Living in pursuit .....

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2012-02-11T15:06:00.001+05:30

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2012-01-27T15:20:00.001+05:30

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2012-01-10T17:11:00.001+05:30

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2012-01-10T17:10:00.001+05:30

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High hopes...

2009-01-23T16:59:00.005+05:30

It seems like ages since I last blogged...have been so pre-occupied since after the terror attack. Everything seemed surreal...while part of the city mourned, some continued with their celebration of life with weddings and parties barely within a week after. It made me wonder...the solidarity we are screaming about is merely the frustration of the city, iced with a very recent cause. As always, time is a healer, and time also makes some memories fade...

But for those who lose their loved ones time often stands still...and while the memories never fade the pain does lessen. Though I was not directly involved, I felt just as terrorised after reading the many stories of pain and loss and of hope and heroism.

Now in the New Year, while many Mumbai citizens do not ever wish to forget that horrible week, I pray the powers that be do not forget and have the conviction of purpose and purity of will to never let their people down again.

Impurity in white

2008-11-30T21:24:00.004+05:30

I was watching a debate on the recent terror attack in Mumbai by the intellegentsia on a news channel and it was an eye-opener...
While most had sensible suggestions "Ms" Simi Garewal, a had-been actress, socialite in white and very dumb made an observation that bordered on insanity and maybe growing senile with age...

The botoxed wonder opined after "careful biased observation", that in most slums across high-rise buildings, there fluttered a flag, not belonging to any political party but Pakistan, she said after a dramatic pause!

Thankfully for her, I was not in the audience sitting across....as there was an apalled reaction from all, and one gentleman even sprang out of his chair to say people like her were the enemy! If only she could make enough time after dressing up her face and body to educate herself enough to know that the "flag" she saw represents the symbol for islam....many of the poor in the city slums are muslims, of which many are migrants from Bangladesh who have come to Mumbai. harbouring big dreams. The crescent and star on a green flag is a symbol of a community's faith. to associate the same with terror is wrong. Its bad enough that every muslim has to live with the terrorist tag....yes every muslim can sense it from the society....it's worse when the "thinking indian" - the likes of Simiji, make moronic remarks on national TV, it makes me pause and think deep.

When will we ever be a unified front as a people?...we don't need politicians to divide, the divide is already there...made apparent by the likes of dim-bulb simiji-in white, we simply dont want to acknowledge the same because its safer to go about business as usual under the garb of being a secular city/nation.....

We need a miracle to overcome the likes of artificial, shallow Simiji to ensure that all those who have lost their lives in Mumbai's terror attacks since 1993 have not done so in vain! I wish she'd reserve the dramatics for her 'chat' shows only.....

We all know now, why she needs to dress her small twisted mind and thoughts in white.....

Achmad the dead terrorist

2008-11-28T12:43:00.004+05:30

I laughed till my throat hurt, when I viewed Jeff Dunhams show on You tube two days ago..... later that night I witnessed young boys terrorise an entire city....more innocent lives lost in Mumbais enth terrorist attack! In a single night we lost three of our best top cops- good, honest tough men along with their team of a dozen more who sacrificed their lives for the city while our politicians hammed impotently.

I'm saddened for lives lost and angered that repeatedly handful terrorists strike at will and we are helpless sitting ducks! Our politicians need to wake up and act boldly and stop pussy-footing around.

I've never been more proud to be an Indian, because of the remarkable spirit displayed by the people especially the bravehearts fighting to keep us safe....wish I could say the same about our "embarrasing heads of state"....

Brawn power

2008-11-19T11:07:00.007+05:30

'Body Beautiful' has caught up with politicians. Its now election time in the world's largest democracy and we have our colurful candidates "revealing" their best! A leading daily carried this picture of one such candidate from a party which comprises of a limited think-tank....one which boasts muscle power and well..... I'm not sure what startegy. Since pictures speak a thousand words, need I say more?

I'm convinced I'm not rooting for a candidate because of their appearance and fancy 'props' ....we all know our "dhoti clad bapu" didn't achieve what he did, boasting his frail physique!

Leading by example

2008-11-13T12:59:00.004+05:30

A week ago, America proved to the world that it is truly one of the greatest democracies in the world! For that I bow to all the Americans who voted for Barack Obama and change.

