07:00

Always a parent is asked what they an their child to be and is he/her upto their expectations but never asked from children what they want their parents to be and are they up to the expectations of the child?

The right marriageable age

2007-06-21T22:38:00.000-07:00

Now that I had mentioned in my earlier post that a person is as old as to the no. of succeding generations he sees. Now that comes to marriage age.

Earlier, people used to marry young . Afterwords, it was an age which was neither young/old. As soon as the boy gets a good job, he got into the marital bliss. Now a days the trend is for a late marriage. People want to grow in their career, buy a house, enjoy their youth before taking on the responsibilities of marriage.

Now, who is to advise for the right marriage age. Yes, if one marries young, one gets to see the children settled by the time they retire . But old age, they become alone. But if one marries old, you still have your child by the time you are old and retired. Yes, it depends on how much we are able to save when we were unmarried. Yet no money would be enough, considering the increasing inflation rates and demands. But, yes, we would have the comforts of the child.

P.S. Here the concept was more on loneliness the people feel when they grow old. If we marry young, by the time we are old, they are settled and busy in their own lives. but if married when one is old, they have the comforts of the child's presence.

from the child's prespective, it is better to have their parents young and working when they have to decide and settle in a career as they can have the luxury of choice, while finacial constraints might force them to accept a career if the parents are retired.

Feel at 84

2007-06-21T21:39:00.000-07:00

I feel that a person is as old as the number of generation that succeeds him when he is alive.

My father, though at 84, was not considered old as he still had a daughter living with him and a 11 year old grand son hanging around him. But people of his age had his children married who in turn had their daughters/sons in law and they had children of marriageable age. So, they become great great grand parents and the relationship they share with the younger generation is not as strong and the loneliness creeps in, despite the fact they might stay in as single family.

I would love to be contradicted and this is meerly an experience I felt when looking at people of his age.

Dance To Freedom….A Dance Audition with a difference!!!

2007-05-28T02:04:00.000-07:00

Daddy Dearest

2007-05-28T01:39:00.000-07:00

A boy, who lost his mother at a tender age of three and came to live with his grandparents , who were staunch Vaishnavites, in a remote village of Therazhundur, fled to Calcutta when he was 14 years, inspired by the communist movement. Later on joined an Italian company to earn his living !

But I am surprised that for a boy who had no guardian, coming from a village to a sprawling metropolis could take to constructive activities, learning languages, Tamil, English, Bengali , Sanskrit and even Italian. He was one of the founder members of the Tamil Writers Association in Calcutta and presided over many of their functions. He was truly a master of languages, I stumbled upon a book which is Tamil Lipi in original, the ancient Tamil script!

He recalls that day in the year 57, a depressed young man, further depressed by the news of his brother’s untimely death , had to go to Madras to perform the last rites. He found his brother’s room was full of God’s idols and the aura there in that room, which gave him the courage to fight life and take on the responsibility of his brother’s children.

He adopted himself to the circumstances , visited temples of all religion, climbed up to Vaishnao Devi, Badrinath and Golden Temple. He knew the customs, religiously practiced the traditions, but never forced us to practice. He believed in his religion , yet he accepted those who did not.

I should take cue from my father’s life and stop worrying myself with the friends that my son makes, and about his activities in my absence. If the then capital city of India, couldn’t spoil a village lad , the present capital city of India can not negatively influence my son !!

Akash : Am I right ??

A month gone by…….

2007-05-08T23:53:00.000-07:00

Last month on 8th April at 9:00 pm, when I received the news, my world came to a standstill. My son thought I fainted and rushed to me with Glucon-D. I felt it would be impossible to continue living with out him for never in my wildest imagination I thought of my life without him. But alas, we are forced to continue living, do our duty as he did his till he was alive.

Sundays meant going out and enjoying Kulfi at Roshan di Kulfi or Chole Bhature at Nathus in Connaught Place. We never had to ask him for anything. We got whatever we needed. Whether it is carom board, cycle, it was there for us.

After his retirement, he used to insist on serving us food which we used to dread for he would fill out plates with huge quantity of food. And for a man, who never had to enter kitchen even to fetch a glass of water, he used to prepare tea and bring it to me upstairs when I was studying. He , at the age of 60 for my recovery of health did angapradshanam at Tirupati along with me.

He had a huge collection of Bengali,Tamil, English classics and was a voracious reader till his last days. The day he found it difficult to read even the newspaper, he lost his interest to live. He felt his brain is dying as it was not being nourished.

I had an opportunity to host him for a couple of months. He enjoyed teaching Sanskrit to my son and talk about the freedom struggle and teach him those few chapters in history. It was interesting to hear some one narrate about Khudiram Bose , Netaji in first person. He enjoyed the pakodas, fried vegetables which I cooked for him and ofcourse he had his chole bhature too.

He was very excited that he his going to have his hip surgery and would be able to walk on his own and even challenged my son for a game of cricket. Despite his handicap after the accident, he never felt handicapped. He used to move the objects in the house, took to washing clothes. He was disappointed that in my house, I had a maid doing all those chores and he was to sit idle. Much to people’s wonder, he enjoyed the malls, traveling places, eating ice cream at Mc Donalds, even in his 80s.