On the other hand I sometimes wonder when will some of our old greying Indian politicians ever grow up? They keep on crying about a "foreign lady" being in control and possibly jeopardising the security of the nation! They would be hilarious and perfect in a slapstick movie, but unfortunately these are the jokers who are "leaders" in my country and disregard an Italian woman's dedication to our country simply because they are too blinded and driven by their own personal desires to simply get elected at any cost, to have any vision for India's future. On the contrary they are doing what Gandhi was fighting against....divide and rule.

So when I see "change" in the world's most powerful democracy, I feel hopeful...maybe, just maybe we too will overcome? My faith is strong but does wane just a bit when it comes to some of the "old veterans" of Indian politics....but I see a bright future because there is a new breed of young ones, who are educated, spunky and clued up and getting experienced.

When I saw this cartoon, I thought it effectively illustrated how we are reponsible for our beautiful world......if we want change, we've got to work at it.

Bloggers united

2008-11-11T14:33:00.002+05:30

http://unite.blogcatalog.com/.

I'm a day late, but my intentions have not waned. When I received the mail from "Bloggers Unite" I knew I wanted to be a part of it.... losing families and being seperated from loved ones is a thought I can barely begin to comprehend.... the pain beyond measure, especially when the women and children in the refugee camps are mercilessly raped, abused and violated. So if I'm able to help create awareness about the great work being done by Bloggers Unite, I'm happy because I'm convinced that change is possible when faceless bloggers come together to help those in need!

At a crossroad

2008-11-04T13:33:00.006+05:30

I try not to let the upheavals, the negative souls pin me down...yes I do take a dip down there sometimes(i'm human!), but its never made me feel great....so I promptly swim back ashore where my feet are grounded and then allow my mind to wander and explore freely....
The mind can never dream and be free when its weighed down and sinking with sad thoughts.

Now I'm standing at a crossroad, one which leads to new opportunities pursuing what I luv doing and the other is filled with a challenge.
So while I'm focussing on the exciting road ahead filled with new opportunities I'm distracted with the unfinished business.

I know I need to let go of what's past...but a part of me tells me, that if I quietly take this in my stride am I not being weak and taking the easy way out by not demanding for what is my right?
Or am I being sensible by reasoning that the new challenges need my complete time and focus to make it an exciting and worthwhile journey.....???

Good news...

2008-10-30T13:12:00.006+05:30

We have often been told that bad news is a blessing in disguise....many times you still despair when faced with "bad news" like I was a couple of weeks ago....and though i did bounce back , the truth remains that "bad news" is indeed a blessing in disguise.

I reasoned CSR was not considered priority for many as they are desperately trying to stay afloat in these trying times. I have not been paid my salary for two months....If I'm having trying times now what about the really poor and the needy? They have not vanished overnight...!they continue to be, so though my company quit on me I have not quit!

And guess what?! I'm now involved with an NGO, as consultant.... I'm gainfully employed doing what I luuuvvvve.!!!

Which is why it is important that you never give up...

Diwali after the "diwala"

2008-10-27T20:02:00.002+05:30

Well the only cheer in this scenario of gloom is the festive occasion of lights-DIWALI....I'm hoping the new year will bring cheer to all those who have invested their life savings and livlihood in the market. With dwindling stocks all are facing perilous times, a wise blogger quoted "Some of God's greatest gifts are his unanswered prayers"................!!! draw on your strength and believe. "Hope" is a big word and I'm a believer...

Mumbai's Shame

2008-10-21T12:54:00.004+05:30

MNS think its a shame that Raj has been arrested.
Because they don't even pause and think! If they did, they would themselves hang their heads in shame and disgust. Beating, vandalising, terrorising innocent civilians from "outside" Maharashtra amd holding the city to ransom in the name of "progress??" is something which is difficult for my simple mind to comprehend.

Yes...Rajji needs to be locked up along with all his goons.

The Mumbai police is out in strength to ensure that the MNS goons do not deter us...I'm at work . As civilians we should go about our busines as usual and not allow ourselves to be dictated by a handful of "mental" persons, as quoted by Shree Laluji!

More Marathi manoos need to speak up against this. A collective voice will resonate loud enough, but it has to all want and say the same thing! With politicians known for milking every controversy for their perosnal gain, its going to be challenging but not impossible. As civilians , we have to do our bit too.

Don't give up

2008-10-17T13:38:00.006+05:30

The wise often say, that the more you chase something, the more difficult it is to get/achieve it. And I'm not talking about chasing a loved one, but even your desires and wants. They say, it all happens in its own good time.......On the other hand, they also say, that in order to achieve something one must keep pursuing and never give up. Add to this, one must have a positive attitude in the face of adversity!

I'm at a place in life where I'm pursuing my dream......but hell i'm confused!
So I've decided to go with my inner voice.... though filled with trepidation it may be(i've been kicked around some), I believe in my dreams and I will continue to pursue them in the face of all travesty. Yes, I will be positive too, because how will I convince others about my dreams if I'm not convinced myself?

I've just recieved some rather unsettling news today, but after the initial jolt, I've recovered from it. Because today is one amongst many more tomorrows and they depend on my attitude today. Do I chose to be bogged down feeling awful or do I chose to smile and walk through this beautiful life's challenges.........I'm not giving up on me and nor should you ...DREAM ON and succeed!

Lost...

2008-10-16T18:15:00.000+05:30

I started blogging with blazing guns …almost! My friends seem to think I have an opinion on everything, and my personal blog was a great way to endorse just that…..! My thoughts, my feelings, my fears, my joys, my lows, MY VIEWS on the good bad and ugly. It would be kinda hard to write on my blog with a global panoramic view of all things and people.That would seem like I was generalizing and then it’s no longer personal!
Bear with me as I’m suffering from an acute writer’s block! I’m babbling with no profundity to share. Why do I feel this freeze, and why am I lost for words? I always take haven in my world of words and since the past few days I’ve been battling with this and shying away from posting on my blog.
Well today I decided, I will let my fingers just take the keyboard and let my mind rest a bit……. And it’s evident that the mind does matter!
Will be back soon enough, rejuvenated and recharged ..now that it's been established it’s all about mind over matter….

Veiled Devotion

2008-10-10T12:35:00.004+05:30

I was with a friend at her office nestled in a residential area....its like a big garage converted into a compact work space for two-four persons, situated behind an old two-storeyed house. My friend has one young assistant....barely twenty.

Oblivious, we sat inside, as she was trying to get rid of a trio who insisted on some donation for the "navratri puja". It was only when the doorbell was ringing persistently, she came in to inform my friend to be seated, as she had informed them, that my friend was not in office (to spare her the unnecessary ordeal), and did not want her to come out to investigate as the assistant would appear as a sham.

While we sat, waiting, the trio outside kept getting noisier. Realising that it was unfair leaving the young girl to face the thugs, I went out hoping to rid us of the elements! Three drunk men are intimidating, even when you are a locked behind a glass door with an additional iron grill door in front. They insisted we give money for their "puja". I refused, as I said the lady in question was not available and they could come back another time if required. They demanded the money from me and when I told them I did not wish to randomly donate for any "puja", they got even more agressive, insisting that they were neighbours and it was my duty to donate, waving a small card wth a picture of an idol on top.

When I tried to reason, that they were forcing me into giving money I did not want to give, they did not seem to agree. They started speaking in an abusive manner and it was only after the watchman from the adjacent building and my friend's male servant arrived(for his evening duty), that they reluctantly chose to leave but not before threatening to come again, as they lived "close by".

We felt invaded........ they boldly came, right at the doorstep, demanding what thay had no right to in the name of religion. Hurling foul language.....(thank God for the iron grill door)!To team drunk hooligans together in the name of religion is ironical. I'm not virtuous and I do not believe that in order to be religious you have to be a teetotaler, but you certainly don't go around drunk, intimidating people to do things they dont want to and then threaten them with dire consequences.

One could say I went out courting trouble. I could have minded my business and let the young assistant manage on her own, but what would that have made me? Another spineless, mute observer .....?