I am proud that the death embraced him without any pain . May he attain his moksha.

Faith versus Belief

2007-04-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

More often people advise us to have faith in God. What is this faith? I do believe in His existence. I do not follow the rituals traditionally, but yes I do love Them in my own way. I know HE is the guiding force. But isn't faith accepting the decisions without questioning. Is it really possible for us to surrender to His decision? By questioning His decision, do I become an atheist? I do believe Him , but not enough complete faith in accepting the decisions He makes are the right ones.

Differently abled People

2007-03-28T04:08:00.000-07:00

That’s how I would like to refer to people who are handicapped. For, how else can one explain the feat performed by Moksha. My best wishes to Vijay Colaco and Rama and may their dream to form a theatre group come true!!!

I would appreciate if this link is forwarded to as many of your friends , so that an awareness be created.

My Father

2007-03-26T05:25:00.000-07:00

My father got married when he was 43 years and I was born on his 44th birthday. My father had about 16 years of service with him to guarantee us a secured future. This must have been the main concern for him and so he was busy during our childhood days. Still, we managed to dine together and travel to almost all parts of the country from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. He retired when I was 17 years. But unfortunately at that time, we were busy with our friends, making a career for us and so we didn’t have time for each other.

He never talked about his childhood and youth. We have heard about his kind acts and not so kind acts from our relatives. We experience his knowledge and wisdom in our everyday life. When I stumbled on a few write ups of his, I realized that he is an enigma. I really wish God grants me and my father a couple of years together so that I can chronicle his life and to pass on the wisdom to our future generation.

Ten things that I love starting with 'T"

2007-03-09T02:00:00.000-08:00

T : twentieth letter, the letter that is a word in itself, and I am tagged to write ten things I like that start with it. the first thing that came to my mind is

Time : I love it, as this is one thing that is mine. What ever I do with it, solely I am responsible for it.

Tea : I am a tea addict. Needless to say more about that drink. Never say no for this delectable drink, even in scorching summers.

Train : I cant forget the numerous train journeys from Delhi to Madras on all summer holidays. The excitement leading to tiredness and by the time, one reaches Egmore, the desire to jump from the train and run to Madras Central. The steam engines which mades us dirty and darker by the time we reach Madras.

Tram : When talking of trains, this was one mode of transport I used to travel when I was in Calcutta.

Tamil : My mother tongue. Knowing that language opened doors to Silappadigaram, lyrics of Kannadasan, Andal’s Thirupavai, fictions of Sujata and Akhilan.

Telephone : Thanks to Graham Bell, It keeps me connected to all.

Talking : Ask my friends and family. I would not write abt it.

Tiffin : My mother coming out with varied recipes everyday at 3:00 p.m. , which was our tiffin time. Miss them.

Trailers : I enjoy seeing them, so that I get to know the jist of the film. This just reminded me of a incident, I just will share it with you all. Me and my sisters used to walk to school. Then, on Sundays, trailer of movie used to come in Vivid Bharati . My sister was a movie craze and would sit glued near to the transistor and listen to all these programmes. Just taking a cue from one of the trailers, she narrated the story of Ram Balram. Well, till we went to the theatre to see the movie, we didn’t know it was all figment of her imaginations.
Tag : If not for this tag, I would not have got a theme to write.I hope I kept upto your expctations. Thank you, Lalitha.

I also wanted to write Tantrums but I enjoyed while I was throwing the tantrums, not when I am at the receiving end, which I am more often now with a eleven year son at home.

My profile :)

2007-03-09T00:35:00.000-08:00

Intresting. Saw it in Lalitha's and priya's blog.

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Conversation with Akash, my son

2007-01-10T00:34:00.000-08:00

Mostly, every night me and my son huddled under the quilt talk about the day's events and other general trivia. Yesterday's conversation went something like this :

Akash : I was a very good boy yesterday. No bad behaviour. But today, I made some mistakes. Devil acted but v.little of it.
Me: Devil has entered but not conquered your goodness.once you let them enter, they conquer.
Akash : Now if the good fights the devil , good will win. Since they are in majority , they will win. Even English people were like that. They came to trade, we made them enter thru Gateway of India, gave them permission, and they conquered us and ruled us.
Me : Ya, Throw the devil out and shut the door tightly so that it does not enter.
Akash : I will appoint a Security Guard and see o it that devil does not enter.
Me : Good idea. Who is it going to be?
Moment of silence
Akash : God
Me : Great. But you need to pay the Security Guard.
Akash : How do I?
Me : simple , by getting good marks and being good.
Akash : okey. Now I can sleep peacefully. Good night

New Year Greetings

2006-12-29T01:03:00.000-08:00

Take or Give....?

2006-12-20T02:38:00.000-08:00

Most of us feel that we are doing our duty by taking care of our old parents/parents-in-law. Yes, I agree and accept that we are helping them by providing them the shelter, food and immediate help in case of medical urgency. We feel mighty proud, if we are able to do this so called duty. But have we ever sat back and realized, by providing them with these simple basic necessities, we are binding them to the family duties and not relieving them of it. Most of you would say that we tell them to rest, but is it possible in true sense?