Rest in Piece

2008-09-25T14:24:00.003+05:30

I’m forced to rest….not that I’m an extremely busy stressed executive pressed for time! I’ve fairly “normal” work hours and commute time not exceeding two hours to and fro. My son is a teenager so, I’m not a harried mommy combating sleepless nights barely awake through midnight feeds and diaper changes! Hurrah…! I’ve past that……all too soon I ruefully wonder sometimes when I see my “youngone” towering over me!
I must rest because I had a fall….my foot is in a plaster and I’ve to rest it for 2 weeks and walk around only with the help of either a walker or crutches with elbow support. I’ve noticed my supportive friends are particularly gleeful in chiding me for chasing men at my age. At least I’m adventurous I say…………!
So as I’m sitting here rather comfortably with pillows propped under my “adulterous, roving” foot in one piece, I've sorely missed the web connect.

It's really quite amazing how incomplete you can feel when your unable to connect with the "outside world" when confined at home in one place. I was so frustrated when my internet connectivity went bust for a few days at home....I had books to read(which I always complained I never found time to read!) and friends to chat with, some generous ones even dropped in for impromptu visits. Yet I longed to "connect" with the "faceless". Getting the "internet connection" was an all-consuming task for me.

Why could I simply not bask in the time forced upon me to just do nothing , be lazy and get wasted?...why do I feel I'm in a race against time ?....But at least I'm blogging again, so I can write ad-nauseum till I can figure out exactly what I'm living in pursuit of! Till then I'll oscillate between rest and seek!

Mouth wide shut

2008-09-11T14:23:00.009+05:30

Mind your language!! Don't laugh, don't be funny and most certainly do not have an opinion! You live in a free world but you are not free to speak what you wish....whisper if you must.
The Freedom of speech is a powerful tool one that we have to exercise with restraint, judging from the recent opinions/comments voiced by well known personalities -coincidently both from the filmworld....Also it is only meant for "some" of our respected netajis. Mind it.....!
In both instances, under normal circumstances, a tolerant audience would have barely blinked, but unfortunately we live in times, where displaying umbrage over minor, petty matters is the only way our "babus" get heard. Tolerance is a virtue buried with Bapuji-Father of our Nation. We claim to live in a civilised society but we all know how far from the truth that is.
Imagine Big B having to call Raj his friend!...is that "Heroic" or what! Understandably he does not want to attract the wrath of the goons.... yeah, no one does. With crores riding on the Bachchan films, investors tied in various knots, it's important that business should not get affected....so many lives are at stake.
Just like he said, its a law and order situation...so let the law decide. Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, MF Husain, Aamir Khan, Taslima Nasrin, etc. in the past all have neither said nor done anything that they are guilty of. Yet they have been penalised and asked to tender apologies....some have had it worse with fatwas issued on them.
All this because they are influential and intelligent people.

Why should the celebs allow themselves to become victims of such politics? Why can't they simply stand their ground? They have the support of the citizens who revere them and they need to believe in that. The people NEED to depend on the state's machinery to actually work and support them, be they celebs or others, so that local goons do not dictate who our "friends" should be. Just a thought..er, why cant the citizens get together to ban the "ban"ers?

These pictures I recieved by mail, make me purrr with delight, after all my blog is not only about the usual suspects... Big cats with big hearts generously shower their affection on the South African game warden in a game reserve.

Makes one wonder...is their silent communication more powerful? the wild animals appear more tame and less fearsome than our "concerned and caring leaders"........

Speaking up is bad for health!

2008-09-10T15:16:00.004+05:30

Its ironical that aimless-man Raj should say "I will keep on expressing my views whenever I feel like and in the interest of Maharashtra".....the latter was an afterthought!!
Now why is it that Ms. Jaya Bachchan(n I'm no great fan of her's) cannot simply make a remark in jest....the intelligentsia does understand she was not targeting any community. Yeah, yeah...we know she is an MP, but is she not human too and allowed a sense of humour?
At this rate, we will have to think twice before indulging in any little light-hearted banter for fear of MNS goons!
Just like Mr. Raj has the "right" to expression so does the rest of the city folks. And we also know that what he expresses is way more inflammatory....
So Why, who and what gives him the right to ban people and films?

Have you noticed, in personal relationships too "speaking up" has very sena-ish/mns-ish reverberations?.. with one person being banned! Then the "banned" speaker has to apologise and you kiss and make up till one of you "speaks-up" again..............! The only major difference is, in our personal lives this exchange is healthy and stimulating to the relationship while in politics its hazardous to our health!
God, we want peace, can you please knock sense into some of our troublesome self-imposed "leaders" ?

Ganpati bappa morya!

2008-09-05T10:40:00.006+05:30

I love the sound of the chant....everytime i hear it I smile...everytime I see the rotund, tubby beautifuly bedecked elephant-god idols I feel good. He is not charming nor has the sacrificing and resurrective appeal of other Lords and Dieties, yet individuals from all castes and communities worship him.
India is a land with many different Gods and various forms of idol-worshipping, but have you wondered what it is about Lord Ganesha, that has such "universal" appeal amongst all of us-caste, creed, age , no bar?
Let me tell you...
Lord Ganesha has a metaphsical seat in the "muladhara chakra" within our bodies. "Mula" means primary and "dhara" means foundation. This chakra is situated in the base of our spine and signifies the core of our being.
A very wise lady told me about the Muladhara and its relevance in our lives- it has four key expressions: dharma which is our spiritual desire, artha is our quest for the supernatural and unknown, kama is our physical desire and moksha is spiritual liberation....
So now you know, why you connect and sway with that "ganpati-bappa" chant as he stirs you from deep within you. If only more people were aware then one would think twice before hurting a fellow human-being. "Follow the gut" will have a whole new meaning now....Go with him and have a great life!

My reservation on "reservation"

2008-09-02T13:54:00.006+05:30

Eversince Shabana Azmi, actress, MP, concernced citizen of Mumbai raised her husky tenor to voice a growing trend and truth, about the discrimination faced by Muslims in Mumbai while renting/purchaing apartments, she has also raised the hackles of overzealous had been? cine-villain colleague Shotgun-Sinha.
He thundered, she has made an "irresponsible" statement! The Mayor too quips in saying that anyone with money in Mumbai has no problem purchasing the home of their dreams....Yes, O bright one, but that is precisely the bone of contention!
After having read scores of reports of various families being refused a home of their choice I'm going to share my own personal account...which is humiliating to say the least.
As we started looking and meeting prospective sellers all was well. Just then they would discover our community while freezing in on the apartment, and the deal would be off...just like that. Reason being-they do not want to negotiate with Muslims.Others were more blatant, in that the entire society did not accept Muslims, though all other communities were welcome.
I felt like an untouchable...I insisted on valid grounds for their refusal, while my husband would prefer us to move on. No one had a good reason...just awkward silences, indifferent shoulder shrugs blaming co-op HS rules.
We kept looking and searching in "cosmopolitan" and "secular" societies, insisting with our brokers to ensure that the seller knew our "identity" beforehand to save us futher humiliation. Finally after six long months of exhaustively looking every day and evening, we found our "home" amongst broader minds. Where we are not looked down as outcasts, but treated as equals.
That is all we want -acceptance.
Reserving places and areas for a community which is being singled out, is not a solution-as "leaders" they are encouraging ghettoism and heightening the divide.

Haven't we noticed that we can all peacefully co-exist, till one vote-driven "neta" makes "stirring" speeches?

I would rather they "reserved" their attitude and comments which do more harm than good. That just might be a positive start !!!

I see red...

2008-08-30T12:35:00.005+05:30

And I see red often...especially when I read the news. More so when I read about the "thackerays" of the world and their scheming ways hoping to win votes in the name of rights for the simple gentle marathi manoos. My dear Raj and uncle and rest of the jingoist clan, please understand the basic human needs first-roti-kapda aur makaan...it does not matter in which language the food grain is packaged in for the hungry nor does it matter to the poorly clad body, the language on the label of the garment...and it matters least of all whether the roof over their heads is scripted in devnagari, english, french, german, urdu, gujarati.....!!!
So focus on providing the basics for your own, then when you do take up petty, childhish cudgels like insisting on marathi sign boards I will see less Red. maybe I'll settle for a nice shade of pink....!
These are people with the power to make change possible if they so desired and yet they simply abuse it, wasting their energy on non-issues.