They monitor the battalion of servants that we have . They take care of the bills and last but not the least our children are well cared. We, in order to raise in the corporate ladder have numerous office parties to attend to, tours and stay late night in offices , as our parents take care of our house.

But when our parents need to go out on any occasion, they would probably think about our office tour plans and our children’s exam schedule. But come to think of it, this is what they did in their young age also. Very few people of our generation had their grand parents stay with them . So, the onus of bringing us up was solely on them . Creche , probably was very few and unheard off. They sacrificed their trips for our exams and saved their money so that we can go out for picnics/excursions.

Why do we not give them an opportunity to live their life , visit us when they want and not when we want them. Most of you would probably argue that they need to live with us so that they feel belonged to, but have we ever given them a choice?

I use this opportunity to thank my parents and numerous other parents who take care of their grand children with the same love that they showered on us.

P.S. : My mother does not agree to the above view. She feels that these are not mundane chores and besides having children and grand children make them feel young and the need to live.

Profound Thought

2006-12-04T21:47:00.000-08:00

My beautician once commented that we accept unconditionally our parents , siblings and children, despite their defects and handicaps but when it comes to spouse, we do have difficulties .

Yes, no matter what, we don’t discard our parents/siblings /children and remain loving to them, but in case of spouse, we find it hard to accept and it takes time and often we compromise which is not actually accepting.

Just another day....

2006-11-28T23:07:00.000-08:00

Everyday, I decide that I should contribute for my blog. I read the post of all the regular blogs that I frequent. (Have not yet learnt blogrolling…..) . It has been more than a month since I have posted any thing on my blog as rightly pointed by Prithika. Somehow, it looks like the thoughts and other activities in my brain have taken a winter break. Well, let them enjoy the break and get rejuvenated. May be I might stumble on something interesting on their return. Till then,

Aiming High : My son

2006-10-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

My son was just about two years old , when I realized his sense of perfection and interest in cooking. One evening , when I had cut the brinjals and put them in the frying pan and was coming out to sit in front of TV waiting for the brinjals to fry. This kid, could not speak then, pulled my kurta and dragged me back to kitchen and instructed me to stir the vegetable till it gets done. Well, it was his practice to taste the vegetable from the raw stage, to the semi cooked and fully cooked vegetable . I used to enjoy seeing his expression and was proud of the fact that, unlike other parents I never had to worry about his eating habits. As long as the food was cooked in front of him, he would eat anything. Even now, he is the taster in our house.

When he started going out to play, he wielded the willows and I saw a budding cricketer in him. And a friendly neighbour who was a journalist captured his photo and had it published in Hindustan Times. Yes, now he is 10 years and still cooking and cricket fascinate him. But yes his ambitions do vary.

In the last couple of years till the last world cup (cricket) , when Australia was emerging victorious, my son wanted to join the Australian cricket team and was figuring out ways to go to Australia. But now, he feels he can only save the Indian cricket team from losing , provided he has Yuvraj Singh playing the game along with him.

Last year, one day as I was getting ready for my office, he wakes up and tells me that he has finally decided what he ants to be when he grows up. I was overjoyed, and glad that at such an early age my son has got a direction till I heard him say :”Mama, I want to be a girl when I grow up”. Well, I was speechless and probably thought I have a junior Michael Jackson in front of me.

His recent aim is to fly planes and he had a tough choice between Indian Airforce and the private airlines. He has finally settled for Indian Airforce, when he got to know that they have big canteens which is just like anther super market where he could get things at a discounted price. Probably he wants a game CD at a cheaper price or a beyblade. But I am glad for this decision, because now he watches TV from a distance, lest he might have to wear spectacles and be disqualified from flying and tries to eat nutritious food as a part of body building.

I can just end with this words “ whatever will be will be, the future is not ours to see’ and wish him all the best.

Rainbow : ME

2006-10-19T02:39:00.000-07:00

I have taken this tag from Shankari . Eight Qualities about myself . I would like to think that I am as colourful as rainbow .

I hate dressing up. In my house, my husband and son spend more time in front of the mirror than I do.
Gold : I hate that metal. I find it gaudy. Would prefer silver, stones and artificial jewellery any time.
Am lazy to walk and cant stand at one place even for five minutes.
I trust everyone, despite my friends and well wishers who warn me against.
I find it most difficult to choose the menu in a restaurant or a dress from a shop. Either I end up liking all or none.
Just cant vanish my smile . It irritates many and unfortunately my son has inherited that trait from me . All his teachers complaint that he is the only boy smiling when he receives scolding. Hw do I explain the teacher that it was unintentional. :(
Can never say ‘No’ to sweets and am a caffeine addit.
There are many more colours to myself , but I shall restrict to seven just like rainbow.

Just realised that this can also be taken as few weird characters about me, I recollect that tag was on some time back in few blogs. But now I guess i am just a weirdo :)

Dilemma (Theoretical versus Practical)

2006-09-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

It is said that men learn from their failures while the wiser ones learn from others failures.

Considering that all are not born wiser, is it all right for the children to learn the hard way? Would they really understand the extent of fire burns till they really get burnt?

How can we decide what is to be taught theoretical and where to go practical and which lessons should not be taught???