Sharing is caring

2008-08-29T16:20:00.004+05:30

Close to my apartment on the road outside, sits an old lady. Her white hair framing her eyes ripe with transluscent grey cataracts in her weathered face. She has a pronounced hump on her back.. so when she stands she is barely 4 feet tall.
I often see her from my window and when I pass her by, she smiles and hardly ever begs, though she is destitute. She is always alone and I wonder about her family, if she has any and have they abandoned her? as is rampant in Mumbai with escalating costs, or is she merely a victim of misfortune? Either way, she is my Hero. Almost blind, she is not harsh and bitter.
I watched as she was given food, suddenly there appeared another lady from nowhere. Normally, I've observed, the one who gets the food, eats alone or flees with the food. Sreet kids fights, as the older ones bully the younger ones who rarely relent. But here she was, my old lady, very happy to share her little meal. From where I watched, her needs appeared simple. A small square meal daily to survive, but greater was her need to share her meal.
She is a lady who has nothing yet she is a one who has everything. ......

Traffic Sense or common nonsense

2008-08-26T10:52:00.005+05:30

This morning I heard on the radio that the RTO is planning to ban music in vehicles heard even at normal decibels, as it is distracting and could cause accidents???!!.....I'm still trying to digest this gem as I'm sure all the other listeners must be too.
One radio station raised valid points, that music is relaxing and would therefore help the driver who is otherwise stressed, to which the RTO representative( who was on air)answered that such persons should not be driving! Can't imagine anyone in our vivacious city being totaly stress free-especially when they are driving...infact it is ONLY when we START driving we generally begin to stress the most!
To the observation that even surgeons who are operating and in whose hands the patients lives are dependant, hear music while performing surgery, made no impression on the RTO speaker as he merely brushed aside the subject as not being relevant....!
As electorates we have in charge some corporators and politicians who take decisions based on pure whims and fancies. We can boast of only a handful of intelligent leaders truly concerned about the well-being of its one billion people. The rest are merely jokers who pursue insignificant issues like "wardrobe-malfunctions", "road/rail/lane/airport, etc." renaming after great maratha warriors"! Do they not realise that the common man cares less about their "agenda for the common man" and is more concerned about common things such as basic facilities like health, education, housing and sanitation.....which are not common in our country?!!!
What next O respected Babus? Ban on Hollywood movies because it will corrupt our virgin minds? Don't worry, we will come to you for that, if we ever need help.

Super-attitude

2008-08-21T14:10:00.004+05:30

On my way home from work, I often pass through a small busy lane which houses some bars-one with a particularly bright exterior, the walls glistening with mozaic mirrors, nestled between greasy, grungy garages. There is also a rather stylish boutique, showcasing trendy apparel elegantly draped on the manequins...and of course there are shanties galore peppered with utility stores. No self-respecting Mumbai lane can be complete without one!
Add to this, the daily "bazaar", with hawkers selling cheap goods and vegetable and meat vendors displaying their colourful and fleshy wares on either side of the road. On the adjacent footpath, rests a Barber's chair. With a mirror framed with pictures of the famous star "Khans" hung on a bordering wall. As my auto crawls through, I watch as a new face emerges after the shave and cut...feeling more confident and presentable.
In the midst of this chaos, there also sits a small shrine for the God-fearing with a uncharacteristically beefy and firm looking caretaker.
My auto-driver grunts and grumbles as he skilfully dodges the shoppers and little tykes running amok...So what's the big deal.... this is what we all see right? normal sight.
But have you really looked- because that noisy crowded little lane you cant-get-out-of-fast-enough is full of life, brimming with excitement, dreams and hope.
I used to skip the "bazaar" too till I started my regular trot through there...the men and women, doing business as usual, donning raincoats and umberellas, even through a heavy downpour. Above all what struck me was their attitude. Smiling, friendly and patient you would think they are sitting in an upmarket air-conditioned mall serving customers!
And I see a beautiful life....

Superman-Nick Vujicic

2008-08-20T15:07:00.007+05:30

Yesterday I recieved an email which has moved me...shaken and stirred me. It's about a young man of 25 yrs, who was born without both arms and legs...yet manages to live a complete life, swimming, playing soccer, working and dreaming as a regular 25 yr old man. But Nick Vujicic is not an ordinary man.
He has taken steps which most would hesitate to take and exudes a confidence which is overwhelming. He is miles ahead of able-bodied folks like me demonstrating wisdom, compassion and hope which makes me feel empty and shallow. Living as I do in a country where poverty and sickness precede a majority of the population and hope is a romantic word, Nick's story has led me to question my purpose in life.
What is it that I have to do? I'm healthy and blessed so why am I not trying harder to help those who are not?....

monday blues

2008-08-18T15:32:00.004+05:30

A nice long lazy weekend thanks to our independence day on a convenient Friday. While India celebrates it's Freedom from the "raj", a majority of the indians struggle to free themselves from the monotony of routine...so we yearn for a break, take-off on weekends, hoping for some fun and change.
Yet real "CHANGE", we fear . The security of the known is far more reassuring when faced with the unknown. So its not change but an escape we seek.
Like a child who toddles off in wonderment, but only as far as the mother's watchful eye, we seek the "new" only when we feel safe. No surprise then-that we are caught up in cycle. Dreaming is not implementing, but is the first step towards the awareness that we need something more. Desiring is not achieving, but a step towards being committed to that need. We have to be sure of our dream and focussed in our desire which is challenging because dreams change and focus weakens.
Which is also why change within us and around us, amongst people and places, is never easy. Change can be daunting,yet exciting and challenging... We have to stop seeing change as good or bad, we need to accept it. In pain, in health, in war and peace change is a constant part of our lives, and once we embrace it we will not be fearful.
I'm for change and rooting for many changes....

Pensive

2008-08-14T13:14:00.003+05:30

Often feel like an idealist living in a surreal world, where people and things around are not what they appear. I'm the artist painting different images of the world through my eyes everyday. Sometimes its happy, sometimes frustrated... my world is a reflection of my moods, my feelings.

On a day I'm exceptionally happy the world is brighter and full of promise while everything in it seems senseless,wasteful and hopeless when I'm anxious and troubled.
Isn't it just great that our minds can so easily determine how it all is and can be? Each of us has the power to make a choice.......
Our world has its share of mindless bombings, numbing torture of innocent women and children justified by perpetrators in the name of religion and politics....but there is also compassion with people reaching out to help others in a disaster.

I see the glass as half full............do you?

So...

2008-08-13T13:22:00.004+05:30

I got thinking some more. Why not do something to ensure that the needs of some people are met? We all have needs and wants, which are not materialistic. The need to love, care, give and share and to want peace, happiness and good health............which has led to the genesis of my blog.

No my blog is not an attempt to vilify the efforts of hard-working others...no-no! Au-contraire I'm hoping to assist by creating a little more awareness. More so, since I've been associated with the non-profit world for nearly a decade now.
Nor is my blog going to suggest radical measures like cleaning the roads with broomsticks or feeding the hungry en masse. These I daresay are not long-term solutions.

What I am going to be doing is sharing "do-able" and "sustainable" solutions which we could collectively work towards...yes I will need your help in my mammoth mission to make changes that impact our city...our home.

Brace yourselves ! more later...

I'm back

2008-08-12T13:55:00.002+05:30

and ready to roll...As I mentioned earlier my blog is about ordinary people and their ability to inspire. My blog is a tribute to the chirpy street-kids, confident and cheeky, the student-vendors at busy traffic lights, selling books and magazines under the scorching sun. Its a tribute to all the spirited citizens of our city and this country!

I'm not here simply to eulogise. I'm hoping what I share with you will inspire you as much as it did me to stop complaining and start being happy(try..try!) and responsible(avoid wasting).
I remember this one occasion when I was leaving MacDonalds with my son eating ice-cream holding his Happy Meal toy. A little urchin came running and before I could ask my son to give him the ice-cream, he preempted to say, he did not want the ice-cream only the toy my 8 yr old was holding. It was quite an eye-opener. The little boy prefered the small toy over the ice-cream, a luxury for him ...but through his eyes, I saw the toy was a greater luxury!

Finally Arrived!

2008-08-11T18:03:00.000+05:30

Suddenly I'm at a loss for words now that I have a platform to tell-all...Will come back once i've overcome my stagefright! I will because I have some wonderful stories of ordinary people who have inspired me enough to be here.