The song that I came to sing........ by Tagore

2006-09-14T01:57:00.000-07:00

The song that I came to sing remains
unsung to this day.
I have spent my days in stringing and in
unstringing my instrument.
The time has not come true, the words
have not been rightly set; only there is the
agony of wishing in my heart.
The blossom has not opened; only the
wind is sighing by.
I have not seen his face, nor have I
listened to his voice; only I have heard his
gentle footsteps from the road before my
house.
The livelong day has passed in spreading
his seat on the floor; but the lamp has not
been lit and I cannot ask him into my
house.
I live in the hope of meeting with him;
but the meeting is not yet.
--from Gitanjali

P.S. this poem phrases my mental condition. Had I been Tagore, I would have written the above lines, but Chitra that i am ,you had to read the post below. : ).

Is there a way ?

2006-09-13T22:58:00.000-07:00

I am a mere spectator to life passing by and notice the harm being done. I know what is happening is not right and can only forsee gloom and darkness. I know that by being observer , I am equally responsible for tomorrow. Is that what is fate, which curtails my hand from holding out.

I know that I would be told that I can change the destiny by my strong will and determination. Yes , I know I have the will and the desire but cannot see the way? All I can do is say a little prayer to God for a little miracle and guidance.

To forgive and forget

2006-09-04T23:58:00.000-07:00

"To err is human , to forgive is divine."

We all accept apologies from our spouse, children, friends and let the bygones be and continue the relation as it existed. But , later on, at a different time and on different occasion, these issues crop up again.

Does it mean that we have not forgiven the person in true sense. I feel to forgive means to forget that instance. Is it really possible or do we have to be 'divine'" to forgive and forget.

Cute Prayer

2006-08-25T03:57:00.000-07:00

Time to think ?

2006-08-24T02:39:00.000-07:00

I am thinking about : what next
I said : Keep smiling for one never knows what happens tomorrow.
I want to : really practice what I say
I wish : the list is endless.
I regret : that at times, I am not able to control my temper and say nasty things which hurts others
I hear : My son crooning like Himesh Reshamiyya
I am : different from what I wish I was.
I dance : to my husband’s tunes!!!
I sing : horribly
I cry : when I am stressed; when I am hurt ; on watching the emotional scenes in movies ; almost all occasions but khushi ke aasoo nahin aaye !!!
I am not : diplomatic, or hypocrite
I am with my hands: hugging my son, and cooking
I write: my blogs and emails
I confuse : am confused
I need : depends on my mood (it can range from a private chopper to a chocolate)
I tag : Krithika, Inder

Thank you !

2006-08-22T02:30:00.000-07:00

I understand it is the norm of blog ethics to reply to every comment which implies that we are acknowledging the visitor and are welcoming him/her. But I am not able to keep up with replying to the comments and also take time to read at your sites.

Hence, I just thought I would mention it at one go that I appreciate all your comments and I look forward to them. Please continue to drop by….

Thanks

Bhagat Singh

2006-08-21T02:57:00.000-07:00

Shruti had mentioned that this is the 75th anniversary of the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh and his comrades. I have always felt that our Indian history has been unkind to him . As a school girl, I got to know more about Bhagat Singh through the film Shaheed with Manoj Kumar as the hero than though my history books.

Since the present government is also ignoring the event, she had requested that we must take a pledge to celebrate the anniversery of those people. I am just giving a link to her site "Celebration"(not only this post,her entire blog makes an intresting read).

Intresting !

2006-08-06T22:54:00.001-07:00

Priya, had to link this cartoon for that is what most of the bloggers undergo.

Amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing

2006-08-04T00:17:00.000-07:00

The word "listen" contains the same letters as the word "silent".

Self Centred : me ?

2006-07-31T05:12:00.000-07:00

The other day, when I was alighting from the bus, I saw TV cameras in front of my apartment and few men busy making placards. I was excited thinking atlast they have decided to voice against the power cuts (more than 14 hours in a day) we are facing. I had prepared mentally to speak the right words in front of the camera. I approached one of my neighbours and asked him as to what was happening? He excitedly replied, that they were fighting for justice for Priyadarshini Mattoo. One lady in our apartment happens to be a journalist and very strongly fighting her case.

With the influence she had , she could motivate all the ladies, children and men out of their house to raise slogans with placards in their hands. Why then she does not fight for some minor improvements in our living conditions?

Even I don’t want the accused to go scot free , but I truly believe charity begins at home. With so many pressing agendas , this was certainly not something I would like to fight for, now.

Reading this post, most of you might feel I am self centred .

Well…………….

Road Rage(a)

2006-07-26T23:49:00.000-07:00

Driving in Delhi Roads is nightmarish , especially the bluelines, two wheelers. They don’t even leave the footpath for you and every driver is hurling a volley of abuses. I avoid traveling with my husband in his scooter as he also steers his way in between the buses and tries to beat the traffic. I always sit in the fear that while waiting in red light, some passenger from the adjacent bus is going to vomit out .

But, yesterday , when I was pillion riding, I was amused at the sea change. Driving still atrocious but the mood has changed. Thanks to the FM and mp3 player in their mobiles. Every driver has got earplugs on and glued to music. So, while everyone is of the opinion they are humming the song, they are actually singing loud. In a red light, I could hear to my husband singing some song while the man behind me in another bike was singing a different song. Hilarious, it was.

Atleast, the moods have changed, and the tunes. Instead of the monotonous horns, One get to hear the songs, though not everyone is Kishore Kumar , Rafi, or Himesh Reshamiya.

Glad to be back..........

2006-07-20T03:25:00.000-07:00

Two days without able to browse blogs was indeed very difficult. Though I had mentioned that I am infected wih blogaria, ., I got to know the severity of it only in the last two days!

Thankfully, the sanity has prevailed! Hey all, now I should be able to read all your posts and ofcourse give my wise cracks!

World Population Day

2006-07-11T22:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was World Population Day and on February 25, 2006, it touched 6.5 billion!

In College, when I was more idealistic, I had proclaimed that I would rather adopt a child than to give birth and add on to the existing population. But, I got married and an opportunity to experience mother hood.

It is not that I am against adoption, but I wanted to experience the essence of motherhood! i wanted to feel a life within me and so, all my idealism and talk on ever growing population were thrown off the air. And yes, i enjoyed every minute of it!

So, at this stage, I can pledge that I shall try to make the world a better place to live in for the generations to come, by using the natural resources in a conservative manner.

Woh Din kitne Yaad Aate Hain!

2006-07-11T02:49:00.000-07:00

When gulli-danda and kanche (marbles) were more popular than cricket ...
When we always had friends to play aais-paais (I Spy),
chhepan-chhepai and pitthoo anytime ...
When we desperately waited for 'yeh jo hai jindagi'
When chitrahaar, vikram-baitaal,
dada daadi ki kahaniyaan were so fulfilling ....
When there was just one tv in every five houses and
When bisleris were not sold in the trains and we were
worrying if papas will get back into the train
in time or not
when they were getting down at stations
to fill up the water bottle ...
When we were going to bed by 9.00pm sharp
except for the 'yeh jo hai jindagi' day ...
When Holis & Diwalis meant mostly
hand-made pakwaans and sweets
and moms seeking our help while preparing them
When Maths teachers were not worried of
our mummys and papas while slapping/beating us ...
When we were exchanging comics and stamps and
chacha-chaudaris and billus were our heroes ...
When we were in nanihaals every summer and loved
flying kites and plucking and eating
unripe mangoes and leechis ...
When one movie every Sunday evening on television
was more than asked for
and 'ek do teen chaar' and 'Rajni' inspired us ...
When 50 paisa meant at least 10 toffees ...
When left over pages of the last years notebooks
were used for rough work or even fair work ...
When 'chelpark' and 'natraaj' were encouraged
against 'reynolds and family' ...
When the first rain meant getting drenched and playing
in water and mud and making 'kaagaj ki kishtis' ...
When there were no phones to tell friends that
we will be at their homes at six in the evening ...
When our parents always had 15 paise blue
colored 'antardesis' and 5 paise machli wale stamps at home
When we remembered tens of jokes and were not finding
'ice-cream and papa' type jokes foolish enough
to stop us from laughing ...
When we were not seeing patakhes on Diwalis and
gulaals on Holis as air and noise polluting
or allergic agents ...

the list can be endless ...

on the serious note I would like to summarise with ...
When we were using our hearts more than our brains,
even for scientifically brainy activities
like 'thinking' and 'deciding' ...
When we were crying and laughing more often,
more openly and more sincerily ...
When we were enjoying our present more
than worrying about our future ...
When being emotional was not synonymous to being weak
When sharing worries and happiness didnt mean
getting vulnerable to the listener ...
When blacks and whites were the favourite
colors instead of greys ...
When journeys also were important and not
just the destinations ....
When life was a passenger's sleeper giving enough time
and opportunity to enjoy the sceneries from its open
and transparent glass windows instead of some
superfast's second ac with its curtained,
closed and dark windows ...

This was sent by my friend a couple of years back!

Silly question that passed through the Generations!

2006-07-10T01:40:00.000-07:00

Like some diseases we aquire because of our genetics, there are also some traditions that we follow .

I could never fathom as to why my mother had to keep one leg over the other while filling water. The other day I saw my son was also doing the same!

One question that my mother used to ask just before making rotis is how many rotis would each of us have and used to irrtate all of us and we used to tease her. But, now I do the same , much to the chargin of my husband and my son!

Some habits die hard! I tag all you readers to share similar incidents!

Religious doubt

2006-07-10T01:03:00.000-07:00

Shankari’s post created a lot of questions and I am still trying to get the answers.

Of course, the Mohini avtaar of Lord Vishnu and the birth of Ayyappa evoked a lot of curiosity.This site explains why this is exactly not an avatar and there is only one temple dedicated to Mohini at Ryali, a small township 30 kms near the city of Rajahmundry, in Andhra Pradesh.

This site tried to reason out as to why Sabrimala does not entertain female devotees.
One cant conclude that because of his celebate status, he doesnt like to be visited by women (in Sabarimala, it could be because he has made one female devotee (Ganga) wait and so the rest of us female mortals have to wait ), while one finds female devotees thronging all the Ayappa temples and participate with equal fervour in the Mandala poojas!

Figure

2006-07-07T02:40:00.000-07:00

They play a very important role in our life. Both monetary reference and physical appearance. The figure, with reference to physical appearance amuses me more.

As a kid is born, we want to know how healthy is the kid. More the weight, more the healthy the baby is. As a child grows, being plump is associated with cuteness. And suddenly all these which were once appreciated becomes a negative point, especially if the concerned person belongs to the female sex. All relatives, parents try to get a quick remedy for slimming the girl, so that their daughter fits into the criteria for the grooms asking for slim beautiful girl. But the same girl, once the baby delivered puts on weight and becomes obese.

In times, of recent past, being fat meant they belong to “ khate peete ghar ke”. I remember my husband used to get offended if some one referred me as “so slim “. I never understood for some days, till I got an explanation from my husband that it meant his family is not taking care of me properly and feeding me! I thought my husband must be crazy to have such ideas, till I realized most of my friend’s husbands also fell in the same league.

Now, being slim is the style statement, the very housewife, who had put on weight, is trying to loose weight by going to the gym, or having a treadmill at home and other dieting courses And I, who was slim, at that time, am putting on weight, and look as if I belong to ghar who lives in "ghee" day in and night out!

Probably because I never could emulate fashion, when slim is the fashion, I am putting on weight and when being fat was considered good I was slim!

A typical Aquarian who makes her own style!

Face Value and Place Value

2006-07-04T05:30:00.000-07:00

"Just as our face never changes, similarly the face value of the number remains same. wherever the number is " says my son. But the place value of the number changes depending upon their position. (Eg : For the number, 6780, the place value of 7 is 700, while the face value is 7 but for the no. 67800, the place value becomes 7000).

Isn’t that the real case in all our lives? Wherever, we go, we are known by our name, but depending on the place, our value varies!

The Secret Fives

2006-07-03T02:30:00.000-07:00

My first tag! I was excited and wanted to respond immediately but I had to actually look though my freezer, purse, and closet before I could write. So, I asked for time. Of course, I didn’t just browse through the albums but also looked at all the photographs and reminisced my school, college days. Thanks, Krithika, I had a wonderful time.

Here it goes :-

Five items in my freezer:
Ice tray (used for first aid purposes only)

(Did find some empty chocolate wrappers, reminded me of our childhood , when we used to eat the sweets prepared by our mother and keep back the utensil as if it was untouched. Poor her, she used to be thinking that she would give our guests the sweets and she would find it empty…………... )

Five things in my car
Prefer public transport. No car

Five items in my closet
(Thank God, There were no skeletons!)
My dresses,
Photo Albums,
Certificates (both mine and my son’s)
Some old letters and greeting cards (letters received for my son since he was born)
Duplicate keys

Five items in my purse
Wallet
Lipstick (because my friend wants me to use it, though I forget it happily when I come to office)
House keys
Hairbrush
Emergency medicines

But please, let me tell you, my handbag is not clean as it sounds. Despite the wallet, my money would be scattered all over in my bag, bus tickets, pens which I never get when I need, my bank statements which comes out every time I use ATM, bits of papers (notes like the books I need to buy, things to do, etc etc.), and the best part of it is I forget. I shall know when I change my handbag, once in 6 months). It is mostly done by my son as he gets to keep all the change scattered in my bag.

Five people I tag :

Shankari
Geeta
Priya
Saroj
Aarathi

Slippery Sreesanth!

2006-07-01T09:34:00.000-07:00

Not that I know of any incident where he has slipped while bowling! I was told he wears two different colours of shoes! He sports two different brands on each of them and the reason he gives is his leg sizes are different. But soon this is catching up with young boys as a style statement!

So, now I might have to go to shoe shop to buy two different pairs of two different colours so that my son can wear his one pair of shoes! Probably sooner the time might come when the manufacturers would catch up with it and have two different colours for a single pair to ease our job!

Holy holiday

2006-06-30T03:48:00.000-07:00

Summer vacation is coming to an end. I have lots of holiday homework to complete………..

When my son started schooling I took a resolution, I shall not procrastinate the holiday homework and keep it till the last minute. But old habits die-hard!

With no choice left, this week, we both have to finish the PowerPoint presentations, charts, writing “muhavres” (proverbs) in flash cards etc. etc. I am off to my mother’s place today as he is there and all of us plan to sit the night out and help him finish it off. Another girl (just fresh out of college and in her first year of job) has also decided to give us a helping hand……………

Interesting project among the lot, which I would like to share with all of you

Building a sandwich and exploring how natural forces create rock layers.

Take a White Bread :-Igneous Bedrock,
Layer it with butter and raisins: - conglomerate.
Another layer of Brown Bread: -shale
Spread it with Mayonnaise: -Limestone,
Spread the Tomato sauce on top: -red sandstone!

Bend this sandwich to form mountains and valleys. And then munch the geological creation!!!!

Yes, we have to observe mosquitoes, cockroaches under the microscope. As far as cockroaches are concerned, I would rather watch them through a telescope!

Here’s wishing myself all the best.

CBM

2006-06-26T03:03:00.000-07:00

During normal days, my son never shares his day-to-day happenings in school with me, or for that matter with anyone in the family. We get tit bit of information as and when he likes. None of us in the family put pressure on him.
But, on the day of PTM(Parent Teacher Meeting), my son narrates all the incidents, both good and bad that happened in the school on the 15-minute walk that we have together. He also tells me as to the exact nature of complaint that I would receive. He rather forewarns me as to what I should expect.
Of course, the return journey has me advising him and telling all those stuff that all good mothers are supposed to say! One such time, he interrupted and asked me if he would have any such opportunity to talk to my boss and find out about my behavior and my capability.
This led me to thinking what if we have CBM (Children Boss Meet). I am sure all the HR guys would have a tough time handling the children’s queries. Our children would have have a field day.

As one grows……..

2006-06-22T22:41:00.000-07:00

Most of the people refuse to grow up while growing old. They insist that the children in the neighborhood call them by their names and not aunts/uncles much to the children's discomfort.They tend to act in the most immature way while interacting with the friends of their children. After all, our children need privacy too..
I agree , there are more options in the sense of dresses, outings etc. I once read somewhere Helen, the famous vamp of the then cinema lamenting that the choice of dresseses were then not there for her, and so, she loves to have her daughter in law Malaika Arora Khan wear them. All of us would agree that Helen would have looked gorgeous in all those outfits compared to any of the present day actressess. But , now she still gets applauded whe she come on to the stage because she wears a dress that suits her figure and image.

Why do we refuse to grow with dignity and earn respect?

Word verification

2006-06-21T01:04:00.000-07:00

I write about this as I am not able to comprehend as to why it is done………………

The first time, I saw it , it reminded me of optical store . Now almost all us bloggers have it.

For me, it checks on our vision, and whether we are able to recognize the alphabets in the keyboard and type it and just another tedious boring step to post a comment….

Probably the absence of it might make me realise.

It is bothering me a bit too much as I seem to be posting comments on my site much too often. And so, here it goes………….

Couldnt think of a suitabe title..

2006-06-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

When I received this mail : just another forward mails threatening us to send it across otherwise tragedy would befall us, I sometimes succumb to it and sometimes courageously delete it. Well, this poem when i received it, I liked the words so much, that I decided to share it with you all.

In this great city that has no end,
Yet the days go by and weeks rush on,
And before I know it, a year is gone.
And I never see my old friends face,
For life is a swift and terrible race,
He knows I like him just as well,
As in the days when I rang his bell.
And he rang mine but we were younger then,
And now we are busy, tired men.
Tired of playing a foolish game,
Tired of trying to make a name.
"Tomorrow" I say! "I will call on Jim
Just to show that I'm thinking of him."
But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes,
And distance between us grows and grows.
Around the corner, yet miles away,
"Here's a telegram sir," "Jim died today."
And that's what we get and deserve in the end.
Around the corner, a vanished friend.
Remember to always say what you mean.
If you love someone, tell them.
Don't be afraid to express yourself.
Reach out and tell someone what they mean to you.
Because when you decide that it is the right time
it might be too late.
Seize the day. Never have regrets.
And most importantly, stay close to your friends
and family, for they have helped
make you the person that you are today.

Friend in need?

2006-06-17T01:39:00.000-07:00

Am I ?

As we leave the college we resolve to be friends forever no matter whatever are the circumstances. All of us seem to be singing the same song “ Yeh Dosti Hum Nahin thodenge”.
But as time passes by, one gets married and has to choose a career. The distance grows, both in geographical aspects as well as mental aspects. Hence, so many things remain unsaid between friends. The friendship remains but we are not able to dedicate the time to them, how much so ever we wish to.
When one is troubled or in distress, as a friend we can hear them out and help to empower them so that they can solve the problems and face the world. And yes, we can pray for them. A friend who understands this and accepts on the other end remains friends for life.

P. S.: This post is dedicated to my parents, sisters and my friends.

Obituaries!!!!

2006-06-13T02:22:00.000-07:00

Why is it that we have to talk good of the dead , even if they have not been kind to us or have got lots of misdeeds to their credit? Are we afraid, that they are watching us from the Space above !

When we can look at the good qualities of a person after his death, why not do the same when he is alive ?

Relatively I

2006-06-12T23:02:00.002-07:00

My friend says I am obsessed with relationships. I am. Who wouldnt be?

Because I was born as a daughter, became a sister , friend, wife, mother , aunty, bhabhi, chachi employee, subordinate, etc. Everyone perceives me differently. I am not one of the superwoman who match up to everyone’s expectation.

Everywhere we go, as a part of the society we form bonds. I cant live as an individual. Yes, I should try not to lose my individuality.

Right (or wrong) to Equality

2006-06-05T03:04:00.000-07:00

Is respect given only if we call others by their relation to us or ‘sir’ in an organization? I can still disrespect them or malign them even if I refer them as didi or bhaiya? Are we not promoting hypocrisy? Would I tend not to respect someone if I call him/her by his or her first name?

Though I agree wisdom grows with age, but not necessarily true for everyone. So, there are chances that we can refuse to agree with our elders. Do we have to listen to them even if we don’t agree to them? Is arguing with them, a sign of disrespect?

Little Doubt

2006-05-22T04:49:00.000-07:00

Was just thinking if God had created Eve first, would she have asked for Adam or another Eve for company?

Autobiography

2006-05-17T04:13:00.000-07:00

Fear not. I am not writng mine. I was just wondering about them……….Do we have the right to write one. For would we not be infringing on the private life of our near and dear ones!

For I know, if I write it would involve my best and worst moments with my family, in-laws, extended family , friends. If I edit it , would it be a complete and true autobiography? Can they take me to court for exposing their private life?

One thing everyone can be sure it would not find many readers!!

Hai Ram! Mujhko Blogaria Hua!

2006-05-12T22:56:00.000-07:00

I was introduced to blog by my dear friend Shankari when she took on to blogging. I was amazed at the writing skill of hers and the comments that her site generated. I thought of starting one, but I was forewarned that it would consume too much of my time. Hence, I told my other friend Sundar who already had his personal blog to start a team blog. Yes, he did start SACC as was told and I was still wary of posting articles except for some comments. Of course, now I contribute on a regular basis but the other members are still not comfortable. In the meanwhile, I started a blog for my cousins which didn’t take off. It was then that I was told by my sisters to start my own.

I was not very confident,though I had ideas, to start on as I am not prolific writer and my vocab is not too good. Somehow, I started it one day.I got encouraging responses from Shankari and my sisters which led me onto continue writing on my blog. When Lakshmi of Random Thoughts posted a comment(the first comment from an outsider!), I was overjoyed. Her site took me to the other sites of Chitra and Shruthi, whose writings I enjoy reading. But yesterday only, I realized the infection that has been caused by the blog bug that bit me. It was chitra’s question on her site that had me hooked the whole day yesterday and it was like we were chatting the whole day. And the doctor has promised to give me the remedy only on Monday. Till then, I guess, I am infected...

Gift

2006-05-08T21:38:00.000-07:00

Receiving gifts is always pleasure and that too the suspense in unwrapping the gifts thrills me even at this age. As kids we have been taught that whatever be the gift should be accepted wholeheartedly and thanked profusely. And so, when my niece got married couple of months back, we were gifted salwar kameezes .Since, we couldn’t go then, it was received by me yesterday. Till yesterday I was getting ready for the wonderful dress that I would get, but when I unwrapped…….the colour combination was not to my liking and would not suit my complexion.
Then came the awakening. She gifted me because she had to and not because she wanted to. I used to be sentimental and not wanting to hurt others, would keep all the gifts and even occasionally wear them. My husband’s complaint about the gifted blouse pieces being stacked in my cupboard always fell on deaf ears as I was not going to dispose them off lest I hurt them.

Now, I have taken a resolution to return the gifts to the donors on the next occasion at my place. So, those gifts neatly tagged along with their names wait for an occasion at my place………..

Hot Seat

2006-04-30T23:25:00.000-07:00

Never got to experience the heat of the hot seat in KBC, but come summer, I am experiencing the hot seat in rickshaws and buses everyday!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Humans Being…

2006-04-25T01:34:00.000-07:00

We human beings call ourselves domesticated wild animals. But are we, in real senses, tame. One look at the corporate jungle and we can find that everyone is trying to outsmart their peers, no matter what and how, just to be ahead in the race and earn some quick brownie points from their bosses. “Survival of the fittest” still seems to be the mantra. Yet, we pretend to be the best buddies in the eyes of society.
If by chance, for a day, rule of the jungle governs us, and we have no society to fear, we would be worse than the man-eaters.

Ram versus Ravan

2006-04-23T22:11:00.000-07:00

My son was taught that Ram and Ravan reside in our minds. And that there is a constant tussle between them.

Every time, after any of his misbehavior, for which he is scorned, he apologizes saying at that juncture, Ravan had won over but now Ram has emerged victorious.

How long does this war go? By the time, we are adults, isn’t that one should have emerged victorious. Is it possible, that at this age also, there are times that Ravan out powers for a few minutes and brings out the devil in us? Is it normal behavior? Can this go as an excuse for my outbursts?

I invite you all for a debate on this.

Marital vs Martial

2006-04-21T00:32:00.000-07:00

Initially, as a young girl, I somehow got the spelling wrong for marital and used to spell it the other way. Used to wonder as to how two different facets can have the same spelling. Interchanging of one letter could make a great difference.

But after 12 years of married life, I feel marital life is a never ending tournament of martial matches . (Pun intended)

Careworn

2006-04-20T01:57:00.000-07:00

I started blogging as a meeting ground for my cousins. So. my earlier page was only dedicated to them. But, it looks they are too busy to respond or probably non-committal. So, here I am , creating another one to write what I feel.

I was also told blogging can work as a de stressing medium without any side effects unlike coffee or tea which I am addicted to.

I started with lot of ideas but when I started writing, my ideas went hazy. Hence,I decided to take the help of mamasaysom to chose my first write up. And the topic “careworn” rightly depicts my frame of mind today.

I wonder why? It is the beginning of the new session for my son. So, no exam blues too! It can’t be due to my workplace because I got an increment within 6 months of my joining. So, no financial blues or too. If the beginning of summer (Max temp: 32 C) can do this to me, I dread May and June. So, I conclude these are just the weather blues and the power cuts that go along with it which make me haggard at the beginning of the day.